Blaine and Louisa Middle Schools makes history at International HOSA Competition in Nashville

Mrs. Myram Brady, LC Chief Academic Officer, shared insights about the initial launch of the Lawrence County HOSA-Future Health Professionals middle school program, as well as their participation in the International Competition. “Last year, I had the opportunity to travel with Lawrence County High School’s HOSA team to the International Competition in Texas as an extra chaperone. I was absolutely blown away by the level of competition and the incredible projects the students were engaged in. What stood out even more was realizing that there was a division for middle school and in that moment, I knew our students deserved to experience this too. I brought the idea to Mrs. Webb, Katie Adams and our school principals, and they fully supported it. Watching our middle school students compete on the international stage this year has made me incredibly proud. Their hard work, determination, and passion are truly inspiring.”

This past week, 10 determined and driven young ladies from Blaine and Louisa Middle Schools traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to represent Kentucky at the HOSA-Future Health Professionals International Leadership Conference and they didn’t just show up, they showed out!

For the first time ever, Lawrence County Middle School participated in HOSA. They competed at the state level in March with all 13 participants placing and earning the right to compete at the international level. These students proved they belong on the world stage. Competing among more than 6,000 students from across 50 states and multiple countries, they made their mark.

Top International Results:

· Natalee West – 5th Place in Foundations of Veterinary Science

· Brianna Janka-Ashley – 7th Place in Prepared Speaking

· Lauren Sammons, McKinley Burton, Aubrey Brady, Zoe Wells – 9th Place in Exploring Medical Innovations (Team)

· Top 20 Finishers: Piper Ward (Foundations in Nutrition), Elizabeth Mynhier (Math for Health Careers), Isabella Fannin (Health Career Exploration)

Of the 10 students who attended, 6 advanced to the Top 10 internationally, earning a place on the stage and spotlighting Lawrence County in front of the world. Five students advanced through two rounds of high-stakes competition. These young ladies competed against 20–30 others in each division, with over 8,000 competitors in testing categories alone.

State-Level HOSA Results (March 2025): Health Career Display Team – Bella Griffith & Alexis Patrick – 1st Place (Blaine) Foundations of Veterinary Science – Natalee West – 2nd Place (Blaine) Exploring Medical Innovations Team – Aubrey Brady, Lauren Sammons, McKinley Burton, Zoe Wells – 1st Place (Louisa) Foundations in Nutrition – Piper Ward – 3rd Place (Louisa) Math for Health Careers – Elizabeth Mynhier – 2nd Place (Louisa) Health Career Exploration – Isabella Fannin – 1st Place (Louisa) Prepared Speaking – Brianna Janka Ashley – 1st Place (Louisa)

Extemporaneous Health Poster – Anna Hylton – 1st Place (Louisa) Foundations of Medical Terminology – Violet Muncy – 1st Place (Louisa)

These remarkable results meant that all 13 students (10 from Louisa, 3 from Blaine) qualified for the international competition. Though three were unable to attend, the remaining ten poured their hearts into study and preparation and their success shows just how far dedication, passion, and teamwork can go.

A huge THANK YOU to the dedicated coaches Mrs. Jenae VanHoose and Mrs. Kristen West for pioneering this middle school effort. We’re also incredibly grateful to Mrs. Katie Hatfield Webb, the LC Board of Education, and the Lawrence County High School HOSA Chapter and sponsor Mrs. Katie Hope Adams for guiding and mentoring this new generation of leaders.

This success was made possible thanks to generous support from our community: LC Board of Education, Riverside Generating, Three Rivers Medical Center, Lawrence County Tourism, ARH Medical Center, and all who joined our HOSA 5K or supported our popcorn fundraiser.

This international event featured two opening ceremonies and two award sessions due to the massive number of attendees and yet, Lawrence County stood tall among the best.

“We’re beyond proud of these incredible young women. They’ve not only succeeded but also represented our district and community with grace, kindness, and respect earning compliments from other teams and officials alike,” stated Mrs. Brady.