Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate Students to Compete at HOSA Conference

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School will be well represented at the 2013 State HOSA Conference this week at Walt Disney World.

HOSA-Future Health Professionals is a national organization for students pursuing careers in the healthcare industry. By providing students with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and leadership, it aims to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality healthcare.

Florida HOSA is the second-largest chapter in the country, with nearly 12,000 members.

Students qualified to compete at the state competition by placing first, second or third at the 2013 HOSA Regional Competition in January.

Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate’s state competitors will include:

  • Joel Baptiste; Kissimmee; medical terminology; third place in Regional Competition; although he qualified to compete, Baptiste will be unable to attend the state event
  • Charde Blocker; Winter Haven; prepared speaking; third place in Regional Competition
  • Jacqueline Bouvier; Winter Haven; physical therapy; third place in Regional Competition
  • Snighda Cherukuri; Winter Haven; medical terminology; first place in Regional Competition
  • Victoria Clayton, Winter Haven, Kaitlyn Conway, Polk City, Shermel Cox, Auburndale, Malia Hafner, Winter Haven; Public Service Announcement Team Event; first place in Regional Competition
  • Deandra Mahon; Dundee; healthy lifestyle; first place in Regional Competition
  • Fidencio Maldonado; Haines City; physical therapy; first place in Regional Competition
  • Brady Smith; Lake Alfred; biotechnology; second place in Regional Competition
  • Also participating in January’s Regional Competition was Natalie Weekfall, Winter Haven, who placed fourth in biotechnology.

Polk State College operates two public, charter high schools, Polk State Lakeland Collegiate and Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate in Winter Haven. The schools serve juniors and seniors, allowing them to fulfill requirements for their high school diplomas while also earning college credit — all at no cost. In many cases, students graduate with both their diplomas and associate’s degrees.