President senior Mellony Li, holds her second place medal prominently with her as she stands on stage. Photo by Shawn Ho.
HOSA members compete at State Leadership Conference
0
0
Strolling into their competition events at the State Leadership Conference (SLC), in Anaheim, wearing matching navy blue suits, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members performed their best in hopes of earning a spot to compete at the International Leadership Conference (ILC).
Competitive events took place from April 5 through 8. Out of the 33 HOSA members in attendance, 13 made it to Round 2, including seniors Darlene Doan, Lilian Ngo, Cindy Tan, Guomin Tang, and Johanna Ung; junior Stephanie Tan; sophomores Wendy Chau, Tina Chuong, Scott Ho, Tanvi Mai, Lily Ta, Leyna Tran, and Stephanie Tran. Additionally, out of the 33 attendees, four placed as the finalists for their event, including Emily Huang, Mellony Li, Lilian Ngo, and Johanna Ung.
“Not placing made me a bit sad, considering all [of] the time and effort I put into my events,” Tina Chuong said. “But [it] also motivated me to do better next year and hopefully place.”
President senior Mellony Li has competed in Medical Math for the past three years. Through persistent work, she advanced in ranks each year. Her first year, she received ninth place; the second year she received fifth place, and then this year, she received second place and a spot to compete at ILC.
“I was mentally preparing myself to be fifth again when I was called up as an finalist,” Li said. “So when I wasn’t announced as fifth or fourth, I was extremely surprised at myself.”
Aside from competitive events, members could also receive recognition for their time committed to volunteering at medical-related facilities and events. The Barbara James Service Award includes three levels: Bronze (100 plus hours), Silver (175 plus hours), Gold (250 plus hours). Barbara James Service Awardees include Bronze Level recipients Mellony Li and Guomin Tang; Silver Level recipients Celine Fung and Jenny Lam; Gold Level recipient Kristina Kwok
“I feel like it’s no big deal for being recognized because anyone can volunteer within the community,” Lam said. “I volunteer because I want to get involved, explore, and help my community.”
ILC will take place at the Dallas Convention Center in Texas from June 27 to 30. California HOSA finalists will compete against other states in hopes of winning a national title.
