MADISON – A student team from James Clemens High School proved their business savvy at an international meet this summer.

Members of the he Health Occupation Student Association or HOSA team at James Clemens won awards at the HOSA 42nd annual International Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas.

“We are finally back in Sweet Home Alabama. We had an awesome time in Dallas, Texas for 2018 HOSA ILC,” Steinert said on Twitter after returning from the conference. “As we say goodbye to our seniors, we can’t wait to watch Nicole, Sophie, Needhi and Francis create their futures.”

James Clemens won first place in Epidemiology with student coordinator Neva Vmokashi. “Neha was 1 of 70 international competitors in Epidemiology,” HOSA co-sponsor Ashley Steinert said. “We are so proud of her. The rest of the crew had fun at the HOSA expo and educational symposiums.”

In the Medical Innovations competition, students Sophie Guo, Francis Kassama and Kendrick Yu earned a second-place finish. The win “was the first time in history — beyond proud of all of the students,” Steinert said.

James Clemens students also competed in Medical Innovations – Original, Pharmacology, and Nutrition categories. “We are so proud of how these students have represented their school,” Steinert said.

HOSA Future Health Professionals commit to compassionate, quality health care. HOSA members provide opportunities for knowledge, skill and leadership development of all students in health science.

In addition, HOSA offers a unique program of leadership development, motivation and recognition. Their initiatives target secondary, post-secondary, adult and collegiate students enrolled in programs for health science education or pursuing careers in health care.

Participation in HOSA provides students with a pathway to achieving diploma requirements. Students engage in various classroom activities, job-shadow opportunities, internships and field-based investigations.

Steinert, a registered nurse, teaches health science classes at James Clemens. She also co-sponsors National Technical Honor Society and Diamond Dolls and serves on Jet Advisory Committee.