The Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) club at Eagle High is kicking off their 2025-2026 season. Their purpose is to help students interested in the healthcare field find connections and resources for their future careers.
This year, the club hopes to take charge in the Eagle High blood drive and have much involvement in this event. This blood drive allows students and teachers to donate their blood to those in need. The club has yet to set a date for this drive. However, they are working with St. Luke’s hospital to make this happen.
The club advisors and teachers Tara Kishpaugh and Nick Brunker are major components in making this club happen and run as well as it does. Kishpaugh is in her 19th year of advising the club and Brunker is in his fourth year.
“The goal of HOSA is to let students know more about health professions, network with colleges, compete in health care fields and to learn leadership skills,” Kishpaugh said.
Senior Colin Miles has been in HOSA all four years of his high school career. Both junior and senior year he has been the club president.
“It’s cool being able to talk to other high schoolers who have a passion in healthcare. I like being able to learn and make new connections with different people,” Miles said.
Miles has had an interest in healthcare since he was 10 years old. He explains that he saw his grandma in chronic care, and after that experience, he wants to be able to help people live their daily lives while also having healthcare needs. While Miles isn’t quite sure what he wants to do in healthcare yet, he is considering reconstructive surgeries or going into dermatology.
In early March, HOSA will be going to the State Conference at Boise State University. Here, HOSA club members around the state can showcase their healthcare skills and knowledge.
With the rise in students being interested in the healthcare field, this club is helping students to achieve their career goals by giving them valuable experiences such as the conference at Boise State University, as well as connections and long-lasting relationships with peers.
