JVS students going to HOSA nationals

BLOOMINGDALE -- Two students in the health technologies program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School will be heading to Nashville this summer for a national competition.

Seniors Kristin Carroll and Bailey Ebright will compete at HOSA's annual International Leadership Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center on June 21-25 after earning top honors at the state contest in March. Health Occupations Students of America, is now known as Future Health Professionals and is a student-led organization invested in middle school through collegiate students' future in the global health community.

It will be the first time either student has attended the national event, although the JVS has had competitors previously take part.

Carroll, the daughter of Michael Phelps and Heather Curran, earned first place at the state contest on March 24-25 in the personal care category. The Hammondsville resident and Edison High School student said she was ecstatic about the win.

"We had to do skills in the competition," she added. "I'm very nervous and excited."

She plans to continue in the health field and attend Kent State University, where she hopes to become a registered nurse, adding the JVS has been instrumental in shaping her career plans.

"I like that (the JVS) has prepared me a lot," she said. "I'm interested in helping people."

Ebright, the daughter of Chris Ebright and Rita Morrison, received first place in the home health aide competition at states.

"We had to take a written test and they took the top 10 highest scores and people tested off on skills, then they took the top four places," she explained. "I'm pretty eager to go to nationals and I'm excited for the opportunity."

Ebright, a Cadiz resident who attends Buckeye Local High School, wants to attend Kent State University and graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing, then go on to become a pediatric oncology nurse. She is gaining some experience by working at a local nursing home since July, plus she presides over the senior HOSA members in her program to learn leadership skills. She said being a people person propelled her into the field and her time at JVS has been preparing her for the future.

"I honestly just like helping people," she continued. "I like meeting people and that's why I like HOSA. I like that it's hands-on experience [at the JVS]. I'll be able to work right outside of high school."

Tammy Sismondo, JVS health technologies instructor and HOSA adviser, noted that she was pleased with the work all of her students have done to head to the states and it took a lot of dedication to make their way to nationals.

"I'm really proud of all the students that went to state," she said. "The students that qualify for nationals are dedicated and hard workers and prepare throughout the year. I look forward to taking them to nationals."

She said students have gone to the nationals every year, even attending virtually when COVID prevented competitions from being held in person. They draw about 10,000 students from 47 states and Puerto Rico for a series of competitions and conference events.