The top five finishers from left to right: Sean Smith, Titiksha Gorhe, Jaslene Juarez, Leila Knepp, Shaylee Viers, Jessica Duenas, Michelle Nayotl. Photo provided by WCHS HOSA.

News Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School students recently showcased their talent, hard work and dedication at the Indiana Heath Occupation Students of America State Leadership Conference, joining more than 2,100 students from across the state to compete in a wide range of health science events.

WCHS had an outstanding showing with 15 students earning Top 10 placements and two students placing in the Top 3, qualifying them for the HOSA International Leadership Conference to be held this June in Nashville, Tenn.

The two students placing in the top three for the national qualifiers are Leila Knepp, who received first place as a veterinary technician, and Shaylee Viers, who received first place in research and persuasive speaking.

In addition to the national qualifiers, the following students placed in the Top 10 in their respective events: Sean Smith for public service announcement; Titiksha Gorhe for public service announcement, environmental science and biochemistry; Leila Knepp for human heredity; Paulina Granados for medical assisting; Karthik Peddireddy for medical assisting; Josue Montoya for medical assisting; Jaslene Juarez for phlebotomy; Shaylee Viers for phlebotomy; Lisa Iboi for researched persuasive speaking.; Michelle Nayotl for CPR; Jessica Duenas for CPR.

The HOSA International Leadership Conference in June will provide Leila Knepp and Shaylee Viers with the opportunity to represent Warsaw on the international stage, compete at the highest level and continue growing as future health professionals.

Tabitha McDonald, HOSA sponsor and Health Sciences Instructor, shared, “Despite many being rookies and still learning what they are doing, our students were amazing! The students worked very hard preparing for state and it truly showed! Thank you all for your support!”