FCPS Students Qualify for HOSA National Conference

Five Fairfax County Public Schools Health and Medical Sciences students have finished in the top three at the 33rd annual Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference in Williamsburg.

These students have advanced to the HOSA National Leadership Conference in Nashville in June. HOSA is a national student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education that provides leadership development opportunities and recognition to Health and Medical Sciences students, according to a press release sent by FCPS.

At the state level in the Physical Therapy category, Nena Abernathy of Mount Vernon High School won first place; Jordan Gooch of Lake Braddock Secondary School finished in second place, and Garrett Farmerie of Woodson High School placed third. Marissa Cucinotta of West Potomac High School won second place in the Career Health Display event. Yona Lindenbaum of West Potomac High School won second place in the Clinical Specialty event. All of these students are eligible to compete at the National Leadership Conference.

The Barbara James Service Award for Community Service was awarded to the following three students: Yona Lindenbaum, gold level; Jessica Printz of Woodson High School, gold level; and Kelsie Whalen of West Potomac High School, recognition award. Lindenbaum also received the Virginia HOSA Scholarship award.

Students interested in health careers may contact their school counselors or visit the FCPS website for more information.