04/22/2026
🏥✨ Cochise County Students Shine at the 2026 Arizona HOSA State Leadership Conference ✨🏥
More than 2,300 students from across Arizona converged in Tucson earlier this month for the 2026 Arizona HOSA State Leadership Conference (April 9–11 at the Tucson Convention Center)—a high‑energy, high‑stakes event featuring 90+ competitive health science events designed to test real‑world clinical skills, professionalism, and leadership. 🌵đź§
Among them were students from Cochise County, who once again proved that rural programs can compete with the best in the state.
👏 A huge congratulations to Celeste Dominguez, who placed in the top five statewide in the highly competitive Patient Care Technician (PCT) event. While only the top three advance to the International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this June, Celeste’s finish represents a major achievement in one of HOSA’s most rigorous, hands‑on competitions—one that mirrors the realities of today’s patient‑care workforce. This is a win for Celeste, for her program, and for Cochise County. 💪🩺
🏆 We’re also celebrating an outstanding achievement from Benson, where a PCT student earned 1st place in the HOSA Bowl competition. Though she competed as part of the Benson High School HOSA chapter, her success further highlights the depth of talent being developed right here in Cochise County—and the power of strong health‑career pathways across our communities. 🎉📚
These accomplishments don’t happen in isolation. They are the direct result of dedicated instruction, clinical mentorship, and strong regional partnerships.
💙 Special recognition goes to Lila Tenniswood, Willcox’s PCT Instructor and a Registered Nurse with Northern Cochise Community Hospital (NCCH). Her commitment to excellence, real‑world training, and student mentorship continues to set the bar for health science education in rural Arizona.
🤝 Just as important is the ongoing partnership between the Cochise Technology District, TMC, and Northern Cochise Community Hospital. Together, these organizations create the infrastructure, access, and clinical relevance that make opportunities like HOSA possible—and sustainable—for students across Cochise County. This collaboration is the reason programs like PCT don’t just exist here, but continue to grow, compete, and succeed.
The future of healthcare is being built right now—and it’s happening in Cochise County. 🌟
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