By Brandi Miller / For the FCT

Some might say there is no way to measure the lasting impact Dr. Kay Hargett has had on her students during the course of her career as a HOSA teacher.

Students have gone on to various jobs in the medical field saving countless lives all because of her influence in the classroom. It is because of this dedication that Hargett was recently honored as HOSA teacher of the year for the State of Alabama.

“Dr. Hargett is a true educator,” said Dr. Johnny Cleveland, federal programs director of Franklin County Schools. “She consistently addresses the needs of our students through active involvement with extracurricular activities. These activities strengthen each student’s life goals and personal interests.”

Hargett began her career as a teacher 14 years ago. Before she became a teacher, she was a nurse administrator/manager and critical care coordinator for critical care and emergency departments.

“I went back to college in 2003 and obtained my Master of Science in nursing, and immediately upon graduating from UAH, I was offered a position in teaching at the university,” said Hargett. “At that time, I fell in love with teaching, as I dearly enjoy motivating and molding young minds to become successful in life.

“Teaching can be a challenge, but I love to be challenged and dearly love to challenge my students on a daily basis to do their very best,” she added. “I am a lifelong learner and encourage my students to do the same.”

Hargett continued her education, and in 2010 she earned her doctoral degree, while teaching high school full time and taking care of a family.

“I try to instill into my students the same work and learning ethics, as well,” said Hargett. “I currently teach not only high school on a daily basis but teach as assistant professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville in the graduate and doctoral program school of nursing.”

This work ethic and love of learning are part of what earned her the prestigious title of HOSA teacher of the year. She always goes above and beyond for her students, and when students leave her class, they say they are more than equipped with the necessary skill set to make it in the medical field anywhere in the country.

“I have had numerous students who have recently become physicians; some who are currently enrolled in medical and nursing school; and those who are entering the medical school,” said Hargett. “In addition, I have seen students grow as professional leaders, as I have had six students to serve as State HOSA officers, two to serve as National HOSA officers and one to serve as a HOSA International Officer.”

Hargett said seeing her students accomplish their goals as future healthcare providers are probably the happiest memories she has of her time as a teacher.

HOSA is an organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE. HOSA is an integral component of schools throughout the state of Alabama that incorporate health science programs.

HOSA aims to help students develop effective leadership qualities, professionalism and skills by developing character and promoting responsible citizenship. Students have the opportunity to network with other students in their own schools as well as across the nation and worldwide.

Having Hargett as their teacher is just one more advantage enjoyed by students enrolled in HOSA classes.

“Our students have a huge advantage by having Dr. Hargett on our campus,” said RBHS principal Lance Mitchell. “She uses all resources afforded to her in order to advance her program and enrich our students. Our students are prepared to enter the health/workforce or continue their education in college with a firm foundation for any health science field.

“Because of Dr. Hargett and our health science program at Red Bay, several of our HOSA graduates have attended major universities tuition free.”

For being chosen as HOSA teacher of the year, Hargett was presented a plaque in front of her peers and HOSA students from across the state while attending the Alabama State HOSA Leadership Conference in Montgomery.

“When I found out I won, I was overwhelmed and extremely honored. This is a very prestigious award for a health science teacher to receive,” said Hargett. “In addition, there are many other teachers who were nominated who were also well deserving of this prestigious award.”

Hargett said she would like to thank God, who makes each and every day possible, and her husband and family, who are very supportive of her endless hours spent traveling with her students to compete. She also thanked the Alabama State Department of Education – health science division for continued support of her as an educator; the staff and administration of Red Bay High School; and the superintendent and Franklin County School Board for their support in the educational process of the students.

She also extended a special thanks to the parents of her students for providing her the opportunity to teach their children and to her students for their perseverance to strive to do their very best on a daily basis.

Hargett said she plans to teach a couple more years before retiring from high school, and she will continue to teach on the university level, at UAH in the graduate and doctoral programs.

“I love to travel, and I plan to travel even more with my husband, who recently retired,” said Hargett. “In addition, I love collecting antiques and like to ‘pick’ and collect. I would love to open an antique store.”