Local HOSA students score honors at Int’l Leadership Conference

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Education -Division of Curriculum & Instruction led a HOSA delegation to Nashville, Tennessee in June for the 2022 International Leadership Conference (ILC).

The 2022 ILC was an opportunity for students to network, compete, and learn from future health professionals, industry leaders, and HOSA partners in the healthcare fields.

The conference has historically been a stage to recognize the efforts of highly distinguished HOSA members worldwide in a multitude of levels ranging from technical skill competencies to the achievements of chapters throughout the year.

At the conference American Samoa HOSA achieved special recognition in all the 5 categories of endeavor.

The American Samoa HOSA delegation consisted of eight secondary students from Fagaitua High School, Tafuna High School, Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School, Fa’asao Marist High School and two local advisors Mrs. Pearl Mendoza, Ms. Cassandra Garcia, and state advisor Mrs. Alice Moeolo.

Out of 56 participating states and territories and neighboring countries such as China and Korea, American Samoa rose to the top earning its place in the top 15 and the top 10 from 5 categories.

Dorrin Tuisamatatele of Fagaitua High School made it to the top 15 earning an Excellence Award in the Prepared Speaking category.

Marianive Tauave of Tafuna High School and Leilani Togi of Nuuuli Vocational Technical High School competed in round 2 making the top 15 in the Health Career Photography and Health Career Display also received Excellence Awards.

The Community Awareness portfolio category that was competed by Talalelei Roberts and Princess Viesca of Fa’asao Marist High School also earned Excellence Awards.

Francis Vaofanua , Anthony Leo and Savannah Savali of Tafuna High School made it to the top 10 of their category Public Service Announcement that earned Special recognition and Excellence Awards.

Faafetai Tele, to the Department of Education Director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli and leadership team, DCI, teachers, local advisors, Government Agencies, Private Sector and parents for all the support for the American Samoa HOSA Delegation.

Formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America HOSA’s mission is to empower future health professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration