Hixson High Places In Competitions At The International Health Professionals Leadership Conference

  • Thursday, July 5, 2018
Ciera Smidt receiving the Silver Medal in Nursing Assisting
Ciera Smidt receiving the Silver Medal in Nursing Assisting

Two students from Hixson High Health Occupations students placed in the Top 10 in their respective competitions at the Future Healthcare Professionals International Leadership Conference.

Recent Hixson graduate Ciera Smidt won a silver medal placing second in Nursing Assisting.  Hixson High has placed in the top two in the event for the fourth consecutive year. 

Nathan Schofield also placed in the top 10, taking eighth in Physical Therapy; another competition in which Hixson has a top 10 legacy. 

The conference was in Dallas, Tx. June 27-30.

“Ciera knew the pressure would be extreme and still wanted to take that challenge,” stated Renee Parker, a Hixson High HOSA advisor. “To end up winning the silver medal is phenomenal.”

Five other Hixson High students, Allison McCollum, Amy Carranza, Rachael Lane, Bhumi Patel and Brooke Watne, qualified to compete in the international competition by placing in the top three at the Tennessee HOSA State Leadership Conference held earlier this year.

Future Health Professionals from all over the country, Canada and Puerto Rico came together to compete, learn and share their experiences.  Over 9,000 HOSA members, advisors and guests participated in the International Leadership Conference.  Over 6,000 of the participants competed in 57 events demonstrating competencies developed through Health Science class instruction, technical training and HOSA activities. Conference highlights included over 150 educational workshops, health-related exhibits, opportunities for certifications and a keynote address from U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams, M.D.


Pictured, left to right:  Ciera Smidt, Brooke Watne, Rachael Lane, Nathan Schofield, Bhumi Patel, Amy Carranza and Allison McCollum
Pictured, left to right: Ciera Smidt, Brooke Watne, Rachael Lane, Nathan Schofield, Bhumi Patel, Amy Carranza and Allison McCollum
Student Scene
CGLA's Dr. Elaine Swafford Inducted Into 2025 Charter Schools Hall Of Fame
  • 7/8/2025

Dr. Elaine Swafford, CEO of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, was one of four "visionary leaders" the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools announced last night as the 2025 inductees ... more

TDOE Announces Year-Over-Year Improvement Across All Subject Areas
  • 7/8/2025

Today, the Tennessee Department of Education released the 2024-25 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) state and district-level results, which include both fall 2024 end-of-course ... more

Muhlenberg College Students Earn Dean's List Honors
  • 7/8/2025

To be eligible for the Dean's List, Muhlenberg College students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or better while taking three or more course units during a semester. A graduate of Girls Preparatory ... more