Thirty-five students from Carson High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) HOSA — Future Health Professionals — represented Carson High School at the Nevada HOSA State Leadership Conference April 22-24, earning statewide recognition through competitive events, leadership honors and chapter awards.
Held in Las Vegas at the Rio Hotel Casino, the conference brought together more than 1,400 Nevada students pursuing careers in health sciences. CHS students earned more than 20 top-10 finishes, 12 Certificates of Excellence and Mastery awards and qualified 30 students to advance to the HOSA International Leadership Conference June 16-21 in Indianapolis.
Of note, Mariana Saravia was named State Champion for earning first place in the Healthcare Issues Exam. The Carson High chapter also received a Gold Level 100% Membership Award, recognizing that all health science students at the school are registered HOSA members.
In addition to the chapter’s competitive success, Carson High student Jeremiah Urbina was elected Nevada HOSA Western Region vice president for the 2026-27 school year. One of 32 applicants statewide, Urbina will serve on the Nevada HOSA State Officer Team, attend leadership training opportunities, including the Washington Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., and help host the 2027 Nevada State Leadership Conference in Reno.
Carson High student Iris Ibarra Montes also received the prestigious Life Saver Award for saving her father’s life.
“Our students demonstrated exceptional professionalism, leadership and dedication throughout the conference,” said Carson High HOSA Advisor Kelly Gustafson, health sciences teacher at Carson High. “Their accomplishments reflect the hard work they have invested in preparing for healthcare careers and serving their community.”
Students earned the following honors during the competition:
Healthcare Issues Exam:
- Mariana Saravia, first place
- David Hurst, third place
- Arely Escobar Acosta, fourth place
- Riley Halcon, sixth place
- Sujwal Reddy Yedunuthula, seventh place
- Johanna Neill, ninth place:
- Mana Payan, 10th place
- Hailey Satterwhite, 11th place
- Nathalie Acosta Pacheco, 12th place
- Kyra Mulvihill, 13th place
- Sienna Omonundro, 14th place
- Melany Galvan, 16th place
- Kayla Lewis, 17th place
- Aubrey McAllister, 18th place
- Zujey Reyes-Acosta, 19th place
- Kaden Sa, 20th place
- Alizee Zambrano, 21st place
Health Science Events:
- Nutrition: Mariana Saravia, eighth place
- World Health and Disparities: Sujwal Reddy Yedunuthula, eighth place
- Medical Law and Ethics: Gabriela Ayala, 10th place
- World Health and Disparities: Melissa Bonilla, 10th place
Health Profession Events:
- Nursing Assisting: Hailey Satterwhite, fourth place
- Dental Science: Jeremiah Urbina, eighth place
- Home Health Aide: Melany Galvan, ninth place
Emergency Preparedness Events:
- CPR/First Aid Team: Sienna Omohundro and Alexa Ortega, 10th place
Teamwork Events:
- Community Awareness Team: Aylin Arroyo, Maria Betancourt Ledezma, Marilu Hernandez and Zujey Reyes-Acosta, eighth place
- Public Service Announcement Team: Riley Halcon, David Hurst, Aubrey McAllister and Kaden Sa, 10th place
ATC Certificates of Excellence and Mastery:
- Career Development Exam: Mana Payan
- Occupational Health & Safety: Cinthia Diaz Camarena, Anais Gallegos Arreguin, Riley Halcon, Marilu Hernandez, Aubrey McAllister, Dante Mora Hernandez, Jasmin Navarro, Johanna Neill, Sienna Omohundro, Zujey Reyes-Acosta and Alizee Zambrano.
Carson High HOSA Advisors include Caroline Gabica, Kelly Gustafson and Adam Hunsaker.
About CHS CTE
Carson High School’s Career and Technical Education program encompasses a vast number of classes and programs that teach today’s students the high-demand skills needed to get a job. CTE better prepares students for post-secondary education and/or the world of work, whether they choose to enter the workplace directly from high school or select to pursue post-secondary education in a technical training program, apprenticeship, or a two, or four-year college. CTE prepares students for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies and makes academic content accessible to students by providing it in a hands-on context.
