Northeast Iowa Community College HOSA Students Excel at State; Eight Advance to Internationals

For the 13 high school students in the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) chapter of HOSA-Future Health Professions, the recent State Leadership Conference was more than just a competition-it was the culmination of months of intensive study sessions and collaborative mock trials. Their dedication paid off. Following a weekend of rigorous testing against 380 peers from across the state, eight NICC students placed in the top three of their categories, officially punching their tickets to the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this June.

The student competitors included Salma Abshil, Christiana Alkhoury, Angie Barrutia, Cali Bockenstedt, Darren Brandt, Briley Childs, Alivya Goerdt, Isabella Koenig, Alexis Luetzelschwab, Hallie Meyer, Jenna Schissel, Paige Thompson and Becca Wickman.

NICC HOSA Advisors and nursing faculty members Kathy Demmer and Joann Svendsen helped the students prepare for competition.

"These students are very busy with high school, extracurriculars, work and family, yet they stepped up to be leaders," said Svendsen. "This competition allows them to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, builds teamwork and fosters personal development. They did an excellent job representing their high schools and the College."

The move to the International Leadership Conference (ILC) represents a significant step for these future healthcare leaders. The event provides students with a global platform to engage with motivational speakers, professional workshops and representatives from various healthcare colleges and businesses.

"I'm thrilled to have so many students moving on to internationals," Svendsen added. "It's a testament to their hard work and dedication. They were prepared and professional, and it truly showed."

Individual Student Achievements:

• Salma Abshil (John R. Mott High School, Postville, Sophomore): 3rd place, Pharmacy Science
• Christiana Alkhoury (Hempstead High School, Dubuque, Junior): 1st place, Medical Law and Ethics; 2nd place, Epidemiology
• Cali Bockenstedt (Hempstead High School, Dubuque, Senior): 1st place, Job Seeking Skills
• Darren Brandt (Clayton Ridge High School, Guttenberg, Senior): 1st place, EMT
• Alexis Luetzelschwab (Hempstead High School, Dubuque, Senior): 2nd place, Medical Law and Ethics
• Hallie Meyer (North Fayette Valley High School, West Union, Sophomore): 1st place, Human Heredity, Leadership, and Occupational Health and Safety
• Jenna Schissel (South Winneshiek High School, Calmar, Sophomore): 3rd place, Healthcare Photography
• Becca Wickman (New Hampton High School, New Hampton, Senior): 1st place, EMT; 3rd place, Occupational Health and Safety

HOSA-Future Health Professionals is a global, student-led organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Since 1976, it has grown to over 350,000 members, empowering students to become the next generation of leaders in the global health community.