GRAVETTE — For the fifth straight year, Gravette Health Occupation Students of America students were tops in the state in competition held recently in Hot Springs.

Sixty-seven HOSA students were in competition with students from all over the state, and the 34 medals they were awarded “continued the legacy of being the highmedal winner at state competition,” said their instructor, Angela Scott.

“All of these medalists are qualified to compete and represent not only Gravette Public Schools but also the state of Arkansas at national HOSA competition,” said Sayer Smith, GHS HOSA public relations officer.

Thirteen gold medals were awarded to: Sayer Smith, researched persuasive speaking; Deserae Fisher and CodyNims, C.E.R.T.; Peyton Scott and Madison Turner, CPR/first aid; Kennedy Bohannon, nursing assisting; Klisha Poe, nutrition; Eden Morris, home health aide; Logan Hirsch, medical math; Russell Sharp, pharmacology; Dallas Banta, dental assisting; Kate Stidham, medical assisting; Damayla Cowen, life support skills; Amy Smith, epidemiology; and Austin Thompson, Brennen Austin, Sam Pruitt, Ishtar Vang, Hailey Kara, PSA.

Fourteen silver medals were awarded to the following students: Skyler Warren, researched persuasive speaking; Chase Brody and Jessica Bailey, CPR/first aid; Jackie Ballmann, nursing assisting; Vanessa Moore, sportsmedicine; Brian Smithers and Lacy Newell, forensic science; Ashley Steenburger, Holly Wells and Kyle Smithers, public service announcement; Amanda White, job seeking skills; Josiah Morris, home health aide; Saber Treat, pathophysiology; Rian Austin, pharmacology; Aaron Homer, dental assisting; Cassie Murray, medical assisting; Adam Overton, vet assisting and Erin O’Brien, life support skills.

These students were bronze medal winners: Adam Roberts and Ashley Bohannon, CPR/first aid; Levi Franks and Darian Coffelt, C.E.R.T.; Jayla Brown, medical photography; Marley Ball and Holli McDonald, forensic science; Connor Houtchens, concepts ofhealth care; Chay Mc-Daniel, medical math; and Colton Holland, pathophysiology.

Thirty class members plan to compete against students from all over America at the National Conference scheduled this June in Orlando, Fla.

Smith said, “The cost to attend this competition is substantial and fundraisers are scheduled during the month of May to help offset the costs for the students and their families.”

Scott said, “We will be selling tickets for assorted prizes which will be given away during the Gravette Lion Golf Classic on May 5. Tickets are $1 or six for $5.”

The students also willhold the annual HOSA hamburger sale May 17 when a hamburger, chips, Little Debbie snack and a drink will be available for $5.

“On behalf of every member of Gravette HOSA, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to the wonderful parents who went to the state competition as chaperones,” Smith said. “We sincerely appreciate the support of the Health Science Technology Education Program.”

Scott, the Health Science Technology instructor at GHS, is the Career and Tech Department chair and is on the Arkansas ACTE Board of Directors. She is past president of the HSTE Division.

News, Pages 10 on 04/11/2012