“We’re putting a dent in the nursing shortage.”

That’s how Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) advisor Terri Campbell summarized the work of this important club at the Center for Career Innovation (CCI). With a focus on preparing future health professionals, HOSA conducts a variety of activities throughout the school year to address health concerns in the community.

Last night, the group held its end-of-year celebration to highlight a year of accomplishments. Most notably, HOSA had four times the number of members as in previous years. More than 100 students showed up for the club’s interest meeting back in the fall. The group was so large that it could no longer meet in the health occupations classroom!

More members meant the club could undertake more community service. Instead of the 10 events held in previous years, the group supported more than 50 projects in 2025-2026. These included a personal care item drive for Clover Area Assistance Center (CAAC), the NAMI Walk for mental health awareness, the American Heart Association Heart Walk, the school district’s Trunk or Treat, the district’s Holiday Assistance Program, reading to elementary school classes, helping local Girl Scout troops with first aid badges, conducting Red Cross blood drives, making cards and goodie bags for first responders and holding toy drives for Levine Children’s Hospital.

Seniors who will graduate later this month received their honor cords for HOSA and highlighted where they will be attending college and what their majors will be. Majors included public health, nursing, pre-med, psychology, biology, radiology and exercise science.

Students who competed in the State HOSA competition received certificates for their participation, along with those students who placed in the chapter’s poster and quiz bowl contests.

HOSA advisors are Terri Campbell and Carmen Myrick.