March 11, 2026
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photo submitted
Barton Community College HOSA Future Health Professionals students competed recently in Wichita at the largest Kansas HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC) to date.
HOSA offers more than 107 competitive events, and students who place in the top three qualify for the International Leadership Conference (ILC) in June. The international competition brings together more than 14,000 students from seven countries, with the top three finishers in each event recognized on stage.
Barton HOSA sponsor and Director of the Medical Laboratory Technician program Karen Gunther said in addition to strong competition results, several Barton students were selected to serve in leadership roles during the conference as judges and event managers for multiple events. The Barton team has also been invited to help lead a Western Regional HOSA conference in Fall 2026.
“I’m always delighted to brag about these students, but my proudest moment this year came when the State HOSA advisor asked them to take on leadership roles as competitive event managers, judges, and event personnel," she said. "These roles require them to organize events, address concerns, serve as primary or secondary judges, and confidently interact with students, advisors, parents, and other HOSA personnel, all with professionalism and poise, and they still brought home the bling.”
Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said Barton’s HOSA students continue to demonstrate excellence in both competition and leadership.
“Their success reflects the outstanding work of the faculty in our healthcare programs and Karen Gunther, our HOSA advisor,” he said. “I'm so proud of the dedication these students bring to preparing not only for this competition, but also for careers that will serve our communities.”
Students placing at SLC and qualifying for the ILC in June include:
Valeria Gallardo, first place, Biotechnology; first place, Biomedical Equipment Technician; first place, Forensic Science Team.
Hannah Dapogny, first place, Clinical Nursing; first place, Pharmacology; first place, Forensic Science Team.
Haley McCormick, first place, Clinical Laboratory Science.
Kaden Baird, first place, Respiratory Therapy; first place, Occupational Safety and Health.
Aaron Deason, first place, Sports Medicine; second place, Nutrition.
Students qualifying will compete at the International Leadership Conference in June. The students will be fundraising to help cover travel expenses. Contact Gunther at guntherk@bartonccc.edu or (620) 786-1133 for more information on how to help.