Nevada HOSA SLC

Greetings from the beautiful Palace Station in Las Vegas Nevada! Sean Sheffer was able to attend his home state and city to give greetings and support on behalf of the national executive council.

On Wednesday, March 23rd, the state officers prepared to amass Nevada HOSA's 4th annual State Leadership Conference.

Miranda Terrell, Anthony Garcia, Jeannica Sacasas, Sera Choi, and  Tazia Statucki
2nd Vice President, President, Post-Secondary Vice President, 1st Vice President, and Secretary

Palace Station in Las Vegas, NV

Early on Thursday, March 24th, the conference kicked off to a strong start with workshop presentations by Nevada's very own state officers. Miranda Terell, led her "Destination: All About Leadership" workshop and later in the day, Tazia and Sera presented their "Look The Look, Walk The Walk, and Talk The Talk" seminar. HOSA members yells of excitement and fun laughs could be heard throughout the halls as the officers jolted the conference into a swinging start.

During the day the members prepared for their competitive event testing, all while visiting educational symposiums, "Tobacco, Find Out the Truth!," presented by Dr. Sher Todd. Sean was able to give a brief workshop, "Believe It To See It," where students learned how important believing in something really is.

In a flurry of Courtesy Corp, Nominating Committee, and Competitive Event meetings, Nevada HOSA joined together to take their state picture, all with the beauty of the city in the background.

During Opening Session, the chapters cheered as Tazia called on the chapters, and the presentation began!

Marcus Engel with
 seeing eye dog, Garrett

Marcus Engel, an acclaimed speaker and author, gave the keynote. As a college freshman, Marcus Engel was blinded and nearly killed by a drunk driver. Through his years of healing and sacrifice, he gave his audience a speech to remember and more so, a look through the world in his eyes.

The officers closed the ceremony and session with a complete reflection of what it is to be a health care professional, and what it means to be someone who is selfless, passioned, and ready to make a difference. Are you ready "EXPERIENCE HOSA"?



The next day proceeded with competitive events and educational symposiums at the College of Southern Nevada Campus. HOSA members received first hand experience in Phlebotomy Skills, EMT skills, pharmacology, suturing and anatomy through the always lovable clay!

Shelly Kinnunen presenting
"What is Anatomy in Clay?"

The HOSA Showcase opened up, where students working on their Health Posters surprised the crowds with their medical knowledge, and their artful creations!

Two of the many career heath display posters, as presented in the showcase.

After the day of competition concluded, students enjoyed the chapter night out in Vegas!

On Saturday, the conference concluded with the Awards Ceremony, Year in review slideshow, and the installation of new state officers. The state officers gave their final addresses to the crowd, and began the inception of the future of Nevada HOSA. 

Schools rejoiced in reflection of the days before and ahead, and Nevada HOSA continues to grow strong in their journey to Anaheim!

Congratulations to all who helped make the conference a glorious success!

Colorado HOSA SLC

What state contains “The Mile High” city, has the Rocky Mountains within view on the western horizon, and recently acquired their second, former University North Carolina at Chapel Hill point guard, Raymond Felton, after the Carmelo Anthony trade? If you answered Colorado, you would be correct, and in the town of Loveland the Colorado HOSA SLC made its presence felt March 3^rd-5^th as more than 450 members throughout the state came to test their skills and expertise within HOSA’s competitive events. 

Colorado HOSA State Officer Candidates Warm Up for Elections!

Colorado State HOSA Advisor, Jen Staley, showed how much hard work can pay off, as only her second year in office while increasing membership within the state from around 400 students to more than 900 in just a two year period! Chase Edwards had the opportunity to attend this glorious event, and while Colorado HOSA does not boast as many members as say Texas or Florida, they soon showed him that they had every bit of their passion and enthusiasm for the health care profession! State Officers Jessica Linker, Christian Jimenez, Paulina Meraz, Jesse Leazenby, Ashley Avila and Leo Chacon wanted to make sure the conference was a huge success by showing up a day before the conference started to prepare and make sure that the Colorado HOSA members had their best SLC to date.

The 2010-2011 Colorado HOSA Executive Council

HOSA Chapters, complete with Advisors and Members alike, started to show early Thursday morning in order to register for the first ever Colorado HOSA SLC hosted within Loveland Embassy Suites, and the site couldn’t have been a better location, as the excitement showed on the HOSA members faces as they entered the hotel. The conference officially began at 12:00 p.m. that Thursday with the Colorado HOSA State Officers starting out with the opening session. Chase Edwards gave a greeting to the members from the HOSA National Executive Council. The Opening ceremony was followed up by motivational speaker Ryan Moran, who gave key notes of his philosophy P.O.S.S.E., which talks about being positive, open, sincere, having spirit and not being exclusive. HOSA members then disembarked to prepare for their competitive events, and start the two day fundraiser project for JDRF, PENNY WARS!

Penny Wars Participants Look at Their Scores Before the Final Count

In the afternoon, one could find members in the lobby and hall ways studying for upcoming events and within the conference room’s members giving their best shot performance in hopes of attaining a one way invitation to Anaheim, California for the 2011 HOSA National Leadership Conference. The day concluded with curfew at 11:30 p.m., as clearly defined and demonstrated by the Colorado HOSA State Officers within the opening ceremony, so that members could attain rest for the upcoming day’s competitive events. The second day was filled with excitement in the air, as members knew their preparation had come to its climax, the chance to prove that they are the best candidate to represent Colorado HOSA in the upcoming NLC within each of their respective competitive events. That day in the conference a member also had the opportunity to attend different symposiums. Chase gave a presentation on the personal leadership insight essentials, what it takes to be a better leader inside and outside of HOSA. Friday also marked the day in which Colorado HOSA State Officer Candidates were allowed to sit down with Colorado HOSA voting delegates and allow the delegates to question the candidates on their vision with HOSA if elected to a state officer position. 

Colorado HOSA Members Enjoying the Awards Ceremony

The night unfolded with a five star dinner for HOSA members in the conference center and guest speaker Jay Leeuwenburg to help remind the members why JDRF was chosen as HOSA’s National Service Project. Jay, a nine year NFL player, was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of 12. However, that didn’t stop him, as he made his way through Colorado collegiate football, an All-American his senior year, and then being drafted within the NFL in 1992. The show went on with the recognition ceremony quickly following the speech. Members and advisors were together acknowledged through their hard work put forth into HOSA from the past year. At the end of the session, state officer candidates were able to share their speech with the members, a chance for the members to get a look at some of the new faces who will be leading through the 2011-2012 year. After the recognition ceremony, members had the opportunity to celebrate the conference with a dance, but only if they paid the entrance fee of $1, of which all proceeds went to JDRF. Members also made a last minute run to the Penny Wars piggy banks, as the deadline was set for 10:00 p.m. that night. The state officers and Chase had the privilege of counting the pennies after the dance, until three o’clock in the morning, of which a total of $996.28 were raised for JDRF.

Jessica Linker Gives the Closing Speech

The final day brought about the decision of who should be appointed as the new Colorado HOSA executive council as well as the moment everyone had been waiting for, the awards ceremony! Of the nine state officer candidates, eight were chosen to lead Colorado HOSA forward within the coming year. There was happiness abound within the ballroom, smiles, shouts of joy, and cheers from fellow members as one by one competitive events medals were handed out to the top three deserving competitors within each category. Members sensed the pride of being awarded the opportunity to take a trip to Anaheim, California this summer for the 34^th annual HOSA NLC. The conference adjourned with Jessica Linker giving final remarks.

 Chase feels humbled to have been granted the opportunity to attend the Colorado HOSA SLC, as this marked the first time he had set foot within the state of Colorado. Chase says it is a memory he will cherish forever, with the way in which the HOSA members of Colorado displayed their excitement for HOSA but also carrying themselves with profound professionalism throughout their stay within Embassy Suites.  Chase would like to thank Ms. Jen Staley, the Colorado HOSA Executive Council, the conference staff and all of the HOSA members in attendance for the remarkable experience and lasting lifetime memory.

Louisiana HOSA SLC

Strong HOSA spirit was alive at the Louisiana HOSA State Leadership Conference in Pineville, Louisiana. From March 12-14, Nzuekoh Nchinda had the pleasure of being a part of the HOSA excitement . She was greeted with wholehearted hospitality by the Louisiana HOSA state advisor Ms. Shirlene Bender and the Louisiana HOSA state officers, who introduced her to Louisiana notables like Mardi Gras and gumbo.

As Nzuekoh interacted with the HOSA members from different parts of the state, she was struck by the incredible amount of enthusiasm and dedication members have for HOSA. Although Louisiana HOSA is a smaller state association of 200+ members, it is quickly growing. HOSA has truly resonated with the students because of the great need for quality healthcare in the state. Many communities in Louisiana are underserved. HOSA's partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation struck home, for diabetes is a prevalent health concern in Louisiana. Thus, the students have been very driven to educate their communities.

While helping to set up the conference, Nzuekoh met student volunteers from a new local chapter at Hicks High School. She was impressed by how much initiative their chapter had taken. In a school of less than 100 students, they had 23 active members in their chapter. They exemplified true HOSA spirit in their enthusiasm to participate in different competitive events, run for state office, and be helping hands throughout the conference. It was a wonderful experience to see the growth of HOSA first-hand.

The Opening Ceremony kickstarted the conference with encouraging words from Ms. Shirlene and the state officers. Nzuekoh also gave greetings from the HOSA National Executive Council and held a short question/answer session to help the members learn more about HOSA.

The conference continued to run at high energy. HOSA members were able to attend different workshops, including leadership, teambuilding, and HOSA trivia workshops run by Nzuekoh. The members were also able to be part of a "Don't Text and Drive" campaign and signed a banner pledging to end this dangerous driving habit.

During the lunch information session, state officer elections were held. Nzuekoh was impressed by the number of candidates who ran and how passionately each candidate spoke about their commitment and growth in HOSA. It was great to see how students have been inspired not only to be active members but to be leaders as well at both the local and state levels.

Nzuekoh also enjoyed seeing the members prepare and compete in various competitive events. Nzuekoh had the honor of serving as a judge of the Researched Persuasive Speaking and Prepared Speaking events. Again, Nzuekoh was impressed by the members. Many of the competitors spoke eloquently with fresh perspectives. HOSA members truly are honing the skills needed to be the health professionals and leaders of tomorrow. An impressive number of members qualified to compete at the National Leadership Conference, and hopefully, there will be many to strongly represent Louisiana HOSA.

The Louisiana HOSA State Conference was a success. Members left feeling inspired and proud of their chapters and state. Nzuekoh felt equally inspired and proud of HOSA. It was an amazing experience to see strength and potential for success that HOSA gives its members.

Virginia HOSA SLC

The VA HOSA SLC was held at the Williamsburg Marriott Hotel. 

If Shayna Mooney had to choose one word to describe the Virginia HOSA State Leadership Conference, she would choose the word exciting. The 900 members, advisers, and conference staff were full of enthusiasm, creating a lively and exhilarating atmosphere for all attendees.  The Virginia HOSA SLC was held at the Marriott Hotel in Williamsburg, Virginia, from March 11-13.

HOSA members waiting for Opening Session to begin. 

The Greenville County High School Pep Band performed a variety of musical selections to energize the crowd prior to the Opening Session Friday evening. 

The Greenville County High School Pep Band

The VA HOSA state officers kicked off the 31^st annual Virginia HOSA SLC by saying the Pledge of Allegiance and HOSA Creed.  Virginia HOSA President, Kelly Peters, introduced the 2011-2012 state officer candidates and also recognized all local chapter officers by having them stand as she recited their duties. State officers Megan Lamb, Brittany Douglas, Sabbu Bajimaya, Elena Payan, and Michaela Linkous described the symbols and colors of the HOSA emblem in order to remind members of the hope they can impart to all people through their knowledge, skills, and service. 

2010-2011 Virginia HOSA Executive Council
Left to Right: Sabbu Bajimaya, Kelly Peters, Michaela Linkous, Megan Lamb, Brittany Douglas, Elena Payan 

Shayna brought greetings on behalf of the National Executive Council and invited Virginia HOSA members to the 2011 National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. Recognition and awards were given to newly affiliated chapters as well as the top ten chapters for membership. The hi-light of the evening was key-note speaker, Jerry Ackerman, who inspired all members to lead, learn, and love with a positive attitude through his hilarious stories and Lawnmower Diddy dance.  The Opening Session concluded with a performance by VA HOSA Executive Council and each chapter being recognized for their HOSA spirit.

The key-note speaker was Jerry Ackerman.

The second day of the conference, March 12, marked the start of competitive events.  Many HOSA members were up bright and early to practice and perfect their speeches, skills, and presentations. Many workshops were also conducted throughout the day: “Secrets of Success”, “Respiratory Therapy as a Career”, “Public Speaking Tips”, “Working with the Dementia Patient”, “Working on an Air Ambulance” and “Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation”.  

Career Health Display

The Business Session was held in the afternoon where voting delegates voted for the members of 2011-2012 VA HOSA Executive Council, a theme to send to National HOSA, and amendments to the VA HOSA Bylaws.

Business Session

Voting Delegates

Recognition Event Awards and scholarships were presented to HOSA members and chapters, later that evening at the Dinner Banquet and Appreciation Gala.  Event managers, judges, conference staff, and the VA HOSA Executive Council were recognized for their hard work during the conference. The election results for the 2011-2012 VA HOSA Executive Council were also announced. 

Dinner Banquet

VA HOSA State Officers and Shayna Mooney during the Appreciation Gala.

Following the Gala was Fun Nite, a time when members could relax from the stress of competitive events and have fun.  Fun Nite events included a dance, karaoke, Minute to Win It games, BINGO, Corn Hole, and board games.

BINGO

Corn Hole

Minute to Win It

Karaoke

Sunday, March 13, began with the State Officer Installation Ceremony. Next, competitive events winners were announced and awarded medallions and trophies. The conference adjourned with final remarks from President Kelly Peters and State Advisor Mrs. Ann Craddock.

2011-2012 VA HOSA Executive Council

Shayna truly enjoyed the Virginia HOSA SLC and greatly appreciates Mrs. Ann Craddock, the VA HOSA Executive Council, and the conference staff for making the conference such a wonderful and amazing experience. 

Pennsylvania HOSA SLC

Sean Sheffer attended the Penn HOSA SLC located in the heart of Amish County, Lancaster PA. The conference started on March 2nd, where HOSA members from all over the state came to The Host hotel. Boasting 900 members, the conference gave way to a night filled with excitement for the 32nd annual conference.

Penn HOSA state officers and National HOSA President Elect

Sean gave a brief greeting on this day to all the members on behalf of the national council, where state officers Al-Tariq Hill, Anna Burke, Amy Peters, Jamie Miller, Jennifer Supperer, and Duncan Rodriguez led the session with confidence.

Calcium Poster Display

On March 3rd, the second day of conference, the competitions began. Students were preparing all around the conference center anxious to put their skills to the test in competitions like Creative Problem Solving, Extemporaneous Health Poster and HOSA Bowl. At the recognition session later that night, Chairman of Penn HOSA Mr. Gerard Cunningham gave greetings to various guests, such as representatives from the department of education, and the Penn HOSA foundation. The beloved Mrs. Rosemarie Dunkelberger was honored for leading Penn HOSA as state advisor ever since the beginning of Penn HOSA at its 1st annual SLC.

Later in the evening Eva Grayzel, a survivor of oral cancer raised awareness of the disease and inspired students with her many anecdotes and stories. There were tear jerking accounts, and hilarious moments with hidden surprises, where Mrs. Grayzel began to "Pop and Lock" to one of Penn HOSA's own students' beat boxing performances.

Eva Grayzel bringing students on stage as part of "The Star in You"

Trophies for HOSA's Got Talent

To end the evening Penn HOSA had it's annual HOSA's got talent competition, where members would show off there skills to the rowdy and excited crowd. Sean was honored be one of the guest judges, able to get a first row seat at the amazing vocal, guitar solo, and tap dancing performances!

Finally, on March 4th students were up early with the results of the competition. The state officers installed the new Penn HOSA officers for the 2011-2012 year, and final honors were given to Mrs. Rosemarie Dunkelburger. The state officers gave one last final skit inviting all finalists and members to HOSA's National Leadership Conference in Anaheim California. The 32nd annual conference was adjourned by newly elected State President, Duncan Rodriguez.

Mrs. Rosemarie Dunkelberger (center) celebrates her 32nd Penn HOSA conference

Special thanks to Rosemarie Dunkelberger, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Pavlovic, Mr. Cunningham and the state officers for making the conference a great success!

South Carolina HOSA SLC

Claire Lucas spent a couple exciting days in Charleston with nearly 1000 South Carolina HOSA members. State Officers, Justin McDuffie, Jay Hartley, and Mattison Willbanks kicked off the 33rd SC State Leadership Conference with a banquet for all members, advisors, and HOSA supporters. At the banquet, the 18 officer candidates introduced themselves and explained how they wanted to impact SC HOSA - by the way, this was a record number of outstanding officer candidates! Following the introductions was State Advisor, Mrs. Nancy Allen, who presented membership awards. State officers then presented outstanding HOSA awards to 54 members. Patrick Grady concluded the opening session on a funny, and inspiring note. He told the story of Wilma Rudolph, the Gold Medal Olympic runner who was crippled by Polio as a child.

State Officers before the Opening Session

The following day was packed with competitive events and educational symposiums. Claire presented one symposium on goal setting. Members went "on a roadtrip" and planned personal goals while meeting members from across the state. Friday also marked the day of the Business Session. Out of the 18 officer candidates, 8 were elected to state office. This team has a busy, and exciting year in store for them!

 

2011-2012 South Carolina HOSA State Officers

The conference came to an end with awarding the competitive events. Members went home winners and some with medals around their neck. Their next stop? Anaheim, California for the 2011 National Leadership Conference!

Creatie Problem Solving Team from Spring Valley High School

Georgia HOSA SLC

The state of Georgia is filled with the HOSA spirit. Georgia HOSA is comprised of 9884 remarkable members at 185 chapters across the state. The Georgia HOSA State Leadership Conference was the capstone to a great year.  

CERT Competitors

Region Representatives

GA HOSA members

The Georgia HOSA State Officers kicked the conference off with a phenomenal Opening Session. At 8:30 in the Grand Ball Room, the Georgia HOSA officers each opened the door and members quickly filled the room with their energy. Hairy, the University of Georgia Mascot was also present. The conference certainly began with a lot of excitement.

GA HOSA Officers with Hairy

A highlight of the Opening Session was the presentation of Georgia Honorary Life Member to State Advisor, Allen Siegler. Past President, Patrick Chancy, Current President, Whitney Wilkes, and Future Present Maria Van Allen, awarded Mr. Siegler with the award for his service to Georgia HOSA. Mr. Siegler is proof that passion and hard work can make a significant impact in many lives.

Allen Siegler receiving the Georgia HOSA Honorary Life Member Award

The 2500 members displayed such professionalism and enthusiasm at the Georgia HOSA State Leadership Conference. National Officer, Claire Lucas, feels privileged to be a part of such a great HOSA family.

A message from state officer Reginald Hutch, "To the first year HOSA member in the audience I want to encourage you to go beyond the call of duty and take advantage of all that HOSA has to offer, and for the 2011 graduates don't let HOSA be the end of the road for you. As we venture into the real world, we must take the confidence HOSA has given us to succeed in whatever we do after this. This is the moment for life, take advantage of it."