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Westonka students ask board to authorize HOSA chapter to expand health-care pathways
Summary
Three Westonka High School sophomores presented a plan to start a HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapter, arguing it would complement new EMT and nursing coursework and offer leadership, service and competitive events; board members expressed support but no formal vote was recorded in the transcript.
Three Westonka High School sophomores — Oliver Berg, Amelia Holmberg and Ruby Smith — asked the Westonka Public School District board at its October regular meeting to authorize a HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) student chapter, saying the program would give students direct experience with health-care skills, leadership opportunities and interschool competitions.
The students described HOSA as “a nationally recognized career path” that provides hands-on events such as CPR and wound care skills, leadership conferences and community outreach. They told the board the first year would be “developmental,” focusing on bylaws, recruiting a core group of students and attending a state leadership conference to learn how other high schools run chapters.
The students said their group had already created a Google form to gauge interest and that they planned a phased rollout: limited activities this year to set bylaws and leadership, and full competition and conference participation in 2026. “We already do have a pretty good group of kids that is already interested,” one student said during questions from board members.
An advisor who identified herself as the staff member handling clubs told the board she had experience in the medical field and would serve as interim advisor to get the chapter organized. Board members and administrators spoke positively of the proposal, noting it would complement new career-technical offerings at the high school. “This is student led, gives us a ton of pride,” a board member said, praising the students’ persistence in pursuing the club since July.
Board members asked how HOSA would fit alongside DECA and other extracurriculars; district staff said students commonly participate in multiple programs and that HOSA’s focus on health careers is distinct from DECA’s business emphasis. The students said they expect to attend a HOSA leadership conference later in October and to use model documents from the Minnesota HOSA representative to prepare bylaws and a formal chapter application.
The students and staff noted potential curriculum synergies with newly planned EMT and nurse assistant courses at the high school. District staff offered to help connect students with local industry contacts for mentorships and informational meetings.
Transcript records show discussion and oral support for starting a HOSA chapter, but the meeting transcript does not record a formal motion or board vote on recognizing or funding the new chapter during the portion provided.
