St Lucie West Centennial High School H.O.S.A students who placed at state level attended the five day National H.O.S.A. Conference in Dallas, Texas, June 18, through June 22, 2008. Health Occupations of America (HOSA) is an organization for which high school students across the nation who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field can join and learn through actual hands on medical experience. The students were accompanied by their teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Durkee and a parent chaperone. These students raised money for the trip through with local blood drives and other fundraising events.

The five students, Lila Durkee, Katriina Floderus, Kaitlin Murphins, Sara Sapp, and Crisanna Tang, competed in their various medical field events against thousands other HOSA students nationwide. Three of the five St Lucie West Centennial students were honored as national finalist's, including: Lila Durkee, 8 th place -First Aid/Rescue Breathing, Katriina Floderus, 7 th place -Medical Photography, and Sara Sapp, 8 th place- Physical Therapy. Sapp was also recognized for her great work on the HOSA Chapter Newsletter. "This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. Going up on stage in front of over 5,700 people to accept my award was amazing. I made friends from all over the nation that I will always stay in touch with and became closer to my fellow H.O.S.A. members," says Sapp.

While in Dallas, they were able to enjoy great food, new cultural experiences, and had fun meeting other HOSA students with similar medical profession interests from Alaska to Puerto Rico. The St Lucie West Students were treated to a private tour of legendary BaylorHospital and learned about the new innovative technology used in teaching hospitals, thanks to the efforts of their teacher Mrs. Durkee. On HOSA Day in Texas, the students took a break from the intense competition and went to Six Flags over Texas to ride some of the fastest and tallest roller coasters in the nation.

These award winning students and many more plan to start over and compete again in the winter of 08 school year, beginning at regional competition hopefully ascending to nationals in Nashville, TN in the summer 2009.

Submitted by:
Katriina Floderus (age 17) and Sara Sapp (age 16)