Fort Worth Graduate Places Third in the World at HOSA International Leadership Conference

Recent Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth graduate Emily N. is leaving high school with more than a diploma. After earning a third-place finish in the CPR/First Aid event at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference, she is preparing for a future as a physician assistant, inspired by years of hands-on learning, mentorship, and a passion for helping others.

Emily and teammate Hely S. earned Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth's highest-ever finish at HOSA's international competition after advancing through area and state contests.

For Emily, the achievement was the culmination of two years of preparation and confirmed the career path she first discovered in Harmony's science classrooms.

"What interests me most about healthcare is the ability to help people and those in need," Emily said. "This experience taught me to never give up, even when it seemed impossible. With hard work and dedication, you're capable of achieving more than you think."

Emily attended Harmony since sixth grade and credits her biology teacher, Mrs. Demirkiran, with sparking her interest in science, and biomedical science teacher and HOSA advisor David Dogan with helping prepare her for both competition and a future in healthcare.

"Watching Emily and Hely stand among the top competitors in the world and hearing their names called for third place was incredibly emotional," Dogan said. "It was a proud and rewarding moment because I knew firsthand the countless hours, sacrifices, and dedication they had invested over the past two years."

The HOSA International Leadership Conference brought together approximately 16,000 students, advisors, and healthcare professionals from all 50 states and several countries and territories. The CPR/First Aid event challenges students through written exams and realistic emergency response scenarios that test technical knowledge, teamwork, and performance under pressure.

Emily hopes her experience encourages other students to pursue healthcare careers and develop lifesaving skills.

"Being in HOSA taught me more than healthcare," she said. "It taught me that the journey made me stronger, and the hard work you put into something is always worth it."

Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with more than 60 campuses serving PreK-Grade 12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness.

Harmony Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year for both students and team members.

About Harmony Public Schools

Harmony Public Schools are 60+ high-performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.