14 of West High’s Health Occupation Students of America members headed to Drake University to participate in the annual Iowa HOSA State Leadership Conference on April 6-7. The SLC allows HOSA members across Iowa to network while engaging in healthcare-focused learning opportunities. The conference started off with the opening ceremony, where Captain Khaleesha Williams, a United States Army Cadet Commander, gave the keynote address. Afterward, Waad Dafalla ’26 announced her run for Vice President of Community Service alongside five other candidates.

HOSA’s new club advisor, West biology and chemistry teacher Byron Butler, accompanied the team on their trip. This was Butler’s first SLC, and he was intrigued by all that was taking place. 

“Being new to HOSA, I did not know what to expect at the State Leadership Conference. While the weekend was chaotic, I enjoyed seeing our students compete and thrive against hundreds of students from across the state,” Butler said. “I was also impressed at the myriad of learning and leadership opportunities afforded them.”

On Sunday, students competed in their individual and group events and attended workshops in between. Aseel Matar ’26 attended one of these workshops and enjoyed how interactive the program was.

“I attended a workshop about epidemiology and infectious diseases,” Matar said. “They talked about the spread of diseases and how vaccines prevent it. We did an experiment that showed the impact of vaccines, and I thought that was fun. It was very hands-on, which was my favorite part.”

Shahd Suleiman ’26 attended a forensics workshop. The workshop focused on how to investigate a body during a criminal investigation. 

“They gave us a realistic body and asked us to explore the crime scene,” Suleiman said. “It taught me about forensic pathology, and I really enjoyed having the opportunity to discuss and engage with other HOSA members across the state.”

That afternoon, Endrit Ramku ’27, Erin Chen ’27, Cindy Chen ’27 and Veni Kotev ’26 displayed their anatomy skills as they partook in the Anatomage Tournament. The team of four placed second and guaranteed themselves a spot at the 2025 National Anatomage Tournament at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas this summer. 

“I really appreciate HOSA for expanding my opportunities in healthcare and furthering my career interest in medicine,” Ramku said. “I am excited to attend the National Anatomage tournament in Las Vegas with my team.”

After a long day of competing, members were given the opportunity to explore downtown Des Moines. Ellie Chen ’26 found it to be a fun way to unwind and prepare for the next day of activities. 

“I enjoyed spending time with the rest of the team because I don’t get to see them that often at school,” Chen said. “It was also a nice way to unwind from the busy day. Downtown Des Moines was lively and fun to explore with my teammates.”

The events of Sunday carried on to the next day as members continued competing and attending workshops. The conference concluded with a closing ceremony where the 2025-26 Iowa HOSA Executive Council was announced, with Dafalla winning the seat for Vice President of Community Service. 

“One of my favorite parts about HOSA is the fact that Waad is our president,” Matar said. “Last year, I wanted to do HOSA, but I just didn’t get the constant reminders to go to the meetings. However, I stepped up this year and signed up for more events than I probably would have, and I think it’s all thanks to Waad. When I found out that she was running for vice president, I thought to myself, nobody else deserves it more. HOSA would not have continued if it wasn’t for Waad.”