New OH club connects students to health careers, leadership, and service. For the first time in school history, OH has launched HOSA Future Health Professionals for the 2025–26 school year. This year-long club helps students explore health careers, build leadership, and volunteer.
HOSA is an international organization that connects students to health-related experiences and competitions. At OH, HOSA also integrates the American Red Cross, giving members opportunities to volunteer at football games, blood drives, and local service projects. With more than 100 students signed up and a strong first-meeting turnout, HOSA is already making an impact.
“This is the first medical-related club at OH,” said OH senior and HOSA president Kaela Acuesta. “We realized there are a lot of students, especially in PLTW classes, who are really driven. HOSA gives them the chance to pursue their passion in medicine, while earning recognition, scholarships, and even internships.”
Board leaders emphasized that HOSA is not only about competitions but also about skill-building and exposure to real-world experiences.
“We added the American Red Cross, giving us more volunteer opportunities and ways to connect with the community,” said OH Junior and HOSA board leader Prisha Gupta. “It’s not just about winning competitions–it’s about leadership and preparing for your future.”
In addition to service, HOSA members can compete at regional, state, and national levels in more than 50 events. Students can choose different events ranging from tests to demonstrations.
“It also builds presentation skills and helps you work under pressure,” said Gupta. For many student leaders, starting HOSA was a challenge, but also rewarding.
“Communication and getting approval were the hardest parts,” said Acuesta, “But at our first meeting, over 40 to 50 students showed up, showing how motivated people are to join.”
That motivation is already being felt among members. “My favorite part is the community,” said OH senior and HOSA member, Alexandra Cortez. “It feels like family, like home. The leaders are welcoming, and it feels like a safe place to grow.”
For Cortez, HOSA is also about the future. “This program helps me take the first steps toward becoming a nurse anesthetist,” said Cortez. “It’s preparing me for the medical field and giving me confidence to pursue my goals.”
Other leaders see their roles as critical to keeping the new club running smoothly.
“I think HOSA is important because it gives us a head start. A lot of high schoolers want to go into health care, and now we can learn skills and make connections,” said OH Junior and HOSA social media manager Kenna Ryan.
The impact of the new club is clear, but leaders also have their eyes on the future.
“We want to open more doors for students and prepare them earlier for health careers,” said Acuesta. “Most people don’t get this exposure until college. Having it in high school makes a difference.”
Gupta agreed that the club’s long-term success depends on strong leadership. “We hope that future board members not only keep the club running, but improve it so communication is smoother,” said Gupta.
HOSA meets regularly throughout the school year and continues volunteering year-round. Meetings are held after school, with frequency changing over time. Interested students can join through Google Classroom or on Instagram.
“This is the club where we prioritize students’ needs,” said Acuesta. “If you’re curious about medicine, HOSA gives you opportunities you won’t find anywhere else at OHS.”
Hi, I'm Poppy -- a high school student at OHS. Who is very passionate about biomedical science and aviation, who also enjoys creative projects and exploring new ideas. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
