Working towards a chance to compete at the Health Occupation Students of America state competition, Kamehameha Schools Maui students competed at the Maui regional competition today at the University of Hawaiʻi, Maui College alongside students from all over Maui.
This year broke another school HOSA record with 33 KSM students qualifying for a state spot, surpassing last year’s group of about 25 students. There are ten other students who might join them depending on administrative approval and other factors.
“Seeing as [the] majority of the students placed within the top five, I have high hopes for this year’s state competitors and can see the potential to compete at the national level for many, if not all” said Noʻeau Pereza, HOSA President.
“I look forward to getting to compete again. We are hoping to defend our first place championship that we won last year,” said Senior Kelcey Lorenzo, who repeated her first place finish in Public Health Awareness with partners Pereza and Leeana Batungbacal.
The majority of the competitions were written. Junior Rachel Smith competed in the Sports Medicine event which was a 50-point test based upon sports medicine. The next round at the state level will test both students’ written knowledge and hands-on techniques.
“I thought I did well. I didn’t make it to states last year so I am hoping to make it this year,” Smith said.
Following the competition, students attended workshops that would help them grow more in health occupations and also help them excel in the state competition. Workshops covered topics including biotechnology, forensic medicine, public speaking, laʻau lapaʻau and bilingualism.
Batungbacal attended the “Bilingual People are Smarter” workshop.
“I learned that just because you speak two languages you are not bilingual, you also need to be bi-cultural,” she said.
Chic Naturals, Maui Taro Burger, Maui Gold Pineapple, Meadow Gold and Cookwees Maui Cookies provided a Maui-themed lunch after the morning workshops.
After lunch and a final workshop, students gathered in the multipurpose room where the awards ceremony took place.
Students cheered as each student claimed their ribbons as well as their claims to a place at the state competition.
Here is how Kamehameha Maui students placed today:
First Place
Public Health Awareness: Leeana Batungbacal, Noʻeau Pereza and Kelcey Lorenzo
Public Service Announcement: Kawelau Yen, Aaron Dela Cruz, Kekoa Uyechi, Mahina Bantilan, Kiana Antonio
Veterinary Science: Kyle Mauri
Biotechnology: Mikela Rindlisbacher
Nutrition: Mehana Fisher
Medical Photography: Kalia Tamashiro
Extemporaneous Health Poster: Jackie Gorman
Biomedical Debate: Sanoe Lanias, Mikayla Lau, Kiana Kanoa, Regina Kuhia
Second Place
Nutrition: Shikara Fitsimmons
Extemporaneous Speaking: Avinash Singh
Extemporaneous Writing: Kasie Apo Takayama
Dental Terminology: Ryan Foree
Biomedical Debate: Justin Fernandez, Carolynn Krueger, Jolene Kuaana
Third Place
Public Service Announcement: Brandy Takiguchi, Jaye-Lyn Orikasa, Shai Ibara
Career Health Display: Shanise Kaʻaikala and Nalani Kikuyama
CPR/First Aid: Raven Poepoe and Kailee Tabaco
Medical Terminology: Sai Furukawa, (out of 68 competitors).
