San Carlos Secondary School nursing students earn college credits

Mary Kim Titla/ Apache Moccasin These high school students received college credits towards their nursing degrees with AzHOSA.

San Carlos — Imagine earning high school credits and college credits at the same time. That’s possible if you’re a student at San Carlos Secondary School (SCSS) and you get involved in the school’s chapter of the Arizona Health Occupations Students of America (AzHOSA).

This year seven nursing assistant students completed their courses and received 12 college credits including Ashley Nosie, Sheena Elthie, Felicia Cosen, Ursula Talkalai, Alexis Martin, Maelena Hammond, and Valerie Alden. Ashley Nosie received special recognition when she was asked to speak at the graduation for Gila Community College Nursing Assistants. SCSS has been involved in the program for seven years and this is the first time an SCSS student has been asked to speak.

This year the HOSA organization members worked hard work at basketball concessions to raise money for scholarships. Three scholarships were presented to graduates including Maelena Hammond who received $1,000, Ashley Nosie who received $500 and Valerie Alden who also received $500. All students have been accepted to a college seeking a career in healthcare.

Nine HOSA also attended this year’s Spring Leadership Conference in Tucson. More than 7,000 students from 70 schools attended the conference held in April. The San Carlos Secondary chapter was the proud recipient of the Bronze Chapter Award for five years of membership and participation in HOSA activities. Attending the conference were Benita Kinlicheeney, Cynthia Martin, Geraldee Salter, Kweilin Jackson, Tianna Astor, Shaylene Henry, Nita Pechuli, Timara Zaye, and Gabrielle Hermosillo. Congratulations to all members and special thanks to CTE Nursing teacher Saundra Gaines for serving as the group’s sponsor.

AzHOSA is a student organization whose mission is to promote career opportunities in health care and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition for secondary and post-secondary students.