Students from the Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center HOSA Chapter #36006 demonstrated outstanding skill and professionalism at the 2026 HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC), held at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.
Competing against top students from across the state, several members of the chapter earned first-place honors and gold medals in their respective events.
EmiLee Burns, a senior at Calhoun High School, earned a gold medal and first-place finish in Nursing Assisting. Raylee Cunningham, a junior at Calhoun High School, also secured a gold medal and first-place finish in Occupational Therapy.
The Creative Problem Solving team brought home another gold medal and first-place title. Team members included Hannah Jones and Ellie Lowther, seniors at Gilmer County High School; Joshua Minney, a junior at Gilmer County High School; and Baeleigh Lane, a senior at Calhoun County High School.
All gold medal winners have qualified to represent their chapter at the HOSA International Leadership Conference, which will be held in June in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Additional students who competed at the state level include Hayle Young and Jo Ferguson, representing Calhoun and Gilmer counties as a Forensic Science team; Lillian Gibson of Calhoun County in Home Health Aide; Morgan Ferrell of Calhoun County in Medical Terminology; and Emily Basnett of Calhoun County in Behavioral Health.
Paige Huffman (Gilmer County) and Tiara Rogers (Calhoun County) attended the conference as observers, gaining valuable insight and experience for future competitions.
All students represented their schools, counties, and HOSA Chapter #36006 with pride, professionalism, and dedication. Their achievements reflect the strength of career and technical education programs in the region and highlight the bright future of healthcare professionals emerging from Calhoun and Gilmer counties.
