The Volunteers Behind Michigan HOSA Competitions

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. 

Judges are adult volunteers who assess students’ knowledge and skills in a specific competitive event. You do not have to be an expert in your field to be qualified to judge – Michigan HOSA provides volunteers with rubrics that outline, step-by-step, how to judge competitors. All you really need to know to be a good judge is how to follow a rubric! 

Meet two outstanding individuals who choose to volunteer with HOSA below. 

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Robert (Bob) Mele is the academic coordinator of clinical education with the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Macomb Community College. A volunteer for over 25 years, Mele recognizes the importance of hands-on educational experiences to middle and high school students. Many of Bob’s PTA students have absorbed his mindset and also volunteer to judge at HOSA events. They are motivated and eager to engage with the competitors, even connecting with them after events. Mele most enjoys the collegiality and camaraderie among HOSA students and is consistently blown away by their professionalism and drive.

Marti VanEenenaam-Iwanicki (Marti Van-I for short) is the Michigan HOSA judge coordinator, a retired Athletic Trainer, and former Fraser High School HOSA advisor. She knows all the ins and outs of conferences and is an indispensable part of HOSA. According to Marti:

“Michigan HOSA volunteer judges, especially our industry professionals, provide authenticity and validity to our HOSA competitive events program. While performing skills or giving presentations in front of these judges may be a bit scary for students, the experience provides them a clear advantage for their future.” 

Besides the value volunteers bring to students, many volunteers also experience an added benefit. As Marti explains, “Volunteering with HOSA allows you a glimpse at the future and can give you a renewed sense of excitement. I always leave HOSA conferences (especially as a judge) energized, excited, and hopeful.”

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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.