Congratulations, schoolwide award winner Kimberly Castillo!

ALLENTOWN, Pa. |A career and technical service organization, or CTSO, is a co-curricular club where students develop leadership skills and test their technical prowess through competitive events.

This year’s CTSO leadership award winner is Kimberly Castillo, a Parkland High School senior in our Health & Medical Sciences program. The 17-year-old South Whitehall Township resident is a member of HOSA, one of seven CTSOs at LCTI. HOSA is a global, student-led organization that promotes health industry career opportunities and enhances the delivery of quality health care to all people.

Kelly Cahoon, LCTI’s director of curriculum and instruction, honored Kimberly on Wednesday (May 31, 2023) at PPL Center during the school’s Class of 2023 Senior Recognition Night. The prestigious, schoolwide award was one of six presented at the ceremony.

This is Kim’s second consecutive year as LCTI’s HOSA chapter president. Under their leadership, the chapter has seen its membership and competitor rosters grow. Additionally, they spearheaded an effort to collect wishlist items and monetary donations for Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital in memory of their grandmother.

Earlier this spring, Kim competed at the Penn HOSA State Leadership Conference. They earned first place in life support skills and a trip to nationals next month in Dallas. Kim finished in the top 10 at nationals for the same event in 2022. This year they’re determined to bring home a medal.

Kim’s teacher and HOSA advisor,  Dr. Mickey Greenawalt, describes them as someone who “demonstrates a strong work ethic, commitment, and resilience that is rare among students.” They have a hearing impairment, but that doesn’t stop them from stepping up to lead or advocate.

Kim is currently working on an EMT certification but their ultimate goal is to become a trauma surgeon. They’re set to begin their studies in biology at Moravian University next fall.