WENATCHEE, Wash. — Students from Wenatchee High School’s HOSA chapter told the school board Tuesday that the student-led health occupations group has grown substantially and now runs district activities that connect students to regional health partners.

Advisor Tracy Kasnick said the chapter has expanded from 18 members in 2023 to about 65 members as of the day of the presentation, and that growth has enabled more competitive participation at conference levels. "HOSA's mission is to empower future health care professionals," Kasnick said, noting the group’s 50th anniversary and broad national reach.

Student leaders described opportunities the chapter provides. Vivian Wallace, the chapter president and a sophomore, said HOSA gave her leadership opportunities and helped prepare her to pursue a career as a physician assistant. "Since joining, I've been given several opportunities that have helped me grow as a person and a leader," she said.

Senior officer Alejandro Gonzalez described program pathways available at Wenatchee High — including certified nursing assistant and medical assistant classes — that led him to consider nursing as a career. The students also highlighted community partnerships: HOSA works with the Medical Reserve Corps for emergency-preparedness activities, runs two Red Cross blood drives each year (79 units collected in 2024 and 85 units in 2025, per the presentation), and partners with the National Marrow Donor Program to swab potential donors.

Kasnick said the chapter runs biweekly business meetings with officer meetings on alternate weeks, plus after-school activities and workshops such as "Doctor for a Day" suturing simulations led by a retired local OB-GYN. She thanked district leadership for supportive policies — including a no-phone policy at lunch that she said has helped boost in-person engagement.

Board members praised the students and thanked the advisor for community partnerships that expand hands-on learning for students interested in health careers.