West Orange High HOSA Chapter attends state leadership conference

Three of the seven Warriors had incredible performances at the four-day conference.

By Megan Bruinsma
| 11:43 a.m. April 21, 2026

Observer School Zone

West Orange High School's Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Chapter attended the State Leadership Conference at the Marriott World Center Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 19.

The four-day conference brought more than 4,000 students from across Florida to compete, connect and network. It was an opportunity for West Orange's seven students to compete in health science events and see their future health care careers.

Three of the Warriors had standout performances. Aleah Nazario placed in the top 16 for sports medicine. Samantha Matos placed in fourth in the state for prepared speaking.

Mia Gordon placed second in the state for family medicine physician. Since Gordon placed in the top three, she qualified for the International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis Wednesday, June 17, and Sunday, June 21.

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Megan Bruinsma

Megan Bruinsma is a staff writer for the Observer. She recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University and discovered her passion for journalism there. In her free time, she loves watching sports, exploring outdoors and baking.