Photo by Brian Rodgers
Oak Mountain High School students Maggie Rodgers and Laura Rodgers celebrate at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the sisters won a world championship in forensic science.
Oak Mountain High School students Maggie Rodgers and Laura Rodgers have earned a world title, capturing first place in the Forensic Science competition at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis.
Competing against top students from across the United States and around the world, the sisters advanced through preliminary rounds before earning the highest overall score in the finals. Their victory comes during Oak Mountain High School’s inaugural year participating in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, making the achievement even more remarkable.
The competition challenged students to apply their knowledge of crime scene investigation, evidence collection, laboratory procedures, legal considerations and forensic science to realistic scenarios.
Sponsored by science teacher Quenta Pollard, Oak Mountain’s HOSA chapter attracted Maggie and Laura because of their shared interest in following their father, Brian Rodgers, into health care careers. Maggie, who graduated a year early in May, will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham this fall, while Laura is a rising junior.
The sisters spent months preparing through independent study, using forensic science textbooks, online quizzes and practice tests as they advanced through county, state and international competitions.
“It was an amazing moment finding out we won the competition,” Maggie said. “Hearing mine and my sister’s names on the awards live stream was something I’ll remember for a long time. Forensic science is a main interest of mine, and HOSA was a great experience to learn more about the field I plan to go into.”
Laura said sharing the experience with her sister made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
“Getting to represent our school was even more special since it was with my sister,” she said. “Winning overall was the best end to a great journey.”
Their championship marks an impressive beginning for Oak Mountain High School’s HOSA program and sets a high standard for future competitors.
