Shadow Ridge High School offers the HOSA Future Health Professionals Club, this club stands out as one of the most impactful student organizations on campus. This club is more than just an extracurricular activity, HOSA serves as a community for students who dream of making a difference in the medical field. Whether the members want to become doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, or public health leaders, HOSA at Shadow Ridge provides the foundation, experience, and inspiration they need to turn those goals into reality.
With that the Vice President, senior Venice Velayo emphasizes “Both my advisors are experienced… they give us the reality of how it is in the field.”
Throughout the school year, HOSA offers their members countless opportunities to learn and grow. The club regularly has guest speakers such as: nurses, EMT’s, and hospital administrators from the military share their personal journeys and advice. These sessions give students an inside look at the healthcare field while inspiring them to follow their own paths. Members also participate in competitive events, one of the highlights of HOSA. These competitions allow the students to show off their knowledge and skills in areas like medical terminology, biomedical debate, and CPR/first aid.
These competitions take place at regional, state, and even international levels. This gives Shadow Ridge students an opportunity to connect with people from across the country who want to pursue the same career.
Beyond academics, HOSA is also about leadership. For many students joining HOSA is the first step toward a lifelong career in healthcare. The club connects members with resources for college and career planning, including scholarship opportunities, internship programs, and mentorship from professionals who work in the medical field to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real world, hands-on learning.
Sophomore Noah Marie Joseph says “You learn early life skills and it sets you up for the future, it also looks good on college applications and resumes.”
Shadow Ridge HOSA members also emphasize community service to acknowledge that healthcare is rooted in compassion and helping others. They often volunteer at local clinics, blood drives, and community health fairs as well as health awareness campaigns such as mental health education weeks and donation drives.
Vice President, Senior Venice Velayo states that “I have a strong connection with others and HOSA makes me enjoy talking to others about the field that I am trying to get into.”
If you ever dreamed of becoming a nurse, doctor, therapist, or even just making a difference in people’s lives, join HOSA. For years Shadow Ridge’s HOSA club has been helping students explore careers in the medical field while building leadership skills, friendships, and memories that last far beyond high school. HOSA is much more than just a club, it’s a family of motivated students who share one desire: to learn about the medical world and how they can one day be a part of it.
