By Peter Mikhael
The Richardson Medical Eagles faced 2,683 competitors at the San Antonio HOSA State Leadership Conference. All Richardson students scored in the top 10 of the written portion of their events and advanced to round two. This summer, several students will travel to Orlando for the National Leader Conference.
Students competed in medical terminology, medical math, biotechnology, clinical nursing, epidemiology, physical therapy, and many other leadership and teamwork events. Junior Maddie Barnett placed third in Physical Therapy and freshman Vanessa Idigbe placed fourth in Medical Law and Ethics.
“I was feeling pretty nervous because the competition was really fierce,” junior Jackson Durbin said. “But I was really happy all the Richardson kids got the positions that they wanted.”
At the ceremony, Juniors Aisleen Menezes and Jackson Durbin, who were endorsed to run for state officers, were both elected. Menezes became state president, Durbin state vice president.
“I was extremely shocked at the results,” Menezes said. “It didn’t really sink in at first. Becoming a state officer was a goal I’ve had since freshman year – it was shocking that I finally accomplished a goal of mine, but I haven’t fully embraced it yet.”
Senior Farah Faizuddin received a $1,000 scholarship, and senior Khanh Ton was recognized for Outstanding HOSA Chapter. Senior Christine Kim, who is this year’s State Vice President, was endorsed to run for National Office and received a $500 scholarship.
“It was really awesome when I was elected vice president because Christine Kim, the former vice president and also a Richardson student, personally inducted me,” Durbin said.
As state officers, Menezes and Durbin will serve on the Texas HOSA board of directors and host the Leadership Development Institute. They will also help area officers budget their fall and spring area conferences, and they will plan next year’s state conference.
“The ceremony was overwhelming because of the 2,000 people looking at you, but thrilling because it was a glimpse of what next year will be like,” Menezes said.
For her legacy, Menezes says she wants to make HOSA more involved in community events and a greater experience for the competitors.
“I want to try to increase community service through each area, fundraise for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and try to transform HOSA into a learning experience rather than just a competition,” Menezes said.
The conference also reminded the juniors that their high school career is coming to an end with only one chance to participate in the conference.
“I feel that everything is wrapping up – becoming a state officer and a senior next year,” Menezes said.