UH Hilo team shines at state HOSA competition

A team of students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is headed to the National Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) competition after finishing first in their category at the 10th annual Statewide finals held recently on O`ahu. UH Hilo’s 11- member team competed in the pharmacology, transcultural health, nutrition and public service announcement events where they turned in multiple strong performances. 

The Public Service Announcement Team B, led by Chapter President Lark Jason Canico, with team members Kimberlee Staats, Vanessa Aguirre, and Shane Naeole, captured first place with their :30 PSA on “Concussions: Prevention, Recognition, and Treatment.” Each member gave an oral presentation in addition to displaying the PSA. They now move on to the HOSA Nationals June 24-27, 2015 in Anaheim, California.

“The students prepared for their events with true dedication toward succeeding in their competitions,” said HOSA Faculty Advisor Dr. Cecilia Mukai. “It's not easy spending time and money to pursue what is considered a worthwhile endeavor and meaningful learning experience, but they put their hearts into it and came out winners.”

Public Service Announcement Team A, with Sheldon Cabudol, Kelly Gani, and Ridge Cabaccang, who served as team captain, finished second. Lashay Masami took second place in Transcultural Health, a knowledge test event that measures proficiency at the recall, application and analysis levels of specific careers or specialty areas within the healthcare community.

“I am extremely proud of our chapter members who put in months of hard work studying to prepare for their event,” Canico said. “I believe everyone is a winner, whether we placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, and am happiest for our first-timers. We now look forward to our national qualifiers representing Hawai’i and UH Hilo in June.”

HOSA is a national student organization established in 1976. The organization’s two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people. Membership in the UH Hilo club is open to all students and majors interested in becoming part of a unique and rewarding experience.