HOSA State achievements overshadowed by COVID-19

For the second year in a row, the HOSA team has had a successful appearance at the state competition in Hot Springs.

“We had a lot of students win 2nd and 3rd place and we had a few others win first,” Senior Vice President of HOSA Alyssa Hash said.

The 31 students were able to compete just before the effects of COVID-19 hit, and school trips along with other school activities became restricted.

“I feel really lucky that we were able to go and compete because we wouldn’t have been able to later on,” junior Collin Thompson said.

Thompson competed in the Medical Innovations event and she along with juniors Kaylea Gawf and Linden Mountain placed first.

“They did amazing and had a great time,” HOSA advisor Angela Caster said.

With new restrictions now in place due to COVID-19, there is speculation over whether or not HOSA nationals will occur.

“It’s pretty upsetting that Nationals might get canceled because I and my team have put a lot of effort and time into our project,” Thompson said.

14 of the students who competed at state are eligible to compete at nationals, and they still continue to hope for the best.

“Unfortunately with the situation at hand our plans are at a standstill,” Caster said.

Last year during HOSA competitions was the first time and Har-Ber students were able to appear at nationals, so the new restrictions have hindered what could have been something special.

“We will hope for the best and play it by ear,” Caster said.