Sylacauga High earns top awards at state HOSA Conference

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Sylacauga High School continues to demonstrate excellence in education with HOSA students earning top awards at the virtual State Leadership Conference. HOSA (formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America,) is now known as the Future Health Professionals organization for students.

Bringing home state championship honors in the area of Public Health Team are SHS seniors Ella Kate Brooks and Madelyn Friday. Rebekah Theilacker placed second in the state in Health Career Photography, and the HOSA Bowl team of John Wesley Garris, Deanna Lacey, Janie Poe, and Colby Williams placed fifth in state competition. Also recognized in the top six in the state were Addison Collins, Ava Grace DeLoach, Carly Layfield, Lily Frances Price, Olivia Reams, and Jonas Scofield.

“To say I am proud of our HOSA members is an understatement,” remarked teacher and HOSA sponsor Lisa McGrady. “These students have chosen to step up and compete during extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances. They have persevered through a delay in the start of school, blended and virtual learning, and navigating school life under anything but ‘normal’ conditions. To have success at the state level speaks volumes about their talent,  education, dedication, and heart.”

These students competed against nearly 2,000 Future Health Professionals from across the state at the conference. Last November, Sylacauga’s HOSA students spent a week testing and submitting competitive events for the first round of the HOSA Virtual State Leadership conference, and 13 students qualified for the second round that took place February 23.

“We are so proud of our HOSA members,” remarked Jessica Carmack, also a teacher and sponsor of HOSA. “They have done a tremendous job, even when faced with many obstacles and unexpected challenges. HOSA is an important aspect of our school, and this year’s competitors showed their commitment to the student organization. We could not be more pleased with their performance and are looking forward to the International Leadership Conference this summer.”