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Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Medical Professions Students Earn Top Honors At HOSA State Competition

March 20, 2026
Lakin Hayes and Abby Cousins

Students enrolled in Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµâ€™s (Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ) Medical Professions program through the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Career Academy earned top honors at the HOSA–Future Health Professionals state competition last month, with two students placing in the top three statewide.

HOSA–Future Health Professionals is a student‑led organization supported through the U.S. Department of Education that prepares future health care professionals through competitive events, leadership development, and hands‑on learning experiences.

A team of Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Career Academy Medical Professions students competed in the event, earning recognition for their knowledge, skills and professionalism in health‑science disciplines.

Abby Cousins, a student at Lake Hamilton High School, earned first place in Pharmacy Science, becoming a gold state champion. As a result of her performance, Cousins received a HOSA Gold Winner scholarship to Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ.

Lakin Hayes, a student at Lakeside High School, earned a silver medal in Dental Science, placing second in the state.

“These achievements reflect the dedication and professionalism of our students,â€� said Tabatha Clark, medical professions instructor at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ. “We are so proud of these students for their accomplishments and for being outstanding representatives of our high school Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Medical Professions team.â€�

Hayes said participating in HOSA strengthened her confidence and highlighted the personal growth she experienced during her time in the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Career Academy.

“My experience at HOSA was exciting, and of course, there were nerves as well,â€� Hayes said. “I really enjoyed the sense of empowerment felt throughout the event and seeing how many people genuinely wanted to help others. Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ has pushed me to come out of my comfort zone and try new things.â€�

She added that achieving state runner‑up was a powerful reminder of her own abilities.

“Achieving state runner‑up at HOSA became a visual representation of what I am capable of,â€� Hayes said. “I am proud of what I have achieved and grateful to finish my senior year with something memorable, thanks to Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ and the connections I’ve built.â€�

Cousins said her involvement in HOSA and the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Career Academy helped prepare her for a future in health care.

“My experience in HOSA has been incredibly positive and impactful, allowing me to deepen my understanding of medications, patient safety, and the role of pharmacy professionals in health care,� Cousins said. “Through preparation and competition, my confidence has skyrocketed.�

She said she entered the program unsure of her place in the medical field but left with renewed confidence.

“I started HOSA as someone who thought that health care was too big for her and became someone who knows she is capable of providing efficient patient care,â€� Cousins said. “The education and support I received through Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ gave me the foundation and motivation to pursue a future in health care.â€�

To learn more about Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Career Academy visit np.edu/CareerAcademy.

Pictured (Left to Right) Lakin Hayes and Abby Cousins