April 30, 2025
Rutherford County Schools
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — From March 31 to April 2, over 2,500 students gathered at the Chattanooga Convention Center for the annual Tennessee HOSA – Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference.
This dynamic event brought together aspiring healthcare leaders from across the state to compete, collaborate, and celebrate their passion for health science. Students from Rutherford County's Riverdale, Rockvale, Siegel, Smyrna, Stewarts Creek, and Oakland High Schools proudly represented their schools and community during the three-day conference.
Participants showcased their knowledge, skills, and commitment to becoming future leaders in the global health community through competitive events, educational symposiums, and leadership workshops. They also participated in the HOSA Academy, an engaging series of professional development sessions led by state and international HOSA officers, healthcare industry partners, and medical professionals. These interactive sessions offered hands-on learning, insights into current healthcare trends, and strategies for effective leadership, while also providing valuable networking opportunities with peers and professionals. Together, these experiences empowered students to grow academically, professionally, and personally as they prepare for careers in the health field.
Karin Barsoum, a student at Stewarts Creek High School, distinguished herself as the Middle Tennessee Vice President on the Tennessee HOSA – Future Health Professionals State Executive Council for 2024–2025. In her role, she dedicated herself to service and leadership, representing thousands of members across the region. Karin was responsible for planning state events, engaging with industry professionals, and supporting local chapters. Her commitment shone during the State Leadership Conference, where she facilitated sessions and guided members, embodying the core values of HOSA and showcasing her bright future in the healthcare profession.
HOSA Recognition Events honor the exceptional achievements of members, advisors, and chapters beyond competitive events, celebrating their dedication to community service, leadership, and personal growth in healthcare. These events allow students to showcase their contributions through initiatives like the HOSA Service Project and the Barbara James Service Award. At the recent State Leadership Conference, Sara Morcos from Rockvale High School received the distinguished 2025 HOSA Public Health Scholarship, recognizing her exceptional commitment to public health and her potential as a future healthcare leader.
HOSA’s Competitive Events Program is integral to its mission of preparing students for successful careers in health professions. Participants showcase technical expertise and leadership skills through real-world scenarios, rigorous testing, and collaborative teamwork. With categories like Health Science, Emergency Preparedness, and Leadership, students are assessed on both knowledge and application. Guided by national standards and developed with healthcare professionals, these events reflect the evolving demands of the industry. Rutherford County HOSA members excelled, demonstrating their talent, dedication, and future potential.
Students who earned recognition for being Tennessee Finalists include:
- State Winner in Dental Science: Mateo Gutierrez, Stewarts Creek
- State Winner in Community Awareness: Cing Vung, Dal Siam, Dim Nuam, --Nonoho Tanaka, Shelby Haddock, Stewarts Creek
- State Runner Up in Nursing Assisting: Enas Benti, Rockvale
- State Runner Up in Public Service Announcement: Jayson Gallardo, Rockvale
- 3rd in Dental Terminology: Sara Taklaa, Stewarts Creek
- 3rd in Occupational Therapy: Scarlett Houck, Siegel
- 3rd in Researched Persuasive Writing and Speaking: Wrigley Phillips, Siegel
- 4th in Medical Terminology: Sabrina Hite, Stewarts Creek
- 4th in Creative Problem Solving: Karin Kalliny, Marina Ghatas, Nida Siddiqui, Veronica Yowakim, Mary Labib, Stewarts Creek
- 4th in Nutrition: Elizabeth Sanchez, Oakland
- 5th in Phlebotomy: Melani Cuello, Stewarts Creek
- 5th in Physical Therapy: Morgan Lawson, Stewarts Creek
- 5th in Mental Health Promotion: Katie Brasch, Azlynn Brown, Haddai Hawkins, Rockvale
- 5th in Occupational Therapy: Sydney Williams, Oakland
Additional competitors representing their schools at the state competition include:
- Mental Health Promotion, Elexa Drake & Kathleen Freeman, Oakland
- Medical Innovation: Sophie Randol & Emma Woods, Oakland
- Health Care Display: Maura Reed & Samantha Taylor, Oakland
- Patient Care Tech: Arabella MacDonald, Oakland
- Medical Assisting: Kennedy LeLoup, Oakland
- Prepared Speaking: Kabir Toor, Oakland
- Family Medicine Physician: Isabelle Gaskins, Oakland
- Biotechnology: Tifany Hernandez, Oakland
- Medical Spelling: Loryn Oblak, Oakland
- Clinical Lab Science: Emarion Woods, Oakland
- Emergency Medical Technician: Brooklynn Batson & Norah Miracle, Rockvale
- Family Medicine Physician: Emma Allyn, Rockvale
- Dental Science: Joy Brady, Rockvale
- Health Education: Emma Crosby, Samiyah Stackens, Madison Smolskis, Rockvale
- Creative Problem Solving: Kiyah Jenkins, Sameah Pye, Jocelyn Thammavongsa, Joslin Yotter, Rockvale
- Biomedical Debate: Kara Chase, Jazzlyn Horner, Aime Phanthavong, and Evelyn Medina, Siegel
- Cet Skills: Emery Stout and Avery Tate, Siegel
- Community Awareness: Allison Alderman, Brooklyn Alexander, Caitlyn Burtner, and Juliann Phillips, Siegel
- Health Career Display: Paola Camacho and Kendall Chapman, Siegel
- Health Education: Laney Marlatt, and Madalynn Sellars, Siegel
- Home Health Aide: Somto Icheke, Siegel
- Medical Reading: Genet Taame, Siegel
- Mental Health Promotions: Morgan Alston, Avery Cothron, Alexis Jones, and Byra Sweeney, Siegel
- Phlebotomy: Kylie Evans, Siegel
- Prepared Speaking: Kiara Brown, Siegel
- Public Health: Elizabeth Dodd, Arushi Patel, Vishwa Patel, Abril Ruiz, and Danna Segura, Siegel
- Public Service Announcement: Reaghan Fraser, Hayden Holder, Tehani Huntsman, and Emma Tuseth, Siegel
- Respiratory Therapy: Maddie Wallace, Siegel
- HOSA Bowl: Sophie Gossage, Sophie LaTerre, Aubrey Coon, Claire Charlton
Patient Care Technician: Jayden Noyola, Smyrna - Health Education: Josie Talkington, Daniel Escalante, Jakelyn Valencia, Smyrna
- Healthcare Photography: Jasmine Jackson, Smyrna
- Health Career Display: Malasia Hailstock, Eh Khu, Smyrna
- Public Service Announcement: Mayra Perez, Frida Franco, Seth McBride, Hannah Taylor, Jimena Ibarra, Karen Ibarra, Smyrna
- Patient Care Tech: Sara Morcos, Rockvale
- Job Seeking Skillls: Fiby Felib, Stewarts Creek
- Prepared Speaking: Mina Waheeb, Stewarts Creek
- Researched Persuasive Writing and Speaking: Kristell Olivares, Stewarts Creek
- Health Career Display: Eriny Habil and Mirna Naeim, Stewarts Creek
- Clinical Specialty: Yuna Yakoub, Stewarts Creek
- Health Education: Olivia Ward and Holy Joy Sami, Stewarts Creek
HOSA-Future Health Professionals is a global, student-led organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to empower students through education, collaboration, and real-world experience as they prepare for careers in the health industry. With over 230,000 members worldwide, HOSA provides an essential pipeline of motivated, well-trained individuals ready to meet the growing demands of healthcare professions. For more information, visit https://hosa.org.