UH-Hilo PSA team strikes gold at national competition

The University of Hawaii at Hilo turned in a championship performance at the 2015 Health Occupations Students of America National Leadership Conference hosted recently in Anaheim, Calif.

UH-Hilo sent two public service announcement teams to the conference, who were tasked with developing a 30-second PSA about “Concussion: Prevention and Recognition,” followed by a four-minute oral presentation that provides a synopsis of the PSA, explains the creative process of the project and how it can affect the target audience.

Claiming first place was Team B, composed of chapter president Lark Jason Canico, Shane Naeole and Taumata Tue Vaea (serving as an alternate from UH-Manoa). Team A — Ridge Cabaccang, Kelly Gani and Sheldon Cabudol — earned top 10 honors.

This year’s conference was the largest ever, with more than 8,550 members in attendance. Hawaii brought a total of 223 members, ranked second in the nation for most medals won in every competitive event, and won the most enthusiastic state award.

“A trip to Anaheim usually includes a visit to Disneyland,” said UH-Hilo faculty adviser Dr. Cecilia Mukai. “But I was more than happy to trade that visit for the chance to see both our teams finish in the top 10, with one capturing gold.”

Established in 1976 as Health Occupations Students of America, HOSA-Future Health Professionals now is an international organization.

HOSA was established in Hawaii in 2005 and has grown to more than 1,300 members. UH-Hilo’s membership is open to all majors/grade levels and Hawaii Community College students.

For more information, email hosa.uhhilo@gmail.com.