MIHS HOSA-Future Health Professionals Group Excels in Spokane

Mercer Island, WA, March 17, 2025 – The Mercer Island High School HOSA-Future Health Professionals group had an incredible few days in Spokane from March 11-13 competing in events, attending workshops, and visiting colleges at the HOSA Spring Conference.

The MIHS chapter is bigger than ever with 42 members, a 47% increase from last year, competing in events. This includes both online testing and skills events. 

The chapter saw remarkable performance in preliminary testing, with 10 members advancing to the second round and 16 members attending the State Leadership Conference.

Kate deStowlinski – Biotechnology, Health Education

Jasmine Bandrio – CERT Skills

Rilke Dalton – CERT Skills

Annika Guo – Health Career Display

Avani Josyula – Health Career Display

Ina Shapiro – Health Career Display

Jaycie Prescott – Nursing Assistant

Kenny Xu – Prepared Speaking

Sadie Waddell – Sports Medicine

Among the standout performers were HOSA members Ina Shapiro and Kate deStwolinski, who demonstrated excellence across multiple events.

Through her leadership in organizing and executing a successful blood drive, Shapiro earned enough service hours to qualify for the International Leadership Conference. Her teammate deStwolinski secured fourth place in Biotechnology.

The duo collaborated on a Health Education project focused on youth hygiene education, placing in the top 30 at the state level.

Building on their success, DeStwolinski and Shapiro plan to expand their hygiene education initiative to local elementary schools this March.