HANCOCK, MI — On Saturday, February 28th, more than 100 students from the Copper Country Intermediate School District (CCISD) area Career and Technical Education (CTE) Health Sciences programs traveled to Marquette to compete in the HOSA – Future Health Professionals regional competition. Students from the CTE Health Careers and CTE Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) programs from both the Baraga and Houghton-Keweenaw County programs showcased their clinical skills and medical knowledge, earning top placements across dozens of categories.
These competitions are an important part of CTE, bridging the gap between the classroom and the skills of the healthcare industry. This year’s success continues a strong tradition of excellence from CTE students representing all three counties within the CCISD. Following the success of the regional event, 55 students will attend the HOSA - Future Health Professionals statewide competition in April, to be held in Traverse City.
"It is truly inspiring to see our students step out of their comfort zones and demonstrate the technical skills and knowledge they’ve worked so hard to master," said Brooke Osterman, Baraga County CTE Health Careers Instructor. "Seeing them apply these skills to a competitive environment builds the foundation for their future careers."
The following students placed in the top of their respective categories:
First Place Winners
HOSA Bowl: Gavriella Aleo, Lindsay Biekkola, Aaliyah Dantes, and Laci Numinen (L’Anse) - CNA
Medical Terminology: Heidi Cischke (Houghton) – CNA
Clinical Nursing: Olivia Obino-Ekdahl (Houghton) – Health Careers
Nutrition: Isabella Tampas (Lake Linden) – Health Careers
Sports Medicine: Oriana Olson (Chassell) – Health Careers
Dental Science: Kaylee Ollila (L’Anse) - Health Careers
Clinical Laboratory Science: Stella Makela-Sweeney (L’Anse) - Health Careers
Nursing Assisting: Emma Ylitalo (Calumet) – Health Careers
Pathophysiology: Brendan Clark (Houghton) – Health Careers
Epidemiology: Ava Pinnow (Houghton) – CNA
Healthy Living: Annalise Halonen (Houghton) – CNA
Health Career Photography: Katia Rudak (Houghton) – Health Careers
Researched Persuasive Writing & Speaking: Magdalen Henquinet (Houghton) – CNA/WBL
Additional Top Regional Results
HOSA Bowl
2nd Place: Ava Halonen, Charlotte Anderson, Lauren Larson, Taylee Rajala (Hancock/Jeffers) – CNA
3rd Place: Aili McKinstry, Thora Bier, Kira Diaz, Lila Hyrkas (Calumet/Houghton) – Health Careers
Nursing, Medical & Dental Sciences
2nd Place (Clinical Nursing): Mollia Rollo-Ritzko (Calumet) – CNA
2nd Place (Dental Science): Tessa Thor (L’Anse) - Health Careers
2nd Place (Physical Therapy): Amelia Huhta (Chassell) – CNA
4th Place (Medical Assisting): Claire Heltunen (Jeffers) – Health Careers
Medical Terminology
4th Place: Lilah Hill (Jeffers) – CNA
5th Place: Meridyn Rautiola (Jeffers) – Health Careers
Nutrition
2nd Place: Haley Kreipke (Houghton)
3rd Place: Cleo Milkey (Lake Linden)
4th Place: Kate Filpus (Houghton)
Writing, Speaking & Team Events
2nd Place (Persuasive Writing/Speaking): Jenna Heikkila (Dollar Bay)
3rd Place (Persuasive Writing/Speaking): Delaney Salmi (Houghton) – CNA
3rd Place (Community Awareness): Brea Hammerstrom, Kylee Andrews, Sierra Simula, LeAndra Keranen (Jeffers) – CNA
3rd Place (PSA): Trinity Leskela, Karah Siirtola, Isaac Hiner (Calumet/Houghton)
4th Place (PSA): Mari Meyette, Emily Oja, Isabel Riutta (Hancock)
5th Place (PSA): Kaitlyn Pennala, Aliisa Haapala, Cara Halonen, Alice Lahti (Calumet) – CNA
Specialized Health Events
3rd Place (Forensic Science): Sonya Swetich & Taylor Hilts (Houghton)
3rd Place (CPR/First Aid): Mea Lanczy & Aubrey Haanpaa (L’Anse) - Health Careers
3rd Place (Behavioral Health): Dayonna Picard (L’Anse) - Health Careers
4th Place (Behavioral Health): Skye Isaacson (Chassell)
5th Place (Behavioral Health): Tori Ahola (L’Anse) - Health Careers
5th Place (Forensic Science): Kiera Bellaire & Karli Clisch (Baraga) - Health Careers
5th Place (Sports Medicine): McKayla Kemppainen (L’Anse) - Health Careers
Photography, Arts & Education
2nd Place (Photography): Natalie Stromer (Hancock) – CNA
3rd Place (Photography): Tessa Rautiola (Houghton) – CNA
4th Place (Photography): Gabs Sutcliffe (Houghton) – CNA
4th Place (Health Career Display): Romi Mattson & Emmy Pietila (Houghton) – CNA
5th Place (Health Career Display): Jana Pietila & Savannah Kangas (Hancock) – CNA
5th Place (Health Education): Diem Kilpela, Marcy Rosenlund, Chloe Bastian, Ella Bastion (Hancock/Dollar Bay) – CNA