SOUTH COLUMBUS HOSA STUDENTS
WIN NATIONAL HONORS
Kelly McPherson and Danielle Tungate from South Columbus High School won national medals in the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) National Leadership Conference held in Anaheim, California June 22-26th.
Students must hold a third place or above in a state competitive event to qualify for a national invitation. Both students held state titles in their respective events which qualified them for National competition.
Kelly McPherson held the third place position in North Carolina in the Home Health Aid Division. Danielle Tungate held the first place position in the state in Pharmacology.
In the national competition, both students were required to complete rigorous tests and competencies. The competition consisted of the best HOSA students in the country. Kelly McPherson placed second in the Nation receiving a silver medal in Home Health Aid Division, and Danielle Tungate placed third in the Nation receiving a bronze medal in the Pharmacology Division. These are impressive accomplishments, as thousands of students entered the competition nationwide.
Kelly McPherson is the daughter of Mark and Terry McPherson and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, with the goal of becoming a Nurse Anesthetist.
Danielle Tungate is the daughter of Denise Tungate. She plans to attend Campbell University and major in Pharmacy.
HOSA is a powerful instructional tool that is integrated into the health science curriculum and classroom. The instructors are committed to the development of the total person and recognize the importance of providing students with training far beyond the basic technical skills needed for entry into the health care field. The rapidly changing health care system needs dedicated workers who, in addition to their technical skills, are people-oriented and capable of playing a leadership or followership role as a member of a health care team. Since its inception in 1976, HOSA has grown steadily reaching nearly 120,000 members through 47 chartered HOSA State Associations.
The HOSA Chapter of South Columbus High School has qualified for National Competition 9 of the past 14 years under the direction of HOSA Advisor Wendy Meares, RN, MSN. “I contribute the success of our HOSA organization to the level of dedication from our students and the continued support of our administration and community.”