Milbank HOSA Students Attend International Conference

Six Milbank Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members, who qualified for the 46th Annual International Leadership Conference, competed with over 12,000 students from across the world from June 21-25. The event was held at the Omni Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

During the conference, 91 outstanding HOSA  members were awarded scholarships from 31 sponsors. Julia Wiik of Milbank received one of the scholarships. She was honored during a recognition dinner and at the opening session on June 21. Julia was the only student from South Dakota who received the accolade.

Milbank participants and the areas they competed in included Stella Wendland in pathophysiology; Olivia Wendland in health career photography; Julia and Jaclyn Wiik in health career display; Keira Steffen in medical spelling; and Skylar Skoog in cultural diversities and disparities in healthcare.

The competitive events focused on leadership, professional, and technical skills. Educational seminars, workshops, and exhibits on current healthcare issues were presented by professional partners. General sessions provided recognition and opportunity for all HOSA members, and attendees had the opportunity to meet students from across the globe who share similar career goals. The students also visited Six Flags amusement park on June 24.

Johanna Fischer, HOSA adviser at MHS, accompanied the students to the conference. She commented, “Although we did not come home with anyone placing at the International level, just the opportunity to compete with students from across the world is a great honor in itself.  The slogan for this year’s conference was “Beyond All Limits” and I believe that the Milbank students are a very strong representation of pushing beyond what you think is possible.”  

Submitted Photos: Top-left to right-Jaclyn Wiik, Julia Wiik, Stella Wendland, Olivia Wendland, Skylar Skoog, and Keira Steffen. Middle- Julia Wiik with scholarship plaque. Bottom: Adviser-Johanna Fischer, Julia, Jaclyn, Keira, Skylar, Stella, Olivia.