ISRC at Illinois HOSA State Conference

Thursday, March 19th, 2026 the ISRC was invited to participate in the Illinois HOSA
State Conference. Lori Badgley and Kristin King-Whiteside from chapter 5, Alyssa
Sichrovsky from chapter 2, and several chapter 5 students (Melissa Klekamp, Delia
Isquierdo, Maggie Wood, Laniese Robinson, Paige Weatherford, Kali Robinson, Kaylie
Renwick, and Mallory Picco) represented the respiratory care profession to high school
students across the state.

Participants were welcomed to an ISRC table complete with hands-on activities
representing the respiratory care profession. Participants were taught and able to
practice the skill of infant intubation, auscultation and identifying breath sounds,
ventilation of healthy lungs, and seeing the effects cigarette smoking has on the lungs.

The ISRC was invited to speak to interested participants regarding the respiratory
profession. There were 30 participants in attendance, and Lori Badgley spoke about
how to prepare for the profession, types of available programs in Illinois, characteristics
needed to be a respiratory therapist, and the vast roles we play in the healthcare team.

This year, the respiratory care skills competition heated up with over 20 participants. All
students completed 2 respiratory skills judged by Lori Badgley and Alyssa Sichrovsky
and chapter 5 student, Kaylie Renwick volunteered as our patient. We treated each
participant to a respiratory pen as a “thank-you” for your interest in respiratory care.

The HOSA state conference was a great success and a lot of fun. We look forward to
next year!

Submitted by Lori Badgely