The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competed in six different competitive events at the 2012 State HOSA Leadership Conference, and of the 2833 students that competed in the 57 different events, students in the Tift County High School chapter shined.

"I was extremely excited for all of the TCHS students who competed," said advisor Lynn Blalock. "Each student competed in a new event. Seven of the ten had never competed in HOSA before. Out of six competitive events, six students in 3 events in the top ten in state," she added.

Blalock was thrilled upon learning that one of her students, Senior Jameisha Shavers, would advance to Nationals.

Shavers who recently become a Certified Nursing Assistant through the Dual Enrollment classes at Moultrie Technical College, placed 1st in Region and then advanced to State round where she made top 10.

"I was nervous when I was taking the test, but I knew my nursing classed had prepared me enough to make high scores," said Shavers.

After the top ten contestants were announced, the members had to perform a skills test.Shavers said, "They announced the top 5 after the skills test. I was number 2 making me eligible for nationals!"

Blalock said she considers Shavers to be one of her most ambitious students. "She is determined to do whatever she sets her mind to. She sets goals, and she has high expectations."

Shavers is very honored to be attending nationals.  She is excited about representing not only her school but also the state of Georgia at the National HOSA Leadership Conference.

"Right now I am reviewing some of my CNA books and practicing my skills," said Shavers. "I have a goal to rank high and make everybody proud," she added.

HOSA's competitive events program brings health careers education to life through rigorous testing of knowledge, performance, skill, and leadership capabilities aimed at developing, encouraging, and recognizing the brightest future of health care professionals. HOSA's competitive events are divided into six different categories which are Health Science Events, Health Professions Events, Emergency Preparedness Events, Leadership Events, Teamwork Events, and Recognition Events.