ORLANDO, Fla. - Two Maui representatives took top honors at the 34th Health Occupations Students of America, or HOSA, Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., from June 19 to 23.
Lahainaluna student Leslie Garo earned first place in the prepared speaking event, while Kristine Saguid of University of Hawaii Maui College earned first place in the extemporaneous health poster event. Garo also earned a National Recognition Program award.
A group of 185 Hawaii HOSA students, teachers and chaperons traveled to compete with students from 49 states and Puerto Rico in 32 health and medical events. Hawaii members were recognized in 32 events and earned 17 top-three medalists and 50 top-10 finalists. In total, 67 students received awards, compared to 37 last year.
Other Maui students who received recognition and awards included a group from Kamehameha Schools Maui, which earned fifth place in the biomedical debate team event. Members are Christian Fernandez, Michael Gorman, Alex Guerrero and Makai Mann.
Lahainaluna's Ho'o Cabanilla and Kirsten Gilchrist earned 10th place in extemporaneous speaking and extemporaneous writing events, respectively.
Charmaigne Joy Oliveros of University of Hawaii Maui College earned seventh place in the medical spelling event.
Lahainaluna's Lorrie Dumayas earned an honorable mention in the veterinary science event.
Maui High's Donna Larita Marie Paz earned a $1,000 HOSA scholarship, a National Recognition Program award and a Barbara James Service Award for logging 100 community service hours.
Kamehameha Schools Maui's Kailee Tabaco earned a Barbara James/Presidential Service Award for logging 250 or more community service hours.
