Lowell A. Doringo, National President Hometown: Houston, TX Education: Graduated Cum Laude from Eisenhower High School in Houston, TX in 1997. Currently attends The University of Texas at Austin as a sophomore. Career Goal: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Birthday: June 24, 1979

What I like to do in my spare time: I like to watch movies, collect CDs, surf the Internet, and hang out currently with my friends and eat at IHOP!

HOSA Involvement: Served as local Chapter Historian and President of Eisenhower High School. Served as the Texas HOSA State Member-at-Large and State Secretary. Serve as The University of Texas at Austin local Chapter President. Won many awards, including: 1997 Texas HOSA Outstanding HOSA Member, National Recognition Program Recipient, Barbara James Service Award Recipient, 2nd Place National Winner in Parliamentary Procedure (1996), 3rd Place National Winner in Parliamentary Procedure (1997).

Favorite Quote: "Give me a place to stand, and I shall move the earth." -- Archimedes

If there were three characteristics in a box that would describe you, what would they be and why?

• Humorous: I believe that in every situation, a little humor goes a long way. A smile can brighten up any day, and there is no point in doing something unless you have fun and enjoy it.
• Goal Oriented: From HOSA to schoolwork, I always believe that you must set goals in order to accomplish anything. Goals are what keep one striving to get something finished, whether they be short or long term.
• Loyal: I'm always loyal to people and to my duties

Why I wanted to be a National Officer: The impact that I made when working with fellow officers on a local and state level gave me a sense of accomplishment and made me realize that I can actually make a difference in a t least one HOSA member's life. I wanted to take this dedication to the next level and make a difference in the lives of HOSA members across the nation. Also, starting out as a local Chapter member, I always saw the National Officers on a pedestal that I could never reach. I wanted to become a National Officer so that I could let the national membership know that we, as National Officers, aren't on a pedestal and that we're here for them and represent their views.

Tobi C. Blanchard, President-Elect Hometown: Bountiful, UT Education: Graduated from Bountiful High School in 1998. Currently attends the University of Utah. Career Goal: Cardiac Surgeon Birthday: July 23, 1980

What I like to do in my spare time: Ballroom dancing, playing the clarinet, cruising, hanging out with friends, watching "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman."

HOSA Involvement: Served as the Utah HOSA State Secretary, Bountiful High School Chapter Public Relations Officer. Fifth-Place winner in Medical Terminology at Utah HOSA State Conference.

Favorite Quote: "First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." --Epictetus

If there were three characteristics in a box that would describe you, what would they be and why?

• Structured: I like to have order and organization.
• Dependable: I work hard and get all my work done promptly and efficiently.
• Dedicated: When I find something I love, I place my goals and dreams accordingly. Then I make them happen.

Why I wanted to be a National Officer: When I was fifteen, I remember thinking, "I wish there was a club I could join for kids who want to go into medicine." It wasn't until a year later when I learned about HOSA. It was all that I hoped for and I jumped into full activity. HOSA has aided me in gaining confidence and knowledge to fulfill my dreams. I wanted to be a national officer so I can share this idea of importance of dreams and the reality of accomplishment.

Nicole Bell, Secondary Board Representative Hometown: Sapulpa, OK Education: Graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1998 and began Fall Semester at the University of Central Oklahoma. Career Goal: Plastic Surgeon Birthday: May 13, 1980

What I like to do in my spare time: Horseback riding, water skiing, soccer, tennis, and golf.

HOSA Involvement: Served as HOSA's local Chapter Vice President and President. Also served as the Oklahoma State Northeast Region Representative and later as State President.

Favorite Quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." --Eleanor Roosevelt

If there were three characteristics in a box that would describe you, what would they be and why?

• Enthusiastic: With a cheerleading background, I've leaned how to not only lighten a situation but make it fun for everybody. I'm usually the one in the background letting everyone know that they did a good job.
• Honesty: I believe that if you just tell the truth that only good can come out of it.
• Reliability: If you ever need somebody, I'll be there.

Why I wanted to be a National Officer: Over the past two years, HOSA has contributed a lot to my life. It has taught me how to be an effective leader, and has given me a chance to meet a lot of people. I wanted to become a National Officer in order to give back to HOSA what it has given to me. I hope to help increase HOSA's membership and to have the opportunity to help pothers experience what the organization has to offer.

Sunshine Smoot, Postsecondary/Collegiate Board Representative Hometown: Jackson, KY Education: Currently a sophomore at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Upon graduation, I plan to attend U of L's medical school, to which I have already been guaranteed entrance via the GEMS (Guaranteed Entrance to Medical School) program. Career Goal: Pediatrician Birthday: November 17, 1978

What I like to do in my spare time: Singing, dancing, reading a good book, watching movies, and hanging out with friends.

HOSA Involvement: Served as the Breathitt High School and U of L HOSA Chapter President and served as the Kentucky State Vice-President. Won first place in Prepared Speaking and third place in Medical Terminology at the Kentucky HOSA State Conference.

Favorite Quote: "Medicine, the only profession that labors incessantly to destroy the reason for its own existence." --James Bryce

If there were three characteristics in a box that would describe you, what would they be and why?

• Outgoing: I believe that as a leader, I should always take that extra step in all I do.
• Goal Oriented: Being goal oriented keeps you in the right frame of mind and on the right track so you can accomplish your goal with much success.
• Caring: To be an outstanding leader in HOSA, you have to care about your duties as an officer and about the members you represent.

Why I wanted to be a National Officer: I felt that HOSA Has helped me to grow as both an individual and as a leader. Consequently, I want to give back to the organization and its members, which have given me so much.

John McKenna, Region I Vice-President Hometown: Harlingen, TX Education: Graduated from the South Texas High School for Health Professions in Mercedes, TX in 1998. Currently attends Texas A&M University with a Biomedical Science major. Career Goal: Cardiologist Birthday: December 29, 1979

What I like to do in my spare time: In my spare time, I like to participate in various sports such as basketball and hockey.

HOSA Involvement: Served as South Texas High School for Health Professions Chapter 1335 Vice-President and the Texas HOSA State Vice-President. Also served on the Texas HOSA State Board of Directors. Won first place in Community Awareness on the state level and sixth place in Community Awareness on the national level.

Favorite Quote: "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." --James Dean

If there were three characteristics in a box that would describe you, what would they be and why?

• Responsible: I feel that whatever you do, you should be able to be held accountable for your conduct and your obligations.
• Involved: It's always important to have this characteristic because the more involved you are, the more successful you will be.
• Reliable: I've always felt that to be a truly good person, you must be able to be relied upon by those you work with.

Why I wanted to be a National Officer: I wanted to become a national officer because I want to provide leadership to an organization that has helped develop my medical and leadership skills. I feel as though I could continue to build the organization on a national level by helping to increase awareness about HOSA.

Brandon Barber, Region II Vice-President Hometown: Alamo, TN Education: Graduated from Crockett County High School in 1998 in Alamo, TN. Currently attends Union University. Career Goal: Orthopedic Surgeon Birthday: December 6, 1979

What I like to do in my spare time: Play golf, chess, basketball, and pool.

HOSA Involvement: Served as Committee President-Elect of Crockett County High School HOSA. Also won first place Regional and fourth place State in Knowledge Test-Pathophysiology.

Favorite Quote: "Success is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration." --Thomas Edison

If there were three characteristics in a box that would describe you, what would they be and why?

• Understanding: You have to be as understanding of others' faults as you want them to be of yours.
• Outspoken: I feel you must be able to communicate your ideas in any setting in order to contribute in whatever setting you're faced with.
• Humorous: I think you must be able to laugh and have fun anywhere you go, just so everything is not boring.

Why I wanted to be a National Officer: There are many reasons why I chose to run for office. HOSA is an organization that has opened up a number of doors for me and literally changed my life. It has given me the opportunity to do things and meet people that under normal circumstances would have eluded me. It has taken me from the Atlantic to the Pacific and many places in between. Being a member of the 1998-99 Executive Council gives me an opportunity to give back to this wonderful organization. I also knew this would be yet another opportunity that HOSA would allow me to grow as an individual. Luckily, I was blessed with supportive people behind me that helped me get as far as I am today.

Kyla Trimby, Region III Vice-President Hometown: Laconia, NH Education: Graduated from Laconia High School in Laconia, NH in 1988. Also attended the J. Oliva Huot Technical Center in Laconia, NH. Currently attends Simmons College in Boston, MA. Career Goal: Physical Therapist Birthday: February 16, 1980

What I like to do in my spare time: Play sports such as basketball, soccer, softball, and tennis, spend time with friends and be active in the community.

HOSA Involvement: Served as local Chapter President at Huot Technical Center HOSA. Also served as the State Vice-President of New Hampshire HOSA. She has also received National recognition for her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation (R).

Favorite Quote: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." --Winston Churchill

If there were three characteristics in a box that would describe you, what would they be and why?

• Responsibility: I feel that you must be responsible for all actions that you take and work that needs to be done.
• Compassion: It is necessary to have compassion and to care so that everything that you do is done to your best potential.
• Energy: In order to do anything, there must be some energy put into it, along with some fun.

Why I wanted to be a National Officer: I would like to give to HOSA what it has given to me. I would like to help the organization grow and involve as many people as possible.