Fifteen HOSA students, the most so far in Utica HOSA history, earned the honors of placing in the TOP 8 in their medical events at the state competition in Traverse City. Five placed in the top three in their events, which advances them to the 2016 International Leadership Conference this June in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nina Campbell-Adkins placed first in the Medical Assisting Career Event, Mitchel Fraser placed second in Medical Spelling, Rana Noori placed second in Medical Terminology, Sara Baum placed third in Job Seeking Skills, and Brittney Hall placed third in the Physical Therapy Career Event.

“They represented Utica High School with pride,” Melissa Rice, HOSA adviser, said.

Harmony Ross, Jaclyn Juncaj, Gabrielle Pawelek, Gabrielle Jaques, Fabiola Xhamxhi, Pashke Selitaj, Mikayla Leasure, Izabela Lebioda, Shannon Habba and Hannah Choe were also called to the stage for placing in the top eight of their medical events.

“They’ve had an awesome year. When you make it to states, the competition is much higher,” principal Tom Lietz said. “They do a lot of preparation in the classroom. They put in a tremendous amount of work, and whether you get a medal or not, the work will pay off in the long run.”

Preparation for these competitions happens in and out of the classroom with countless hours of work.

“My event is job seeking skills and basically what I have to do is write up a resumé and cover letter, fill out an application in 20 minutes, and take part in a five minute interview,” senior Sara Baum said. “I’m going to meet with Mrs. Wynn and take part in a mock interviews about twice a week.”

Baum also mentioned that she wants to take her time filling out her resumé. She is going to be practicing with adviser Melissa Rice and Career Counsellor Pat Wynn. When it comes to nationals Baum not only wants to do well in Nashville, but enjoy herself with her friends, family, and teacher.

“HOSA has been really helpful since I plan on going into the medical field,” sophomore Leah Gardiner said. “I have met a lot of really good people from it this year. It’s been an overall good experience.”