Ka‘ū HOSA Goes to Internationals

Aug 3

Located in the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, from left to right is Joanne Ebanez (Chaperone), Kyra Ebanez (HOSA participant), Roxie Castaneda (HOSA participant), Rojelin Capueta (HOSA participant), Shanea Calumpit (HOSA participant), Mia Miranda (HOSA participant, and Patricia Royo (Advisor).
Photo Credit: Patricia Royo

By Rojelin Capueta (KHPES Senior)

Students Rojelin Capueta, Roxie Castaneda, Kyra Ebanez, Shanea Calumpit, and Mia Miranda from Ka‘ū Highschool joined the Hawai‘i delegation in Indianapolis, Indiana to compete in the 50th annual Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) International Leadership Conference, representing their school and state on the big stage.

Stepping into the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis alongside over 15,000 delegates from across the globe was unforgettable. The opening ceremony was packed with energy, music, and future health professionals gathered in one room.

Gathered inside Lucas Oil Stadium for the first general session, students were inspired by the health leader former U.S Surgeon General Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and first Hispanic to hold the office as well as a powerful keynote speech from motivational speaker Chris Norton.

One of the highlights was the iconic HOSA pin trading. Our Ka‘ū students met peers from across the world and got to swap Hawai‘i pins for ones from places like Japan, Canada, Puerto Rico, and states across the U.S. while sharing aloha and making new friends and experiences.

Beyond competing on the big stage, the team attended interactive workshops, connected with other delegates, and explored medical technologies at the healthcare expo.

Though our students didn’t place in the Top 10 this time around, competing at this level was a huge milestone. They represented Hawai‘i with pride and gained valuable experience and are already motivated for the next chapter. The journey was made possible through months of preparation and the generous support of the local Ka‘ū community, school administration, and families.