Cove High medical students prepare for state competition
By WENDY SLEDD
Special to Leader-Press
Angelica Wright has known since she was in 7th grade that she wanted have a career in the medical field. She just needed to find the path to get her there.
“When I figured out who Jan Garavaglia was who has the T.V. show, Dr. G: Medical Examiner, I knew that I wanted to do something in medicine,” the CCHS senior said, her eyes twinkling at the thought. “I am pretty set on it.”
Wright heads up the Cove High chapter of Health Occupations Students of America. HOSA is the largest student organization that prepares students to enter the health care field. This weekend, hundreds of students are competing at the state conference in Dallas for an opportunity to advance to nationals. CCHS HOSA has five students who will demonstrate their mettle at the state contest.
“Going into state, I feel like everyone has worked so hard. If we don’t make it into nationals, that’s okay. But, we’ve all works so hard all year long,” said Wright who will be competing in the chapter newsletter category, HOSA Happenings.
“We have all taken medical classes, practice tests, and spent several hours testing each other’s skills. It has been a big family bonding experience. I never thought I would get that close to so many girls. It’s amazing.”
CCHS Senior Alicia Bates, 17, will compete at the Texas HOSA Conference with her medical photography. She was required to submit three photos of medical professionals on the job along with a one page essay profiling each of the jobs.
“When I saw that competition, I knew I could do it,” the amateur photographer said. “I got in contact with my pediatrician, orthodontist and the phlebotomist we work with for the blood drives.”
The top 10 presenters in this category were able to advance to state where they must make a verbal presentation on each of the photos discussing the requirements of those professions. The top three competitors in Texas will advance to the national contest in Annaheim, California in June.
“I am a very competitive person. I am not a public speaker at all and it is out of my comfort zone,” Bates said. “I have practiced since regionals and will do well at state. I have had people listen to my presentation and give me input. I am ready.”
Bates is the vice president of the CCHS HOSA Chapter and Wright couldn’t agree with her more.
“We’re going to rock the state HOSA conference,” she said, smiling. “It’s going to be amazing.”