Biotechnology doesn’t intimidate Bob Jones HOSA members in Montgomery

Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members from Bob Jones High School earned numerous awards at the state convention in Montgomery. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Biotechnology, extemporaneous writing and even pathophysiology were among the topics that led to competition honors for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members from Bob Jones High School.

Sponsor Melinda Lawson and 32 Bob Jones students attended the HOSA convention in Montgomery on Feb. 7-8.

As first-place winner in biotechnology, Aliyah Kennedy mastered a written test to advance to round two and “perform selected skill procedures identified in a written scenario … using critical thinking skills,” Lawson said. Kennedy handled questions about the biotech industry, lab safety, infection control, DNA and hematology.

Kalifa Stringfield, first place in dental terminology, defined nomenclature for all dental occupations and specialties. To place, Stringfield had to know about oral and maxillofacial surgery, pathology and radiology.

Courtney Walker captured first place for medical math by “working calculations similar to what a health care professional would perform to correctly administer medication or IV fluids” and conversion of temperature and weight/volume, Lawson said.

Josh Walz took second place in pathophysiology, the study of disease process, emphasized in Bob Jones’ curriculum. Walz succeeded in questions about the musculoskeletal, circulatory, digestive and reproductive systems.

Alexis Helton, third-place winner in extemporaneous writing, wasn’t told her writing topic until the event. The competitors then wrote according to the prompt.

For “public service announcement,” the first-place team of Ramya Molleti, Heather Zuo and Ally Heng composed a song for a 30-second spot on tips to recognize and prevent hypertension.

Another first-place winner, the team of Annie Kovach, David Lee, Sharvya Utlapali and Meena Barkakam topped “creative problem-solving” in a written test to advance in solving a healthcare issue with a 10-minute presentation to judges.

Meghana Gaini, Alyssa Karl, Katrina Hatch and Katie Kovach’s team took third place in “public health” with a presentation on disease prevention and promoting healthy behavior.

Lawson, a registered nurse, chairs the Bob Jones Medical Academy.

First-, second- and third-place winners are eligible to compete at the national convention in Nashville on June 26-29.