International Gold Medalist

Several Newark Charter students earned the privilege of being among some 100 Delaware students to compete at the HOSA-Future Health Professionals International Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida this June. The students in the school’s Biotechnology Program competed in events focused on health science, health professions, emergency preparedness, and healthcare-related leadership and teamwork events. With over 10,000 in attendance, junior Caroline Kelly won the Gold Medal, the only first place finish for Delaware, in the Prepared Speaking event.“Going into this competition I was very nervous.” admitted Caroline. “Not only because it was my first time competing, but also my school’s first time. I wanted to positively represent Newark Charter School,” she said.The focal point of Caroline’s speech originated with her decision to start volunteering two years ago at Exceptional Care for Children. “Each evening as I walked out of their doors, I was becoming more and more fulfilled,” she explained. “I was learning more about who I was and discovering my passions,” she shared.Melanie Mundell, biotechnology teacher and HOSA advisor said, “I strongly believe that these national and international competition experiences are amazing opportunities that have motivational and life changing consequences for students. They get to meet and compete against outstanding, talented students from all over the country, as well as from other countries,” she said.This experience helps students connect what they are learning in their classes to real world opportunities - something that may someday benefit them in the health care workforce.Mrs. Mundell said she is proud of the students who qualified for the Internationals. “After attending the event for the first time and seeing the number of competitors representing their area’s best, I am in awe of Caroline Kelly’s success at capturing a gold medal,” she said.Next year’s HOSA International Leadership Conference is in Dallas. Mrs. Mundell and her Biotechnology students are motivated and eager to earn another trip to represent the school and the First state in 2018!