Capital High School’s (CHS) HOSA – Future Health Professionals students returned from their State Leadership Conference on cloud nine after an incredibly successful three days of competition and leadership recognition.
HOSA – Future Health Professionals is a national student-led organization that provides students with opportunities to explore careers in healthcare beyond required coursework and work-based learning experiences. The CHS chapter, chartered in 2012, is one of the largest competing teams in the state, with approximately 86 affiliated student members.
CHS HOSA earned numerous medals and finalist placements, including three seniors who took first place in their respective events. In addition, the team brought home the state Spirit Stick, recognizing their enthusiasm and strong chapter presence throughout the conference.
Adding to the celebration, CHS HOSA Vice President Fernanda Ruiz was elected New Mexico HOSA State Executive President for the 2026–2027 school year by 71 delegates representing chapters from across the state.
“This is an amazing honor and a very big deal. Fernanda is such an authentic and charismatic young woman. We are delighted that voting delegates from chapters across New Mexico recognized this and chose her to lead our state,” said Reid Burgess, CHS Medical Pathway Lead Teacher, Mentorship Coordinator, and HOSA Advisor. “We are so proud of these students for working so hard. Truly, I believe the future of healthcare is in great hands.”
Burgess also noted that Ruiz received special recognition from Howie Morales, New Mexico Lieutenant Governor, during the conference.
With their strong performance at the state level, CHS HOSA members will now advance to compete at the international level.
First Place Awards:
Briana Ramirez 12th Grade - Patient Care Technician
Jasmin Pena 12th Grade - Respiratory Therapy
Sana Sachdev 12th Grade - Clinical Specialty
Tiffany Cortes Herrera 10th - Healthy Living
Second Place Awards:
Maria Alcantara 11th Grade - Health Informatics
Lesly Cruz 11th Grade - Clinical Laboratory Science
Briseida Ramirez 11th Grade - Speaking Skills
Melanie Sosa 10th Grade - Medical Reading
Third Place Awards:
Daniela Almanza and Yamileth Fonseca 12th Grade - Public Health
Dafny Sagche Lopez 12th Grade - Patient Care Technician
Abigail Sandoval 11th Grade - Clinical Specialty
Finalists:
Fernanda Ruiz 11th Grade - Biomedical Equipment Technician
Marlene Garcia 11th Grade - Home Health Aide
Marlene Garcia 11th Grade - Job Seeking Skills
Jasmin Pena 12th Grade - Behavioral Health
Daniela Vasquez 10th Grade - Biotechnology
Emma Montano 11th Grade - Biotechnology
Erly Chavez and Nahum Enriquez 11th Grade - CERT Skills
Aileen Garcia, Vianey Garcia, and Aimee Salazar 9th Grade - Medical Innovation
Melanie Sosa 10th Grade - Researched Persuasive Writing
