Carson Middle School HOSA Chapter Makes History at 2026 International Leadership Conference

Eight students from the HOSA program at Carson Middle School (CMS) recently made history at the 2026 International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Indianapolis. CMS is one of the first middle schools in Colorado to open a HOSA chapter, and was the only middle school representing Colorado at ILC 2026.

HOSA promotes careers in the healthcare industry by providing students with hands-on experience, motivation, and leadership development.  Following months of rigorous study and preparation for both the State and International conferences, the first-year CMS team brought home impressive results:

Finalists:

• Liam S. & Grace N. - Top 10 in Dynamic Decisions (team event)

Round 2 Qualifiers:

• Martin D. - Life Threatening Situations
• Charlotte Ray M. - Foundations of Vet. Science
• Yunneedith M. - Health Career Preparation
• Liam S. & Grace N. - Dynamic Decisions

Other students who competed:

• Taysha K. -Foundations of Nutrition
• Dalila H. -Extemporaneous Health Poster
• Anabelle K. -Math for Health Careers

Behind the chapter's breakout debut is 8th-grade Science Teacher Caitlyn Harris, who serves as the CMS HOSA advisor. Bringing a degree in Anatomy and a background in medical research to the classroom, Harris proposed an elective medical course to school administrators four years ago. After gaining approval to teach the Medical Detectives curriculum through Project Lead the Way, she worked closely with Fountain-Fort Carson High School HOSA advisor Jessica Threadgill. It's a partnership that ultimately inspired her to launch the organization at the middle school level.

"I see the Middle School division of HOSA as a way for students to explore potential pathways, make connections, and experience high-level student organizations at work," said Ms. Harris. 

Some students already know exactly which branch of the medical field they want to work in. She has a future neurosurgeon, medical doctor, health informatics nurse, and veterinarian. Others are more generally interested in the field.

"Starting them in middle school can only help bolster them in high school and beyond," said Ms. Harris. 

With a successful first year, the focus now shifts toward sustainable growth.

"I hope to continue to build CMS's HOSA Chapter into a fully-fledged program that collaborates with the high school, and eventually other middle schools. I would also love to expand on the curriculum (in addition to Medical Detectives) so students get more opportunities to explore their options as well," said Ms. Harris.