‘24
Over the last few months, several new clubs have popped up around the school, ranging in topics. Many students have taken an interest in founding their own clubs to explore their interests. Joining clubs and participating in community events is an important way for students to connect with others interested in pursuing similar futures.
The Science Club, consisting primarily of a HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America, now known as Future Health Professionals) chapter, is one of the newest clubs at Indian Hills. It was founded by James Sabino in the spring of last year. “I have always wanted to create a healthcare-related club at Indian Hills,” Sabino explains, “Founding HOSA was about creating a space where like-minded students could grow and explore their passions in the medical field together. I learned about HOSA at the beginning of last year while scrolling on Instagram Reels. I fell in love with the idea as soon as I saw it.”
Natalie Portnoy, community service officer and UPSMR junior, describes the club: “To put it simply, HOSA is the medical version of DECA. We participate in regional and state competitions covering a wide range of medical topics, including dentistry, behavioral health, terminology, and much more.” HOSA is frequently compared to DECA due to its similarities in competition style. There are multiple levels of the competition, including regionals, states, and nationals. Sabino elaborates, “As for preparing for the regional and state competitions, we will be hosting study sessions one or two times per week. One can choose from an individual or team event, so most of the success is left to the members studying on their own or preparing with their team.”
HOSA is about more than just the competition. “I would describe HOSA as an international student organization dedicated to empowering future health professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience,” Sabino adds, “My vision is to see our HOSA chapter become a cornerstone of Indian Hills, where students are not only prepared for healthcare careers but are also leaders in promoting health and wellness within our community.” The U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE endorses HOSA and its mission to “learn, lead, serve, and innovate.”
HOSA offers students a glimpse into the current healthcare field: “HOSA is especially unique because it is more than just a club; it’s a gateway into real-world experiences in healthcare,” Sabino explains, “It offers hands-on opportunities, networking with professionals, and a glimpse into a variety of medical careers, which isn’t typical in a high school setting.” Students of any background are able to join HOSA and get involved in this experience.
Sabino is excited about the future of the club. “Honestly, the enthusiasm and dedication of our members are among my favorite aspects so far. Their eagerness to engage, and learn, and their passion for healthcare are incredibly inspiring,” he says. Sabino credits the club’s success to Ms. Murphy: “[…] a special mention must go to Ms. Murphy, our advisor, who is truly the driving force behind our success. Her efforts extend far beyond the club meetings; from connecting with other HOSA advisors and the state advisor to ensuring our chapter’s official affiliation. […] She is, without a doubt, an exceptional advisor whose dedication is unparalleled. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide on this journey.” Mentorship from staff and professionals in the field is key to founding a successful club.
Donate Life is another club that was founded this year. “I was inspired to bring this club to Hills after experiencing my grandma go through [Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis], a disease that affects the function of your lungs, requiring the need of a new lung. Other officers in the club also share similar stories and are passionate about this topic,” says Suhani Parekh. Sophomore health classes listened to a presentation from the NJ Sharing Network, a nonprofit organization that helps with the recovery and placement of donated organs.
Members of Donate Life can expect to “[…] come to have fun. We will usually start by presenting the next event we will be volunteering at, and then answering any questions. We want our members to feel comfortable and heard.” during club meetings, explains Parekh. “[…] our main goal is to spread awareness, support families of donors, and honor the people who have generously donated something,” Parekh adds. The club held their first meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Students interested in getting involved should contact Nehali Reddy or Suhani Parekh.
Joining Donate Life and getting involved in events is a way to gain community service hours. “We will be participating at several different events a month (5k’s, marathons, blood drives, etc). It is also a great way to show college applications that you are involved with your community, no matter how much or how little you participate,” says Parekh.
Students typically join clubs to further their knowledge in an area that they want to pursue in their careers after high school. “Because HOSA allows me to learn more about topics I am very passionate about, I think it will help me prepare for the future. It also will let me explore different career options,” Portnoy explains. Sabino also values the opportunities that HOSA has brought him: “HOSA is a stepping stone into my future career in medicine. It’s not just about the knowledge gained, but also about developing the essential skills of leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking, which are vital in a healthcare setting.”
Though the school year is almost halfway through, there’s still time to join clubs. Clubs provide learning experiences, community, and service opportunities. New clubs can be established by finding a club advisor and reaching out to Mr. Duncan, the Director of Athletics and Activities, in the case that no club pertaining to a certain interest exists yet. With new clubs come new opportunities.
