Kansas HOSA, a vibrant part of the HOSA international organization, provides experiences and opportunities to students passionate about health care careers. KU Medical Center Area Health Education Center holds the Kansas HOSA charter, ensuring that students enjoy a wealth of opportunities, from competitive events and networking to hands-on experiences, webinars, leadership development and camaraderie with their peers. 

About the HOSA International Leadership Conference  

This year’s HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) is set to be a spectacular event, drawing over 10,000 competitors from around the globe to Houston, TX, from June 26-29. Beyond the thrilling competitions, the conference offers recognition, networking with health care professionals and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals on an international scale. Nearly 200 Kansas HOSA members will participate in competitive and recognition events at the ILC.

Kansas Students Set to Shine at HOSA ILC 

Virgil Guo, an outgoing Kansas HOSA officer, will proudly represent our state at ILC with an induction to the HOSA Hall of Fame. Last March, Virgil earned the prestigious “Above and Beyond Award” for his innovative HOSA STARS program — an initiative that helps students and chapters align activities with HOSA’s core values through categories like leadership, service, learning, innovation, dedication and group projects. The international awards committee felt his induction to the Hall of Fame would allow him to be an example for all other HOSA members.  

Virgil is also running for the HOSA International Executive Council, aiming to be the student voice on an international level. This fall, Virgil will begin his health career journey at Harvard, where he plans to start a new collegiate HOSA chapter. 

Outgoing Kansas HOSA Vice President Prisha Patel is also running for the International Executive Council. Prisha will start at the University of Missouri-Kansas City this fall, bringing her HOSA leadership experience to new horizons. 

Kansas HOSA is thrilled to announce students being awarded scholarships at ILC: 

• Emily Kanthavong from Winfield will receive a $1,000 scholarship from CVS Health. Joe Wood is her advisor.
• Adrianna Purkeypyle from Herington will secure a $1,000 scholarship from Philip R. Patton HCA Healthcare, under the guidance of Melissa Brunner, advisor. 
• Abby Merida and Teagan Smith from Arma will each receive a $1,000 scholarship from Mrs. Joan Stearman and the late Dr. William Stearman, with Tatum Strong as their advisor. 

These outstanding students are invited to a VIP scholarship dinner at ILC where they’ll network with representatives from their scholarship sponsors. 

Emma Eckstein, the outgoing Kansas HOSA president, will receive an Outstanding HOSA Leader award, as well as carry the Kansas flag at ILC. Emma will attend Pittsburg State University this fall, bringing her leadership skills to the next level.

Maricar Harris, a dedicated teacher at Wichita Collegiate High School and a member of the Kansas HOSA Board of Directors, will receive an Advisor of the Year award. Her commitment to guiding and inspiring Kansas HOSA students is unparalleled. 

Congratulations and Good Luck! 

We’re eagerly anticipating the results and celebrating the incredible achievements of Kansas HOSA. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, one inspiring student at a time. 

Learn more about Kansas HOSA