On Wed, June, 18th, 2025 our very own JSEC students headed to Nashville Tennessee to attend the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC). Mrs. Chisholm served as the JSEC/HOSA Advisor and Mr. Leimer, another JSEC Teacher, served as a Chaperone. Students competed with the best while learning and further developing skills to become a future Health Professional. The Convention was held at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center in Nashville. HOSA was founded in 1976 and whose main mission is for students to develop, enhance, and potentially become the world’s next brightest and best health care professionals. Learning, leading, serving, and innovating are key components. Students are encouraged to go beyond what they think is possible in the medical and health care industries and to come up with new innovative ideas to enhance health care.
JSEC students who attendedthe 2025 HOSA International Convention:
Jay’a Richard: TBI Community Awareness Campaign
Raquel Ortiz: TBI
Joseline Soberanis: TBI
Heidi Tipaz: TBI
Lesly Guzman: Healthcare Photography
Angel Nunez: Medical Innovation: Robotic Arm
Veasna Yean: Health Care Display–Orthopedic Surgery
Josmiely Minier: HCD–Orthopedic Surgery
Mary Moore: Public Speaking: Black Maternal Health
Keasia Mulbah: Health Education–Dentistry
Angie Cruz: Health Education–Dentistry
Jo Batista: Health & Dentistry
J’ziah Kilgore: Forensics
Angela Fuentes: Forensics
Mohommad Alotbah: Medical Innovation–Robotic Arm
HOSA’s International Leadership Conference is the highlight of the year for every HOSA member and advisors and includes:
- Competitive events focused on leadership, professional and technical skills
- The annual business of the international student organization of HOSA by the voting delegates
- Educational Seminars, Workshops & Exhibits presented by professional partners that provide Information about current health care issues
- An opportunity to meet people from across the globe with similar career goals
- Exciting general sessions providing recognition and opportunity for all HOSA members!
“JSEC HOSA students did a great job! One of JSEC’s Team made it to the top 20. Competitions and scores were very close. Kudos to the all! We learned so much, met so many kids from around the world and Puerto Rico along with Hawaii. “-Madeline Chisholm (JSEC Teacher and HOSA Advisor)
“This was my first time with HOSA, it was a new experience chaperoning for an entire week but I learned a lot about what HOSA was all about. HOSA provided the students the opportunity to see a higher level of professionalism while presenting, and watching other presentations. Students had the chance to be evaluated with their own individual and group presentations and note where they could improve their skills for future presentations. It was a really great trip and I’m looing forward to becoming even more involved with HOSA this upcoming school year” -Paul Leimer (JSEC Teacher and HOSA Chaperone)
Friendships were formed, connections made, and expansion of knowledge was in full force each and every day of the convention. On Saturday Night, June 21st, 2025, JSEC had two teams making it to the last round going farther than any other team. There are far too many events, competitions, group and individual events to list but overall it was a week our students will never forget. Students got to spend time with friends, make new friends, compete in events with other teenagers from around the world. Students had the opportunity to explore Nashville a bit, and take a time out from day to day classes at school and become engulfed in Health Occupations on a global level. This is one event students will remember for a lifetime and JSEC is super proud of all students who attended. There was also a special Awards Night to wrap up the Convention Sunday.
Students had a bit of free time when not presenting and took that opportunity to check out Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the local mall, and some even ventured off to the water park for a day of fun. Students also pin traded where each students from each state/country brought their own specially designed pin and traded with other competitors. This was a great way meet new people, socialize, and make new friends. Rhode Island’s pin has an ocean wave on it and was very unique as many thought that was one of the hottest commodities at the Convention. There were students from all over the world including but not limited to: Somoa, China, Mexico, & Vietnam.
