On Friday, March 1, Hannibal-LaGrange University hosted three area technical schools for a high school nursing competition. Students from 10 high schools competed in a quiz bowl and with hands-on nursing skills. About 70 students and sponsors were in attendance. When asked why this competition was started at HLGU, Will Stuflick, HLGU VP of Business and Finance, said, “HLGU continues to be a leader preparing nurses in the tri-state area. With the current shortage of nurses, it is important to highlight what is available here at home.”
After competing for several hours, the top two teams, one from Hannibal Career and Technical Center (HCTC) and another from Macon Tech, went head to head with critical thinking questions. Team #2 from HCTC took home the grand prize which included a traveling trophy and a $500 scholarship to HLGU for each student. The winning team from HCTC consisted of Jaelyn Chandler, Rylea Wiebold, and Jenna McVeigh from Palmyra High School and Logan Gosney from Monroe City High School led by Lisa Carroll. Dr. Virginia Wolgemuth, Director of the Craigmiles School of Nursing at HLGU says, “All the students who participated were energetic, passionate, and eager to win.”
Along with competing, students had time to visit with representatives from sponsors and other businesses during a career fair. Students also heard a passionate message from Karmon Kindhart, VP of Nursing at Hannibal Regional Healthcare System. Students were encouraged that the future work they will do as nurses will be important work and have a lasting impact on the people they come in contact with. Along the lines of Nurse Kindhart’s keynote, Dr. Robert Matz, President of HLGU, says, “Nurses are everyday heroes. We’re proud to train them at HLGU and appreciate that so many of our graduates continue to use their knowledge for service in our communities.”
The event was made possible with generous donations from sponsors. Baptist Homes Healthcare Ministries and Hannibal Regional Healthcare System were Platinum sponsors who funded student scholarships and the main stage presentations. Mark Twain Behavioral Health and Blessing Health System were Gold sponsors who provided lunch and the practical skills competition rooms. Luther Manor and Quincy Medical Group were Silver sponsors who helped cover transportation costs for the schools. The HLGU High School Nursing competition was a widely supported community event. Dr. Wolgemuth stated, “The event went well for the 1st annual, and we’re looking forward to growing the event and seeing more students participate in future years.”