National Park Technology Center (NPTC) sent 41 students to compete in last week’s
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) state competition at the Hot Springs
Convention Center. Students competed in both team and individual events in 18 categories,
earning a total of 10 medals for the NPTC team.
Medical Professions instructors Shelly Tankersley, Leigh Anne Thomas, and Jennifer
Shaw accompanied the students. Dean of Technical and Professions Programs, David Hughes
said, “All of the students worked very hard to gain more knowledge and skills in the
events chosen. We are extremely proud of the hard work of all of our students involved.”
Medal winners included,
Lake Hamilton High School: Molly Brenann- Nutrition, Gold; Josh Richards and Kennedi
Kelley - Medical Innovations, Gold; Jacob Sasca - Dental Science, Silver; Kayla King
- Medical Terminology, Bronze
Lakeside High School: Lauren Sims - Medical Assisting, Gold; Tyler Weatherford – EMT,
Silver (partner Emily Pratt); Rachael Langley - Medical Spelling, Silver
Fountain Lake High School: Hannah Ross - Physical Therapy, Gold
Cutter Morning Star High School: Emily Pratt - EMT, Silver (partner Tyler Weatherford);
Kaylin Hopper and Cole Sorrell - CPR/First Aid, SilverHot Springs: Houston Morphew - Transcultural Healthcare, Bronze
Medical Innovations team members Kennedi Kelly and Josh Richards said the experience
was something they will never forget. The duo won gold for their colostomy improvement
project, in which they designed a prototype of an innovative colostomy prosthetic
that will help reduce patient infection and improve self-image. Pictured are Kennedi Kelley and Josh Richards, gold medal winners for medical innovations.
Kelley plans to attend NPC and then transfer to the University of Central Arkansas
to study occupational therapy after graduation. Richards plans to apply to the Registered
Nursing Program at NPC.
“The program has helped me learn more about the medical field and the opportunities
available. Through the competition, my knowledge was stretched even further and I
was able to execute my knowledge in a way that I hope will benefit others tremendously
with our project. It has overall been an enlightening experience,” said Kelley.
Richards said he really enjoyed the learning experience and working with those who
helped guide the project. “I really enjoyed getting to work with Mrs. Shaw and Kennedi’s
dad, Gene. Their experience in the medical field was crucial to our project. I can’t
wait to see how our project will help others,” said Richards.
Gold medal winners in each category will compete in the national HOSA competition
in Dallas, Texas this summer.
