KAYSVILLE — Two health-care students from Davis Applied Technology College took high honors in the Health Occupations Students of America 30th National Leadership Conference at the Anaheim Hilton and Convention Center in June.
Mallory Washburn and Lauren Vargas placed 10th and third, respectively, in their competitions. Other DATC students who competed were Sam Fowler, Taylor Erickson, Sue Bauhm, Cherin Webster and Jessica Green.
More than 5,600 exceptional health-care students from across the nation competed in California June 20—25. Washburn placed second in dental assisting and Vargas placed first in administrative medical assisting at the competition. They are the first in their families to attend college.
Washburn and Vargas began their competitions the morning of June 21 with a 50-question comprehensive written exam composed of front-office procedures as well as clinical procedures that had to be completed in one hour. They qualified for the second part of the competition.
The next morning, they were sent to different colleges to perform the clinical portion of their competitions. Washburn placed in the top 10 in dental assisting, and Vargas placed third in administrative medical assisting.
"This was the first time I have ever attended the National HOSA Convention. I was really impressed with the way things were done, as well as the number of students that competed. The ages of the students varied from high school to adults. Seeing them all dressed nice and studying while waiting was very impressive," said Sheri McPhee, instructor of medical office administration.
"The convention's opening and closing ceremonies were amazing. They left you feeling like you can accomplish anything if you just put your mind to it. The best part of the conference was spending time with Lauren and Mallory. Watching them succeed and doing well is very rewarding to me."