By Haley Mitchell Godwin

On June 21-25 HOSA – Future Health Professionals advisers Michell Crowe and Tabitha Gary along with four Crenshaw County Career Academy HOSA students joined over 12,000 people representing 1,711 educational institutions at the 46th annual HOSA – Future Health Professionals International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Dallas, Texas. Students from all 50 states, American Samoa, Canada, China, Korea, Mexico and Puerto Rico were in attendance.

Although the Crenshaw County Career Academy students did not secure any top 10 international wins at the conference, their advisers expressed immense pride in their accomplishments.

“Michell and I are both extremely proud of our students for making it all the way to the International Leadership Conference,” Gary said. “They handled this uncharted territory like pros and exemplified the skills and supportive work ethic required to be wonderful and successful future health care professionals. We are appreciative of the support and enthusiasm our students received from our Crenshaw County Schools family and the entire community and are hoping for another ILC trip next year.”

Jasmine Chaver, who placed first in the interview skills competition at the state conference in Montgomery last March, showcased her exceptional skills in the same competition in Dallas. Lane Duett earned his spot in the national competition when he secured a second-place state win in the healthy lifestyles event. Additionally, Charlie McVay and Nolleigh Reaves participated as a team at the ILC thanks to their fourth-place state win, participating in community emergency response team skills (CERT).

Nolleigh Reaves, a 2023 Highland Home School (HHS) graduate, shared her thoughts on the experience, emphasizing the positivity and valuable learning opportunities she encountered.
“It was so much fun,” Reaves said. “I would say the best part was trading pins and collaborating with students from all-around the world. Above all we gained an abundance of leadership skills and made interpersonal connections that will continue to stay with us throughout all our future endeavors.”

While in Dallas, the group toured the city and enjoyed some unique dining experiences including the notable establishments Hens and Hops and Chop House Burgers.

HOSA is a global student-led organization, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, with the mission to empower students with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become leaders in the global health community. By participating in HOSA, students gain valuable insights into their chosen healthcare fields and develop essential leadership and teamwork skills.
For more information visit https://hosa.org/ilc/ or https://www.facebook.com/CareerCrenshaw.