There’s a place for every Vandal to connect, serve, explore and belong — and through our Find Your Place Friday series, Van ISD is highlighting the many opportunities available for students to discover where their interests and talents can take them.
This week, we’re spotlighting HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) at Van High School, a growing student organization for Vandals interested in healthcare and medical careers.
HOSA–Future Health Professionals gives aspiring healthcare professionals opportunities to expand what they are learning in the classroom through leadership, competition, service, career exploration and hands-on experiences.
Established at Van High School in 2023, HOSA is sponsored by Mary Ann Garrett, RN, and Ashley Caffey, RN, who work alongside students in Van ISD's Health Science pathway. The program is part of the district's Career and Technical Education program, led by CTE Director Jason Rose.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
For VHS HOSA members, exploring a future in healthcare means getting outside the classroom and experiencing the possibilities firsthand.
In March 2026, students visited The University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College, where they toured nursing facilities and healthcare program buildings. Students explored different career paths in the medical field while also learning about program admission requirements and steps they can begin taking in high school to prepare for their future goals.
HOSA members have also visited the Perot Museum, where they explored the life sciences floor and participated in a sheep heart dissection — putting classroom knowledge into practice through a memorable, hands-on experience.
Students also have opportunities to participate in HOSA competitions, where they can test their knowledge and skills while developing leadership, teamwork and confidence. Competition can also provide students with opportunities to earn college scholarships.
Serving Others
While HOSA is helping students prepare for their own futures, members are also learning the importance of using their skills to serve others.
In 2025, members partnered with the Van Soccer Association to give back to the community by repainting soccer goals and revitalizing trash cans.
They have also prepared holiday care packages for residents at Van Healthcare and volunteered with younger Vandals at J.E. Rhodes Elementary, where they helped students learn about human body systems through fun, hands-on activities.
Those experiences allow students to practice something that will be important no matter which healthcare profession they eventually pursue: caring for and serving people.
Leading HOSA This Year
Helping lead VHS HOSA for the 2026–2027 school year are:
President: Shawna Story
Vice President: Mayzi Rhoan
Secretary: Baylee Lenox
Historian: Emma Duncan
Reporter: Abby Osborne
Treasurer: James Johnson
HOSA members are already preparing for opportunities this school year, including hosting the CHRISTUS RISE UP event on September 17.
Finding Their Future
Van ISD's Health Science pathway is filled with future-focused courses and opportunities designed to help students interested in healthcare begin exploring their options before they ever leave high school.
Through classroom instruction, HOSA, college visits, competitions, community service and hands-on experiences, students can begin answering some big questions: Is healthcare right for me? What area interests me? What education will I need? What can I do now to prepare?
For students who see themselves someday caring for patients, working in a pharmacy, becoming a nurse or pursuing one of the many other careers available in healthcare, HOSA may be the place where that future begins to take shape.
At Van ISD, there are so many ways to get involved.
Find your interest. Find your people. Find your place.
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