Four HOSA students are standing on stage, holding their medals they won during the competition. They are standing in front of a HOSA picture backdrop.

Ben Franklin Career Center Students Shine at WV HOSA State Leadership Conference

Kanawha County Schools

March 16, 2026

Students from Ben Franklin Career Center had an outstanding showing at the West Virginia HOSA State Leadership Conference, held this week at Marshall University. Competing against students from across the state, Ben Franklin students earned several top finishes and design awards while representing their programs with professionalism and pride.

HOSA gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge, demonstrate healthcare skills, and develop leadership experience as they prepare for careers in the medical field.

A group of Ben Franklin students are posing for a picture in front of a brick wall during the state leadership conference in Huntington.

Several Ben Franklin students earned top honors in their events:

Honors Medical Assisting

  • Elijah Young – West Virginia HOSA T-Shirt Design Winner

  • Joshua Pridemore – 2nd Place, Medical Terminology

  • Emmah Halstead – 1st Place, Pathophysiology

  • Makayla Davis – 3rd Place, Health Career Photography

  • Callie Stevens-Siggers, Malita Holt, Laynie Stierwalt, Elizabeth Whitt – 3rd Place, Community Awareness

  • Lexi Hill, Abby Gardner, Carleigh Hull, Adyson Smith – 3rd Place, Public Health

  • Cameron Edwards – 1st Place, Interview Skills

Therapeutic Services

  • Caydance Thaxton – 1st Place, Life Support Skills

Medical Assisting

  • Brooklyn Barton – West Virginia HOSA State Pin Design Winner

Six HOSA students from Ben Franklin are posing for a picture in front of a Marshall University Sign.

Next Stop, Indianapolis

Students who qualified through their state-level performances will now advance to the HOSA International Leadership Conference, which will be held June 23–28, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. There, they’ll compete alongside students from across the country and around the world.

Ben Franklin staff say they are incredibly proud of the students who stepped up to compete and represent their programs.

Their success is also a reflection of the educators who help guide and prepare them, including advisors Ms. Holston, Ms. Nolen, and Ms. Amber, along with Mrs. Reynolds, who supported students as a chaperone during the conference.

Moments like this highlight the hands-on learning opportunities available through Kanawha County Schools’ career and technical education programs—and the bright future ahead for these students as they pursue careers in healthcare.

A HOSA student from Ben Franklin is posing for a picture on stage. She is holding up a medal in one hand and is holding onto a championship banner in another hand.