February 17, 2010 - Alvin, Texas – Twenty-three members of the Alvin and Manvel High School Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) chapters won honors in the Area 6 competition held February 12-13 at Deer Park High School in Deer Park, TX. Thirteen members will move on to statewide competition to be held April 15-17 in Houston. Students compete in a variety of events including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) skills, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Partnership, and poster presentations.

Matthew Lawhorn of Alvin High School was elected Area 6 President.

Michelle Liaw and Justin Agno of Manvel High School placed first in CERT competition, which tests the student’s ability to deal with emergencies including Triage, and Disaster Medical Operations. “Your kids did a great job. Alvin ISD should be proud of them and the level of skills they exhibited”, said Shawn Henners, MRC Coordinator for Harris County who judged the CERT competition.

Matthew Lawhorn, Jessica Wilson, Joseph Earl, Alyssa Nelson, and Kaitlyn Jenkins took First Place in the MRC Partnership competition. These students presented their project that documented how their chapter is working with the Brazoria County Medical Reserve Corps to address the Surgeon General’s Priorities for Public Health.

The HOSA students trained for this event through a partnership with Homeland Preparedness Project and the Brazoria County Citizen Corps. “These kids worked hard to hone their skills for this competition, but more importantly the skills they are learning can save lives”, according to Bill Ray, Executive Director of Homeland Preparedness Project, a local non-profit that works with communities to prepare citizens to take care of themselves, their families, and their neighbors during emergencies and disasters.

“Everyone should learn these skills. It might mean the difference between life and death for someone in your family”, said Ray. CERT and MRC classes are offered free of charge throughout the County. Visit the calendar at homelandpreparedness.org for a complete list of upcoming training.