For the third consecutive year, Brownwood High School HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) students competed at the National HOSA Convention. This year, BHS students, Garrett Barnum, Sherlyn Hogue, Danna Robertson and Marissa Blincoe joined BHS HOSA sponsors Annalyn Deen and Ann Tew at the convention which was held June 25th through 29th in Orlando, Florida.

Four students qualified for this year’s National competition by placing in the top 3 at the State HOSA Convention in April.

Garrett Barnum, Brownwood High School senior, competed in the Health Care Issues exam at District, State and ultimately, at the National level where he placed in the final fifty students, earning him a place on the National stage and the honor of obtaining Mastery Level of the Health Care Issues Exam.

With each exam leading up to Nationals, Barnum placed in the top 10% which enabled him to compete at the next level. Each state sent their top 10% to compete in one final test, with approximately 300 students.

Barnum’s national recognition has made Brownwood HOSA history as he is the first Brownwood student to walk across the National HOSA stage.

Garrett began his high school career by becoming a founding member of the first Brownwood HOSA chapter in 2010. He has served the local chapter in several roles and competed in different medical events each year.

“We are extremely proud of Garrett’s accomplishment and all he has meant to our local HOSA chapter,” stated BHS Health Science teacher, Ann Tew.

Also competing on the National level were, BHS juniors, Sherlyn Hogue and Danna Robertson, competing in Researched Persuasive Speaking and Life Support Skills respectively. Marissa Blincoe, the first in Brownwood HOSA history to pass her exam and advance to the skills round of Dental Science at the State competition, assisted BHS Health Science teacher Annalyn Deen, who served as Event Manager for the National Dental Science competition.

“Overall this was an outstanding trip,” stated Deen. “Our students continue to broaden their horizons.”

Pictured at top: (left to right) Annalyn Deen, Garrett Barnum, and Ann Tew pose for a photo after Garrett received his mastery level certificate in Health Care Issues Exam.

Above: (Left to right) Sherlyn Hogue, Annalyn Deen, Garrett Barnum, Ann Tew, Marissa Blincoe, Danna Robertson.