Fort Worth Students Place Third in the World at HOSA International Leadership Conference

Two Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth students placed third in the world in the CPR/First Aid competitive event at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference, earning the school's highest finish ever at the international competition.

Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth first qualified students for the HOSA International Leadership Conference two years ago. This year, Emily N. and Hely S. earned the school's first international placement and highest finish to date. Official results are available on HOSA’s Competitive Event Winners page.

The students reached the international stage after advancing through multiple levels of competition, including online testing, area and state contests, and written and hands-on evaluations. The conference, held June 16 through 20 in Indianapolis, brought together approximately 16,000 students, advisors, and healthcare professionals from all 50 states and several countries and territories.

The CPR/First Aid event measures students' ability to apply emergency response knowledge through written exams and realistic, timed skills scenarios. Success requires both technical accuracy and the ability to perform under pressure.

Over the past two years, Emily and Hely spent hours after school practicing while balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and leadership responsibilities. Hely S. served as the chapter's president for two years, while Emily N. served as vice president, mentoring younger members and helping strengthen the school's HOSA chapter.

"Watching Emily and Hely stand among the top competitors in the world and hearing their names called for third place was incredibly emotional," said David Dogan, biomedical science teacher and HOSA advisor at Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth. "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."

Their international finish reflected not only months of preparation but also the confidence and teamwork they developed while competing together.

"What impressed me most was how calm they stayed," Dogan said. "They trusted each other, stayed focused, and performed with remarkable precision."

HOSA provides students with opportunities to develop healthcare knowledge, technical skills, leadership experience, and professionalism through competitive events that reflect real-world careers. Emily and Hely's achievement reflects the impact of that preparation.

Hely S. plans to pursue a nursing degree after graduation and will return to the school as an intern supporting its biomedical science program. Together, Emily and Hely have raised expectations for what future Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth HOSA students can achieve.

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: harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.