By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications Coordinator
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The Junction City High School USD 475 HOSA-Future Health Professionals Chapter had a banner week at the State Leadership Conference in Wichita as the Blue Jays not only had three individuals qualify for nationals, but also saw junior Catherine Dee be named a HOSA state officer.
“This group did awesome and I am so proud of their efforts,” said Melissa Thurman, HOSA advisor.Earning first place honors in their respective divisions and advancing to HOSA's International Leadership Conference, which will take place on June 17-20 in Indianapolis, Ind., were Steven Berrey in Nursing Assisting and Migyelle Buentipo Ganuelas in Healthy Living. Senior Grady Oentrich also qualified for nationals by claiming runner-up accolades in Nursing Assisting.
JCHS had four other individuals or teams place in the top 10 in their respective events, including Irene Koo (Dental Terminology) and Buentipo Ganuelas (World Health Disparities). The teams of Aniela Adjei, Alena Franquiz and Giovanna Morales Vitello, as well as Madison Groenendal and Skylar Chiodo claimed top 10 showings in Mental Health Promotion and EMT, respectively, to round out the Blue Jays top marks for the week.
Overall, Junction City High School had 18 students attend the leadership conference, which took place at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita. During the week, students not only took part in informational sessions, but were also able to sharpen their skills through different skill training sessions.