The Fredericksburg High School (FHS) chapter of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) earned recognition this March at the Texas State Leadership Conference in Corpus Christi.

HOSA students were awarded for their community service efforts. In partnership with South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, the chapter collected 100 units of blood over this past year. They also earned a bronzelevel distinction for their preparation of around 750 DNA swab kits for the National Marrow Donor Program.

High School Junior Danika Carter placed in the top 40 scores for the Health Issues Exam, which covers current public health events. She rose to the top from over 200 test-takers. Additionally, Carter won bronze-level recognition among Barbara James Service Award recipients.

During the event at the Hilliard Center, FHS HOSA students competed with National Geographic Learning tests in Chemistry as well as Anatomy and Physiology. The team also entered the “Anatomage” Tournament which challenged them to locate anatomical features.

HOSA students will host the final blood drive of the school year in May. The date has yet to be announced. On May 25, HOSA students will be at the Create Healthy Wildflower run to sign up donors for the morrow donation program.

FHS HOSA students: Seniors: Rebecca Richey, Rylie Schmidt, Drashti Patel, and Courtney Jensen Juniors: Danika Carter, Kathyrn Kneese, Kenley Kiehne, Ivy Pfersich, Aiyana Vasquez and Bryan Bermudez Sophomore: Shelby Metzger Freshman: Mariana Gonzales