North Lamar High School HOSA students recently traveled to Parker University to compete in the Area HOSA Competition held February 20–22, and the experience proved to be about much more than just competition. For many students, the event was an opportunity to grow as leaders, develop professional skills, and strengthen their teamwork as they represented North Lamar.
Throughout the event, North Lamar students took on a variety of roles. Some stepped into the spotlight and competed in their events, while others trained and served as voting delegates, learning how student leadership organizations operate. Several students also volunteered with the Courtesy Corps, gaining first hand experience in helping manage and run a large-scale leadership event.
“These experiences give our students the chance to build confidence and professionalism while working together as a team,” said their sponsor, Kendra Waldroup. “They represented North Lamar with excellence, integrity, and a spirit of service.”
North Lamar also celebrated several notable achievements during the competition.
Adisyn Hedrick placed 3rd out of 85 competitors in the Prepared Speaking event and will advance to the HOSA State Competition.
Ebony Woods earned a Top 10 finish in Veterinary Science, demonstrating strong knowledge and skill in the competitive event.
In the Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) event, Cole and Ricardo advanced to the Area Competition as a Top 10 team, showcasing their training and teamwork in emergency preparedness.
A special thank you goes to the Lamar County CERT Team for mentoring the students and to Rik Wishon for helping guide them through the certification process.
While awards and placements are exciting, the greatest takeaway from the event was the growth students experienced along the way. From leadership opportunities to hands-on event experience, North Lamar HOSA students continue to prepare for the future.
In group photo (L ro R): Alexis Daniels, Londyn Odom, Aubrey Irwin, Blake Boyden, Adisyn Hedrick, Ebony Woods, Ricardo Mejia, Sofia Paissan, Cole Carroll

