Lakeville Student Leaders Head to Washington, D.C., For Minnesota HOSA’s Washington Leadership Academy
A group photo of all of the State Officers for HOSA. To learn more, check out the following link: Minnesota State Officer Team.
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA - Two standout student leaders, Shawn Nierenhausen and Jack Trygstad of Lakeville, have been selected as State Officers for Minnesota HOSA - Future Health Professionals (HOSA-FHP) and are preparing to represent their state at the 19th Annual Washington Leadership Academy (WLA) this September in Washington, D.C.
About HOSA-FHP
HOSA, which is short for Health Occupations Students of America, now known as HOSA—Future Health Professionals, is an international, student‑led career and technical education organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. It offers middle, high school, and collegiate students hands‑on access to leadership development, competitive events, recognition opportunities, and real‑world insight into health careers. Minnesota HOSA, which is mirroring the larger international mission, provides students with volunteer projects, leadership training, advocacy avenues, and educational competitions.
Minnesota State Officers: Lakeville’s Leaders
Shawn Nierenhausen serves as Activities Coordinator, and Jack Trygstad is the President‑Elect for the 2025‑2026 Minnesota HOSA State Officer Team, both of whom are from the Lakeville area. These two young leaders exemplify the energy and commitment of Minnesota’s emerging healthcare advocates.
What Is the Washington Leadership Academy?
The Washington Leadership Academy is a marquee event hosted annually by HOSA, designed for State Officers and local chapter leaders. The four‑day program emphasizes experiential leadership training, advocacy skills, and networking opportunities in the nation’s capital. It is widely recognized as a capstone leadership initiative within HOSA’s suite of programs.
When Shawn and Jack join their peers in Washington for WLA this September, they’ll:
Participate in immersive workshops on leadership, civic engagement, and healthcare advocacy.
Walk through the Twilight Tour, visiting monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and MLK Memorial and learning from professional guides.
Engage in advocacy on Capitol Hill, meeting with lawmakers to discuss health science education and CTE policies.
Connect with fellow HOSA leaders nationwide, building networks, sharing experiences, and returning motivated to strengthen Minnesota’s HOSA community.
Fundraising: Making Leadership Accessible
To bring Shawn, Jack, and their peers to D.C., Minnesota HOSA is hosting a GoFundMe fundraiser with the goal of covering travel, lodging, and registration expenses to ensure equity so all State Officers can attend this influential event. The campaign highlights that these students represent over 2,400 Minnesota HOSA members, emphasizing the importance of empowering future healthcare leaders.
Why This Matters
Leadership in action: WLA offers student officers practical training in professional and civic leadership.
Statewide ripple effect: Upon return, State Officers often share new ideas, energy, and strategies to benefit HOSA members across Minnesota.
Equal opportunity: Fundraising ensures that every student leader—regardless of financial status—can access this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Minnesota’s own Shawn Nierenhausen and Jack Trygstad are poised to shine on the national stage at the Washington Leadership Academy this September. As they prepare for this pivotal leadership milestone, community support through fundraising will ensure their voices, and the voices of all Minnesota HOSA student leaders, are heard and empowered.
Written by: Will Wight
