KCTC Health Occupation Students rank in top 10 at international conference

Six students from Kent Career Tech Center (KCTC) represented their programs at the HOSA International Leadership Conference, held June 18–21 in Nashville, Tennessee. HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America, hosts the annual event, where students from across the country demonstrate their healthcare knowledge and skills through written tests and hands-on competitions. Only those who qualify at both the regional and state levels are invited to compete internationally.

Five of the six KCTC students advanced to the second round, placing in the top 30 worldwide. Three students—Lydia Albaitis, Kaitlyn Cuison, and Breanna Tran—went on to finish in the top 10 internationally in their respective events.

Participants (pictured left to right):

• Kaitlyn Cuison, Pharmacy Science, Class of 2025 - Thornapple Kellogg HS

• Deanna Magoon, Patient Care Technician, Class of 2025 - Rockford HS

• Elsie Veenstra, Pharmacy Science, Class of 2025 - Home-schooled 

• Lillian Hoogenstyn, Patient Care Technician, Class of 2025 - Northview HS

• Lydia Albaitis, Clinical Lab Science, Class of 2026 - Sparta HS

• Breanna Tran, Pharmacology, Class of 2025 - Godwin Heights HS

The team was led by KCTC instructor and HOSA advisor Rachel Rysdyk.