Submitted photoHOSA students wait before beginning their Practice Test sessions at MCC Saturday.

Approximately 752 high school students from 30 school districts in central Mississippi competed in a myriad of health competitions at Meridian Community College Saturday during the annual Central District Health Occupation Students of America Competition.

HOSA, or Health Occupations Students of America, is a national association composed of 87,000 members. Winners at the Central District competition at MCC will advance to the state competition in Jackson in March 22-24, and then to the national competition in early summer.

“Hosting the Central District competition is particularly exciting,” said Dr. Richie McAlister, MCC associate vice president for workforce education. “It’s great to see the young professionals have a platform to showcase their skills and get the opportunity to compete with their fellow students.”

 Students competed in events ranging from Extemporaneous Health Poster to practice tests of Epidemiology to Creative Problem Solving to Nursing Assisting to Dental Science to Forensic Medicine. The seven-hour conference not only included the competition, but also highlighted an opening session that included an address by MCC President Dr. Scott Elliott and a presentation by Dimensions, the College’s dance and vocal show group.