Heritage HOSA students brief board on human-trafficking awareness work and local outreach

Members of Heritage High School’s HOSA chapter presented the board with a student‑led community awareness project on human trafficking, outlining past outreach and planned activities.

Students (identifying themselves as Avery and Charlie) said they have presented to middle‑school career classes and hosted a workshop at Heritage High School. They described using a QR code and Google form to gather feedback from presentations, and said local partners — including Jennifer Scribe of the Hub of Hope and Cross Church Pinnacle Hills — have helped with event logistics and a hope‑bag drive to support victims. The students said Arkansas statistics and local examples are part of their presentation materials and urged the district to help amplify the message.

During questions, board members asked how common trafficking is locally and whether cases tend to be domestic or international. The students said trafficking “can happen to anyone and can happen anywhere,” and cited an Arkansas statistic and a reference to Missouri ranking fourth in a stated metric. The students said their materials include the national trafficking hotline and a text tip line (they referenced 233733 for texting). Board members applauded the students and offered to post hotline information and help publicize events.

The students said they plan a t‑shirt fundraiser, a wear‑blue spirit day on Jan. 10 (ahead of Jan. 11 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day), and a run/walk in March or April to raise awareness and donations for the Hub of Hope.

Next steps: board members offered to post hotline information and support promotion of student events; students will continue partnership work and event planning.