12-04-2025 4:42am

Alamogordo Tigers Shine at HOSA Regional Competition

Chris Edwards Editor

Continuing a history of excellence Alamogordo High School Tigers HOSA shines. 2925 Team at regional conference- HOSA AlamogordoTownNews.org

Alamogordo, NM — The HOSA–Future Health Professionals Regional Competition brought out the very best in our Alamo Tigers, who demonstrated skill, professionalism, and dedication across a wide range of health science and leadership events. Their outstanding performances have earned numerous students the opportunity to advance to the HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC), scheduled for April 9–11.

School officials and community members alike are celebrating the achievements of these students, whose hard work reflects the strength of Alamogordo’s academic and extracurricular programs. Special recognition is also extended to the dedicated advisors and coaches—Mrs. Darlene Mellen, Mr. Russel Hortilano, Mr. Pede Casing, Mrs. Mary Cajella, and Ms. Micaella Masayon—for their commitment to guiding and mentoring the Tigers.

Top Tier State Qualifiers

1st Place

• CERT Skills (Emergency Preparedness): William Shirk & Connor Snyder

• Epidemiology (Emergency Preparedness): Alijah Benitez

• Health Education (Teamwork Events): Iona Jaralve, Camillus Jose Nadal & Juinever Yaos

• Medical Innovation (Teamwork Events): Miguel Garza, Brennen Pannell, William Shirk & Vega Valadez

• Pharmacology (Health Science Related Events): Nickolas Starkovich

• World Health & Disparities (Health Science Related Events): William Copeland

2nd Place

• Biomedical Debate (Teamwork Events): Jonah Neussendorfer, Diego Ochoa, Emelia Solis & Parker Wade

• Biomedical Equipment Technician (Emergency Preparedness): William Shirk

• Emergency Medical Technician (Emergency Preparedness): Audrey Alaniz & Emily Grinder

• Health Career Display (Teamwork Events): Raylee Jennings & Savannah Joyner

• Health Career Photography (Leadership Events): Audrey Alaniz

• Health Informatics (Health Science Related Events): Harper Patteson

• Healthcare Administration (NEW): Amy Leal

• Medical Math (Health Science Related Events): Miguel Garza

• Veterinary Science (Health Professions Events): Lillie Lipscomb

3rd Place

• Behavioral Health (Health Science Related Events): Aliyah Sanchez

• Emergency Medical Technician (Emergency Preparedness): Iona Jaralve & Juinever Yaos

• Health Career Photography (Leadership Events): Emily Grinder

• Healthcare Administration (NEW): Aliyah Sanchez

• Human Growth & Development (Health Science Related Events): Aliyah Sanchez

• Medical Math (Health Science Related Events): Camillus Jose Nadal

• Medical Reading (Health Science Related Events): Juinever Yaos

• Nursing Assisting (Health Professions Events): Mia Wilson

• Surgical Technologist (Health Professions Events): Kaitlyn Lewis

Additional State Qualifiers

• Biomedical Equipment Technician: Aiden Knowles & William Copeland

• Clinical Laboratory Science: Bud Gringle

• CPR/First Aid (Team): Lola Carbajal & Diego Ochoa; Lalani Deleon & Gabrielle Acierto

• Dental Terminology: Aaliyah Chavez

• Epidemiology: Brayden Moncada & Madelyn Ramirez

• Forensic Science (Team): Kellie Caliguiro & Traviz Airalee; Nizhoni Castillo & Sheridan Jones

• Health Career Photography: Brayden Moncada

• Health Informatics: Jaden Ruiz

• Human Growth & Development: Natalie Zheng

• Medical Law & Ethics: Vega Valadez & Connor Snyder

• Medical Math: Amy Leal

• Medical Reading: Iona Jaralve & Gabrielle Acierto

• Medical Spelling: Lillianna Deal & Annabella Romero

• Medical Terminology: Kaitlyn Lewis, Nickolas Starkovich & Lilliana Deal

• Nutrition: Mia Wilson, Gabrielle Lawhorn & Cadence Medlin

• Pathophysiology: Gabriella Romo & Alijah Benitez

• Pharmacology: Audrey Alaniz

• Phlebotomy: Raylee Jennings

• Researched Persuasive Writing & Speaking: Lacy Hare

• Sports Medicine: Camillus Jose Nadal

• World Health & Disparities: Aiden Knowles

Historical Perspective

The Tigers’ success this year builds on a growing tradition of excellence. At last year’s HOSA National Conference, Alamogordo High School students advanced to the International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, after strong showings at the state level. Nine students placed in the top three statewide, earning national recognition and continuing Alamogordo’s reputation for producing leaders in health science education. Advisors emphasized that HOSA is more than competition—it is preparation for careers in healthcare, advocacy, and leadership, with alumni often moving into roles of civic and professional influence.

Congratulations to all our local HOSA Tigers—your success is a victory for Alamogordo!

Sources:

APS HOSA

2nd Life Media APS Student Successes HOSA on the Road to Nationals – 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News (2025 coverage of 2024–2025 HOSA achievements).