The University of Hawaii at Hilo is sending 10 ambassadors to compete Feb. 21-23 at the Health Occupation Students of America State Leadership Conference in Honolulu.
The team earned its place after a strong showing in January during the HOSA Hawaii Island regional event at the UH-Hilo Science and Technology Building.
Accompanying the UH-Hilo team is newly appointed chapter adviser Dr. Jarred Prudencio, an associate professor with the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.
UH-Hilo HOSA members receiving top honors include:
• Ridge Cabaccang, Sheldon Cabudol, Lark Jason Canico (UH Hilo alumnus) and Kelly Gani of public service announcement Team A.
• Leslie Erece Arce, Deserie Pagatpatan, Travis Taylor and Jeremy Villanueva of PSA Team B.
Individuals finishing first in their respective categories are:
• Daniel Kimura, medical terminology
• Kirsten Marie Ragasa and Vanessa Watkins, nursing assisting
• Kateleen Caye Bio and Kendrick Justin Dalmacio, pharmacology
More than 130 members representing chapters at UH-Hilo, Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii and Ka‘u, Keaau and Waiakea high schools competed in a wide range of events, which also included veterinary science.
In all, HOSA offers more than 50 different competitive events, building attributes of leadership, professionalism, knowledge and experience in the student’s area of interest.
HOSA-Future Health Professionals is an international organization with more than 175,000 members and 2.4 million alumni. HOSA was established in Hawaii in 2005 and has grown to more than 1,300 members.