This year's conference brought together students from around the world for an unforgettable week of competition, leadership development, networking and career exploration. Attendees explored 150 educational workshops and connected with 175 exhibitors showcasing healthcare careers, emerging technologies and educational opportunities. 

Kansas HOSA made its mark throughout the conference. The state association was recognized for its outstanding 2025–2026 Membership Growth and for piloting the new Physician's Assistant – Medical Case Challenge competitive event. Kansas members also participated in special celebrations marking HOSA’s 50th anniversary. 

"As Kansas HOSA continues to grow in both membership and achievement, so does the impact our students are making on the future of healthcare," said Tina Garetson, KU Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Health Career Promotions Program Manager and Kansas HOSA State Advisor. 

Several Kansans received prestigious individual honors, including HOSA members and leaders from communities around the state. Amelia Hogan (Winfield) received the American Physical Therapy Association Scholarship, while Gabrielle Stuchlik (Marion) earned the Why Choose OT Scholarship. Heather Elliott of United Healthcare Community Plan of Kansas received the Extraordinary Leadership Award. Kerrinne Fann, former Hugoton HOSA Chapter Advisor, received the Educational Excellence Award, and Alisa Abuzeineh, Wichita East HOSA Chapter Advisor, was named Kansas HOSA Advisor of the Year. 

More than 13,900 competitors participated in 105 health-related competitive events during the conference. Kansas competitors achieved remarkable success, securing the state’s highest number of second-round qualifiers ever, with 36 of 85 eligible individual and team competitors advancing.  

Top competitive event honors included: 

• First Place: Hannah Dapogny (Barton Community College), Clinical Nursing (Postsecondary/Collegiate); Ellie Johnson (Olathe North), Respiratory Therapy (Secondary) 

• Second Place: Shania Charles, Job Seeking Skills (Postsecondary/Collegiate) 

• Third Place: Mihir Deshmukh (Blue Valley West), ATC Genetics; Ethan Riebel (Allen Community College), Family Medicine Physician (Postsecondary/Collegiate) 

• Top Ten Finishers: Mihir Deshmukh (ATC Biology), Sloka Ganne (ATC Environmental Health), Asiya Khan (ATC Microbiology), Samuel Sturgeon (Medical Law & Ethics), Haley McCormick (Clinical Laboratory Science), Kaden Baird (Respiratory Therapy), Aaron Deason (Sports Medicine), and Preston Chang (Surgical Technologist). 

Kansas HOSA members also earned national recognition for service. Hays High School HOSA received Gold Level American Red Cross Chapter Recognition. Barbara James Service Award recipients included Gold honorees Akshat Agarwal, Shreyas Amireddy, Sloka Ganne, Riya Mazumdar, Maggie Mendez, Aarushi Patel, Manasvi Shah, and Elliot Zolton; Silver recipients Brennan Crippen, Prisha Dalal, Wasif Kabir, Varun Kabra, and Yathin Palvalas; and Bronze recipients Jayden Bui, Alexa Escalera, Kamryn Kirkham, Kassidy Kirkham, and Arlee Westhoff. 

"Watching our members compete, lead, serve and earn recognition on the international stage during HOSA's 50th anniversary was incredibly rewarding,” Garetson said.  “I couldn't be more proud of what they accomplished, and I'm even more excited about where they're headed.” 

KU Area Health Education Center (AHEC) administers the Kansas HOSA chapter and celebrates these accomplishments with humble pride. Supporting students as they discover their passion for healthcare, develop leadership skills, and prepare for meaningful careers is central to AHEC's mission. The success of Kansas HOSA members at this landmark conference reflects not only the remarkable growth of the organization, but also the bright future of healthcare across Kansas.