On Oct. 24, 2025, Walpole High School (WHS) introduced Health Occupations Students of America(HOSA); a student-run club that promotes futures in healthcare. The organizers of the club at WHS, juniors Hemant Selvamurugan and Ramu Muthukaruppan, voiced their concerns to chemistry teacher, Daniel Mullaney, about WHS not having after-school activities that offer students information about healthcare and other industries in it. Muthukaruppan, dedicated to helping others find their passion for healthcare, wants students to come forward with other club ideas. With over 43 students involved in HOSA, within the first two weeks of the club opening, Mullaney, alongside Selvamurugan and Muthukaruppan, are proud to support students interested in learning more about healthcare and its importance in the world.
“I wanted to start this club because I have always been interested in medicine so I wanted to share that with WHS and give students interested in medicine and healthcare meaningful opportunities to explore the field beyond the classroom,” Muthukaruppan said.
This student-run club provides people that are interested in healthcare with the basic information they need to be successful. Students in HOSA also participate in several competitions that prepare them for their future.
“The club helps students develop leadership skills, connect with professionals, and gain real exposure to medical careers,” Selvamurugan said.
HOSA has welcomed millions of students since its release in 1976. Currently, WHS is planning to attend several nation-wide events where students will compete in activities. Allowing for students to participate in specific jobs, each event has categories based on different divisions of healthcare: some include Behavioral Health, Biomedical Debate and Clinical Nursing.
“HOSA has served 2.5 million students interested in pursuing careers in health. HOSA is the vital pipeline for the health industry-an industry that is projected to add 5 million jobs, growing faster than jobs across all other sectors,” HOSA Future Health Professionals Center said.
Over the course of the school year, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in nation-wide competitions. Leadership, one of the core values in the Walpole community, is one of the several events that is offered. WHS faculty encourages students to use their skills in and out of the classroom. Some of the leadership events include speaking, interviewing and professionalism.
“I’m excited to see a student-driven club for students interested in the health sciences. There are many opportunities within the health sciences for students of all abilities and interests,” Mullaney said.
With HOSA, students will have more initiative and motivation for things they are passionate about. Students have the chance to form friendships through groups and challenges, learn how to handle stressful situations and participate in hands-on activities.
