Bearden HOSA wins awards, gains valuable experience at state leadership conference

Bearden took a trip to downtown Knoxville earlier this month, staying in the Courtyard by Marriott hotel attending the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference.

They competed in many competitions, resulting in many Bearden students’ accomplishments, and also explored downtown Knoxville during their free time.

Bearden senior Kayla Pasto passed the written test in the first round of medical assisting, making it to the second skills round before placing first in the state and advancing to nationals.

“I spent time studying for the written test by using quizlets and paying attention in my medical assisting class,” Pasto said. “I also practiced and watched videos on how to perform skills for my competition at state.”

In Taylor Mann’s first time attending the state conference, he placed third for health informatics.

“My preparation consisted of studying quizlets and using my prior knowledge I gained in my past medical classes,” Mann said.

Jonah Sinor, Seagev Koenig, Jack Abrams, and Eliana Harshbarger took a written test and then averaged their scores, placing 2nd out of 28 schools. 

“The only studying we did was an hour the night before the test and an hour right before the test,” Sinor said.

This group placed second, qualifying for nationals in Texas.

Bearden participated in many competitions, but also got the opportunity to walk around downtown Knoxville during free time eating at different restaurants and to meet other HOSA members from different states.

“I enjoyed spending time with my friends, eating downtown, and shopping,” Pasto said. “I also loved being able to walk around the convention center and meet new people. I was also able to become closer with other members of Bearden HOSA.”

Added Sinor: “We also brought an Xbox to the hotel room which was fun.”

This was the senior interviewees last year participating in the HOSA Conference all having different outcomes and goals from this conference.

“This was my first and last year in HOSA; however, I enjoyed the time I spent in the club,” Mann said. “I will always remember the fun times I had during this conference. … I am proud to have placed in both regions and state and the feeling of joy after placing will stay with me.”

Added Pasto: “Even though I am going to miss being in HOSA and competing, I am glad to have placed first in my last year because the rewarding feeling and excitement I experienced makes me feel like I was able to accomplish something within HOSA.”

As a whole, Bearden did really well placing in many different events.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given and would not trade it for the world,” Mann said. “I am also so proud of everyone who placed at state.”