By Betty Gandee

Twenty Clay County High School students had the privilege to compete in Orlando, Florida with HOSA.

This group of students participated in various competitive events, learned valuable skills, and made future career contacts. They took part in the 42nd Annual International Leadership Conference with the theme Define Your Purpose.  There were 11,000 students in attendance.

It wasn’t all work and no play, as the kids also got to visit Disney World.  Many of them had never had the chance to visit the park, and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, which was an enjoyable experience for both them and their parents.

Student Brittany Barss says there were many amazing projects in her part of competition, and she made many new friends while there. “This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. None of this would have been possible without Lindsay Schoolcraft and sponsors, and I am forever grateful,” said Barss.

Senior Hannah Elliott recalls all the fun during competition, awards, senior dance, etc., and said, “This is a time I will never forget. Disney was amazing, the fireworks, the castle, I will always remember this experience.”

Riley Taylor said, “My experience was extremely eye opening, the week was filled with a diverse group of people and activities.  It was heartwarming to see the passion that people had from all over the world have to become future health care professionals and push the limits in all the branches of healthcare.  These are moments you can’t put into words and I am sad that this was my last year competing in HOSA but the memoires I made have brought me unexplainable joy.”

HOSA leader Lindsay Schoolcraft would like to thank everyone who sponsored this group and the ones who donated to make this trip possible.