HOSA members proudly show their care baskets for Cancer Patients at UNC Lenoir Cancer Center.

Seeking to expand opportunities for GEC students, biology teacher, Shontia Blount, chartered HOSA at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Health Science Education Division of ACTE, HOSA, Future, Health Professionals, is a national student organization. HOSA's two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, it is the largest student organization that prepares students to enter the healthcare field. It has a membership of 200,000 in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, China, South Korea, and Mexico. Twenty-two GEC students eagerly embraced this organization and its mission.

Following its first fund-raising project and the observance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the members of the newly formed club made small goody bags, tied with a pink ribbon and included a breast cancer fact to spread awareness to distribute among GEC student body. In addition, HOSA members created care baskets for cancer patients at UNC Lenoir Hospital Cancer Center in Kinston. The Cancer Center responded by saying, “A huge thank you goes to the HOSA students at Greene Early College High School! These students made {gift} baskets for our breast cancer patients currently undergoing treatment. Each basket was filled with items filled with comfort and we know they will put a smile on our patients’ faces! So much time and effort was put in to this project and we are so thankful they thought of us.”

Future projects for GEC HOSA include participation/volunteering in the Color Run/Walk which is hosted by the UNC Lenoir Cancer Center and Kinston Community Health Center on November 5th. The club is currently raising funds as they prepare for HOSA week(November 6-12). Its members are also preparing for its very first convention on November 19th where 5 members will be competing against other HOSA chapters in the Southeast region. One major goal for the members is for all members to receive CPR training and become certified. According to organizer and adviser, Ms, Blount, its membership is currently raising money to allow attendance and participation at other HOSA conventions throughout the academic year.