Mindy Foster accepts her recognition certificate from Bob Jones High School Principal Sylvia Lambert, from left, HOSA sponsor Melinda Lawson and superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Mindy Foster has the distinction as the first student in Madison City Schools to run for office and be elected to state office with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

Foster is a junior at Bob Jones High School. She joined HOSA as a sophomore and competed at her first national leadership conference that year. Currently, Foster is enrolled in the third course of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical program and plans to complete the entire program.

“This year, Mindy made the decision to run for a state HOSA officer position,” Melinda Lawson said. Lawson chairs Bob Jones Medical Academy, teaches in the PLTW biomedical program and sponsors HOSA. “Mindy was one of 11 candidates competing for four officer positions” at the recent convention in Montgomery.

“Mindy worked extremely hard in preparing for the election process. She had to give a two-minute speech for 1,800 people attending the conference and take part in a group interview with state department staff,” Lawson said.

“We’re proud to say that Mindy is the first Madison City Schools student to run for a state office,” Lawson said. Foster was elected as vice president of membership and competitive events.

In this vice president’s role, Foster will provide leadership in planning and implementing programs for membership promotions and development. She must present updated membership reports at executive council meetings and assist the staff in determining ways to recognize chapters for their membership’s achievements.

Foster will aid HOSA’s state advisor in developing a recruitment package for HOSA membership. “Mindy will provide leadership in planning and implementing the organization’s competitive events programs,” Lawson said, “and inform new chapters about these events.”

In addition, Foster will be responsible for developing and revising informational fliers and brochures for competitions. “She will assist with the setup of the awards ceremony for competitive events at the HOSA State Leadership Conference,” Lawson said.

Lastly, Foster will serve in any capacity as directed by HOSA’s state president.

“We’re very proud of Mindy and know she will represent Bob Jones and the Madison district well,” Bob Jones Assistant Principal of Instruction Amy Thaxton said.