By Audrey Lee
Oxford Academy Health Occupation Students of America, HOSA, one of the biggest clubs on campus, competed in their annual California-HOSA SLC (State Leadership Conference) during the spring break from March 26 to 28. Hosted in Ontario, California, Cal-HOSA SLC 2026 saw over 5,000 students, alumni, and professionals gathered to compete and celebrate the 40th anniversary of California HOSA and the 50th anniversary of HOSA. OA HOSA celebrated its own 20th anniversary with their participation in the leadership conference.
OA HOSA, which is split into two different divisions, Middle division (grades 7-8) and Secondary division (grades 9-12), competed in a total of 349 events and swept the competition at SLC once again with an unofficial total number of 194 medals and placements. Further placements for additional events held at the conference have yet to be confirmed.
Besides just medals, OA HOSA made its presence known through different showcases: sophomore Joelle Kim sang the national anthem during the open ceremony, and sophomore Niha Goel won the pin design, getting a chance to have her pins be worn by every competitor at the conference. Junior Regan Rebultan, too, won the separate advisors’ pin design competition.
“I’m very happy about the accomplishments. There were years where we polarized on certain categories but this year we are well-rounded [in the wins], so it’s very nice,” Mr. Jun Cuenca, Oxford’s Biotechnology pathway teacher and HOSA advisor, said.
OA HOSA competed in a myriad of different events, including the Health Literacy Ambassador event. This event required completion of a health presentation and media flyer for recognition, something that all biotechnology students were required to do in their Oxford classes. Through this efficient integration, OA HOSA was able to sweep numerous awards through this event.
Other notable wins included a gold medal in HOSA Bowl, a buzzer-style game between teams regarding medical trivia. Numerous bronze, silver, and gold medals were also awarded to both groups and individuals competing in events like Mental Health Promotion, Health Education, and Public Health, to name a few.
Juniors Annie Gao and Claire Kim, whose participation in OA HOSA originated in their 7th grade, led the conference as part of the state board, Gao as Secretary and Kim as Vice President.
“SLC was one of the best experiences that I’ll forever carry in my heart because despite all of the hardships and obstacles, I am constantly reminded by why I love this community,” said Kim.
At the conference, Kim was elected as the upcoming 26-27 year’s California-HOSA President as well, continuing her leadership in HOSA.
“[Next year] I hope to accomplish more member engagement and especially promote HOSA to smaller chapters. This year we created the Golden Hearts Initiative, aiming to uplift the spirits of children in pediatric hospitals and clinical settings, and we are able to raise 1919 kits. I’m hoping to expand projects like these,” Kim said.
OA HOSA represented itself at SLC with numerous medals, leaders, and a community that other schools admired.
“OA HOSA is a big chapter filled with many members who have different journeys. It could get overwhelming, but know that everyone is there to support you. HOSA is one big family and its never too late to start your HOSA journey,” Kim said.