HOSA Spotlights
Whether you are are an alumnus of South Dakota HOSA or doing creative things in your chapter; we want people to know!
Tiah Holzbauer
When were you in HOSA?
I was in HOSA throughout high school and graduated in 2021.
What chapter?
Parkston HOSA
Where did you go to college?
Mitchell Technical College
What was your major?
Nursing
What advice would you give HS students in HOSA today?
I would tell them to take advantage of every opportunity that HOSA gives you even if it feels intimidating at first. I think the best thing to do is step out of your comfort zone because these experiences often teach you the most and help you grow.
How did HOSA help you get to where you are today?
I would say that HOSA gave me exposure to healthcare and showed me how rewarding it is to be part of a team that cares for others. It helped build confidence, communication, and leadership that I now use every day as a nurse.
What are you doing now?
I recently graduated with my LPN degree from Mitchell Tech in August 2025 and am currently working as an LPN at the Parkston Hospital. I am also continuing my education, working towards my RN degree.
Lucas Moller
When were you in HOSA?
2020-21
What chapter?
Mitchell High School
Where do/did you go to college?
University of South Dakota
What is/was your major?
Medical Biology.
What advice would you give HS students in HOSA today?
Some advice I would give to current high school students in HOSA would be to participate in as much as you can. There are a lot of different activities that HOSA provides that will help you as you transition from high school to higher education of any sort!
How did HOSA help you get to where you are today?
HOSA helped me get to where I am at today by sparking my interest in the medical sciences. Participating at state HOSA was one of the highlights of my senior year and it helped guide me down the path of medicine.
What are you doing now?
I am a current 1st year medical student at the Sanford School of Medicine and undecided on what specialty I want to go into.
Lauren Sparks
When were you in HOSA?
I was in HOSA my freshman through senior year, 2017-2021, serving at the Vice President and President
What chapter?
Mitchell High School
Where do/did you go to college?
Mitchell High School
What is/was your major?
Nursing
What advice would you give HS students in HOSA today?
Be involved and engaged, there are so many resources out there for networking and opportunities to seek from HOSA events
How did HOSA help you get to where you are today?
HOSA showed me all the opportunities healthcare careers hold and how to find the best career path for myself
What are you doing now?
I am a registered nurse working on a neurology intensive care unit
Marisa Morris
When were you in HOSA?
I was a member of HOSA from 2013-2017.​
Did you hold a State Officer position? If so, which one.
I served as President-Elect, then President of South Dakota HOSA.
What chapter?
I also served as President of Harrisburg HOSA.
Where do/did you go to college?
I did my undergrad at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and am currently in grad school at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
What is/was your major?
My bachelors was in Law, Politics, and Society, and English. My masters will be in Education Policy.
What advice would you give HS students in HOSA today?
The memories I made by going to nationals have stuck with me into my adulthood. I remember feeling so exhilarated being surrounded by people who were interested in the same things as me. Meeting students from around the country was a blast, and getting to represent my state there was such an honor (plus, trading pins was super fun!). Be proud of where you're from and find ways to connect with people from different places. You never know when you'll overlap down the road.
How did HOSA help you get to where you are today?
When I started college, I was studying biology and psychology. Although I pivoted away from healthcare in my career, the professional skills, connections, and leadership opportunities I gained through HOSA have set me up for success. The speech and debate events I did in HOSA directly connect to the work I do today and gave me confidence in myself as a speaker and communicator.
What are you doing now?
I work at a public affairs agency helping cities and school districts fund projects, informing voters about ballot initiatives, and providing strategic communications to organizations and companies. Before this, I worked in state government relations, advocating for our clients to legislators and government entities. I am loving life in Minneapolis and love visiting my family back in South Dakota!
Madi Thue
​When were you in HOSA?
2018-2021. Three years
What chapter?
Milbank High School-I was HOSA President my senior year
Where did you go to college?
South Dakota State University
What was your major?
Nursing
What advice would you give HS students in HOSA today?
My advice to current HS students in HOSA is to find something you are passionate or curious about and challenge yourself to learn more. An important aspect of working in healthcare is to grow everyday by being willing and eager to expand your knowledge and understanding.
How did HOSA help you get to where you are today?
HOSA gave me the opportunity to explore the healthcare field, be a leader, and practice public speaking and professionalism. HOSA also opened my eyes to how I could be an advocate for individual and community healthcare. I use the skills and values HOSA taught me everyday in my career and for that I am very grateful.
What are you doing now?
I am now a registered nurse at the Milbank Area Hospital. Rural medicine is a very rewarding career path, and I love my job!
Emily Eisenbraun
​When were you in HOSA?
2018-2019, my senior year of high school
What chapter?
Rapid City Central High School
Where did you go to college?
University of South Dakota
What was your major?
Medical Biology
What advice would you give HS students in HOSA today?
Congrats on everything you have accomplished so far! It is great that you are already interested in healthcare. My biggest advice is to aim for your dream career field and make sure to check out all the opportunities in South Dakota. Going to USD, I felt very prepared for medical school in South Dakota. Being in South Dakota for medical school, I feel very prepared to apply competitive residencies. We have many great opportunities here!
How did HOSA help you get to where you are today?
HOSA showed me all the different career paths in medicine and connected me with other students across the state.
What are you doing now?
I am a 3rd year medical student at the Sanford School of Medicine. I will apply to residency Fall of 2026 in either OB/GYN, pediatrics, or dermatology.