From Members to Judges: Alumni Giving Back to Michigan HOSA
- Michigan Health Council
- a few seconds ago
- 2 min read
Michigan HOSA’s competitive events require judges to help recognize the best of the best among Michigan’s health science students. With over 9,000 members (and counting), Michigan HOSA hosts a total of eleven regional and state-level conferences so that every student has an opportunity to compete. And with so many conferences, judges are vital to their success.
Many HOSA alumni enjoy giving back to the organization by volunteering as judges for HOSA conferences. Learn more about three individuals who have shared their experiences below.
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Meet Jenna Bullis, a Physical Therapy Technician and Michigan HOSA alum. In her current healthcare role, she flexes the leadership skills she developed as a HOSA student by training new employees. Jenna credits HOSA with helping her become who she is today – “confident in their abilities to handle real-world problems.”
Jenna has been volunteering with HOSA for 4 years, often as a judge for the Biomedical Debate event. She recommends volunteering with HOSA. “It gives you a sense of accomplishment, and there is a role for everyone! You are helping young minds grow and learn what the future of the health field looks like!”
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Meet Abby Petterson, a Registered Nurse and a Michigan HOSA alum. Abby initially got involved with Michigan HOSA because her mom was a HOSA advisor. She started volunteering with HOSA when she was only eight years old, as a simulated patient for student competitors to demonstrate their skills. Once Abby got to middle school, she began competing and even served as a state officer during her senior year of high school.
Abby is still involved with HOSA today, volunteering for at least 2 conferences a year to judge or serve as an event manager. She plans to continue her involvement. “Without HOSA…I wouldn’t have been as confident in pursuing my career choice as an RN.”
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Meet Logan Coopersmith, a Critical Care Paramedic, a CBRNE instructor, and a Michigan HOSA alum. He says HOSA provided him with a strong foundation for his career as a student. And now, as an emergency medical responder, Logan is inspired by the enthusiasm and passion of HOSA students competing in events related to his field, like Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Basic Life Support, and EMT.
Logan has volunteered with HOSA since 2023 and recounts many highlights of the job, from simply observing students support one another while serving as a judge to reconnecting with his former HOSA instructors. He recommends it “to anyone who wants to give back to the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
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We are currently seeking volunteers for our State Leadership Conference on April 16-17, 2026, in Acme, Michigan. Please fill out the judge volunteer form at michiganhosa.org/judge if you are interested.