Connecting Youth to Education: How Can HOSA Members Help?

As Future Health Professionals, education is one of our prime resources. It is evident that HOSA members choose to take advantage of all educational opportunities that await them, for the reason that we know we must use our educational resources in order to obtain our future goals. However, have you ever realized that there are students who don’t have access to a Career Technical Student Organization such as HOSA? There are students who have no effort to fulfill their aspirations? And believe it or not, there are many students that do not realize education is one of their prime resources. As HOSA members, what can we do to help?

25% of American teenagers do not graduate high school. The 30% that do graduate do not move on to college, and the 40% that do move on to college, do not receive a degree within 6 years. The Youth Leadership Institute works alongside the White House Council of Community Solutions in order to develop mechanisms that will have potential to lower the statistics mentioned above. This organization is currently promoting the Spark Opportunity Challenge which is a website where individuals can go and submit their ideas on how to get youth connected and more involved with education. In order to lower these statistics, our nation must work together as a cohort in order to prevent these issues that are causing students to become disconnected from the education force.

The White House Council of Community Solutions was initiated by President Barack Obama himself. In search for a solution, the White House Council of Community Solutions believes that youth are the best fit to solve this issue. Therefore, they want to hear your ideas! You can visit www.sparkaction.org in order to submit your ideas on how to connect youth with education. As leaders in HOSA, we are obligated to make our voices heard, so take advantage of this opportunity and share your ideas with the nation! You can use this as an opportunity to promote Career Technical Student Organizations or you can be creative and develop your own ideas! Regardless of what you may have in store, all thoughts posted on the Spark Opportunity Challenge site will be taken into consideration. Make sure you submit your ideas today!

Highlights from South Carolina HOSA SLC

2012 South Carolina HOSA State Leadership Conference Highlights

March 7-9, 2012

1159 Participants registered

58 Chapters participated
102 Advisors attended
120 Judges volunteered
1147 Competitors participated (includes students in recognition events)
52 Competitive events conducted
221 Voting delegates participated
11 State officer candidates campaigned
160 Courtesy corps volunteered
16 Exhibitors contributed
18 Educational symposiums conducted
16 Scholarships awarded
5 Hotels provided lodging
6 Off-site competitive events locations
$11,150 SC HOSA scholarship awards
$18,075 Partnership contributions (Includes sponsors, advertisers & exhibitors) 
$29,225 Total Partnership contributions including scholarships 

It was absolutely amazing being in the great state of South Carolina, representing National HOSA at the South Carolina HOSA State Leadership Conference.  I am very thankful to all the state leaders, educators, and everyone who helped to make the South Carolina HOSA Conference such a blast! I look forward to seeing  all of you at the National Leadership Conference. 

-Warché K. Downing, National HOSA Postsecondary/Collegiate Board Representative

Arizona HOSA Recap! Leaders Today, Professionals Tomorrow!

Arizona HOSA Recap

April 1st - April 3rd 2012

Coming in from the fabulous and ever strong Arizona HOSA, National Officer’s Sean Sheffer and Tayla Brown had the opportunity to attend the 2012 AzHOSA Spring Leadership Conference in Tucson, Arizona! 

The conference featured:

• 1,400 attendees
• 50 competitions
• 5 State Officers
• 8 Leadership Sessions
• 16 exhibitors
• And 3 Adventurous days to hold it all together!

Check out the AZ HOSA website:
http://www.azhosa.org/v2/

April 1st
The Setup:
Arizona HOSA had much work to do to prepare for the 1400 attendees, and right off the bat the HOSA Headquarters aka “Tabs” was making endless preparations to get the conference started off on the right foot. Mrs. Shovlin, state advisor of Arizona HOSA along with the staff from the Arizona Department of Education had to handle all logistics, including getting hotel rooms in order, handouts and registration paperwork, conference schedule postings, and travel arrangements for all the members! How could they handle such a massive feat?

Past State Officers
Arizona HOSA is innovating the way that State Leadership Conferences unfold with the help of a dynamic team, the Arizona PSO’s (Past State Officers)

This great group consisted of:

• Nicole Scott
• Brittany Ebbing
• Justin Ray McDuffie
• Amy Kijewski
• Zach Sanders
• Elizabeth Fair
• Aden Ramirez
• Erik Guitierrez
• Tayla Brown

 Who better to know the ins and outs of conferences than those who have served on the state association themselves? By tapping into this experienced and passionate network, the PSO’s served to facilitate the conference to a success! Throughout the conference, the PSO’s would serve to be judges of competitions including Sports Medicine, the official state photographer, leading the ever successful leadership village, courtesy corp and helping hands of HOSA headquarters. 
Special thanks to go to the Mrs. Jane Shovlin, the state advisor of AZ HOSA and the rest of the Arizona Department of Education, along with Tri Leadership Resources.

The Arizona State Officers
Serving to lead the conference to success, the AZ Spring Leadership Conference featured 5 state officers:
Kayla Loomis - State President
Reyna Gissel Sanchez - Secretary
Elaine Larson - Secondary Vice President
Central Region
Arely Zepeda - Secondary Vice President
Northern Region
Selah Bratt - Post Secondary Vice President Central Region

Check out their awesome biographies at:
http://www.azhosa.org/v2/2011SO.php




The Opening Session
The opening session was the culmination of amazing jeers of excitement, signifying the growth of such a strong association that only started in the state a few years ago.

 

Special Guests include:
Mr. John Huppenthal - Superintendent of Public instruction from the AZ Department of Ed.
Dr. Marv Lamer -Associate Superintendent of Highly Effective Schools Division
Mr. Mark Hamilton - Deputy Associate Superintendent - Career and Technical Education
Mr. Dennis Fiscus - CTE Student Organizations Team leader
Mrs. Jane Shovlin, RN BSN - State HOSA Advisor
Mrs. Carole Whltlock RD, MAOM, CNS - Health Careers Education State Supervisor
Mrs. Evelyn Irvine Administrative Support Staff
Sean Sheffer - HOSA National President
John Beede - Keynote Speaker and Adventurer

The session commenced with great inspirational messages on how AZ HOSA members are Leaders Today, Professionals Tomorrow. Thousands of dollars of scholarships were awarded, as sponsored by the many partners:

Arizona Area Health Education Centers
Arizona Department of Education
AzHOSA Foundation
Carrington College
Grand Canyon University
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Medical Reserve Corp
Office of the Surgeon General

Welcoming by National President Sean Sheffer:
Sean Sheffer had the opportunity to invite the delegates to the NLC in Orlando Florida, urging members to become HOSA alumni as a member’s journey in the health sciences continues throughout their lives and to keep up with HOSA through all venues of social media.

The Keynote
John Beede entertained the crowd with his adventurous antics - from having a spectacular celebrity look-a-like opening, note card role play with movie lines to actual footage from his trips all around the world. His stories of hard work, commitment and triumph were available with his book Climb On! and resonated completely with the delegation of AZ HOSA.
Find out more about John Beede here: http://www.climbonsuccess.com/

April 2nd

Game Time
Nervous, anxious and excited to compete members from across the great state of Arizona swarmed the halls of the conference hotel. All around the resort you could see members practicing, preparing and prepping for various competitions. Competitive events began at 8 am sharp and members were definitely up and ready to show their skills. Throughout the day members had the opportunity to attend many different workshops and leadership activities such as How to Make the Most Out of HOSA in College, Medical Leadership Village, Southwest Ambulance Workshop, and many more.

After all the competitons were complete Arizona HOSA hosted a BBQ Luau, Hypnosis Show, and HOSA Dance for the members to enjoy themselves after a long day of competitions and educational workshops.

April 3rd
Awards Session
Tuesday began with the Annual Business Meeting hosted by the state officer team where the new state theme, state pin design and State Officers were voted on.

Immediately following the business meeting members showed their excitement for the Awards Session.  Arizona HOSA State Officers presented medals,scholarships, and recognition awards to members and advisors. Also schools that hosted fundraisers for the National Service Project, JDRF were also recognized for their support towards the foundation.Your Region I VP Tayla Brown also had the opportunity to give a brief closing to the Arizona's delegation about alumni membership, social media, and National Leadership Conference!

Special thanks to all the judges and volunteers that were present at this conference to help make possible.

To check out more photos and videos from this SLC visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/azhosa/ !

INDIANA HOSA: "LIGHT IT UP!"

     ARE YOU READY TO  LIGHT IT UP!?

Indiana HOSA opened its doors to its 600 HOSA competitiors on April 9th at the Hyatt Hotel beginning the march of their HOSA State Leadership Conference. The conference was led by 6 amazing leaders, President Shyla Gilbert,  Vice President of Development Kolaiah Hawkins, Secretary Alison Oldham, Treasurer Emiley Edge, Historian Andee Riddick, and Representative Samuel Solomon with the help of their three State Advisors, Eddie Erikson, David Guffey, and Megan Granderson. Alongside with the State Executive Council, Region III Vice President Nabil Islam attended the conference promising to help mark the conference as a success!

President Shyla Gilbert

As the opening general session began, President Shyla Gilbert welcomed the 600 attendees along with two guest speakers, Grant Baldwin and Kyle Scheele. With the cheer and excitment of the Indiana HOSA members, the Conference started off with a jiving start! The officers worked night and day and made sure their conference was successful as possible. Indiana HOSA made sure they were able to bring the excitement and energy of Nationals to Indiana.

Although the 2012 State Executive Council's term had come to an end, their friendship didn't. Each officer left with a unforgettable memory and will continue to foster their friendship.

Current and Past National Officers!

Indiana State Conference brought together former and current National Officers: Region I Vice President  David Guffy and Anthony Barnett with Current National Region III VP Nabil Islam

(Left To Right)

2011-2012 Executive Council with 2012-2013 Executive Council!

The 34th Annual Indiana HOSA SLC journey had come to an end, however, it opened a new door for the 2012-2013 Executive Council!

Special Thanks to Indiana HOSA from Region III Vice President Nabil Islam:

Indiana HOSA, it was my honor and pleasure to attend your conference. Each minute I spent with you made me feel like home and it was hard for me to say goodbye to you all. You are all leaders and have my experience very memorable. Although i have spent only couple days with you all, we have created a strong bond that will never fade away. I congratulate all the winners and welcome you to the National Leadership Conference and wish to see you very soon! Once again, thank you so much for inviting me to your Conference and most importantly, making me feel at home! Indiana HOSA, you have definitely LIT IT UP!!!!

Oklahoma HOSA: Got Health?

The doors of the Magnuson Hotel and Meridian Convention Center were thrown open on April 11 as over 2200 Future Health Professionals arrived in Oklahoma City for Oklahoma HOSA's State Leadership Conference. National President-Elect David Kelly attended the three day event, which promised to ask members, "Got Health?" The response was an overwhelming, "Yes!" Led by a team of 10 amazing state officers, members excitedly waited for the 10am opening session to begin. During this opening, State President Abigail Jebaraj read a special proclamation from Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin proclaiming April 11 as HOSA Day in the State of Oklahoma. Another session highlight was the state officers' demonstration of Zumba, a dance/exercise activity that would be available to members the following night. The keynote speaker was Richard Hight, an artist who quickly crafted a huge chalk drawing and explained to members the necessity of following your talents.

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin's proclamation of the April 11 Oklahoma HOSA Day

After opening session, competitions began and continued throughout wednesday and thursday; students felt the excitement and tension in the air as they competed for a spot at this year's National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. Especially notable were the groups of zombies walking around in preparation for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness event: Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse. When members weren't running from zombie attacks, they were awaiting thursday evening's activities: Crayons! Improv. and Zumba with Beth Watts from Fit Body with Beth. During Crayons!, the quick-thinking actors and actresses used suggestions from the audience to craft hilarious scenes that left the audience laughing all night. Zumba with Beth Watts began after Crayons!, and members continued to laugh as they each tried to master dances from around the world.

Zombie Kaitlyn prepares to scare her judges in the Public Health Emergency Preparedness event.

At the Grand Awards Session, time passed slowly while State Officers prepared to deliver final competitive event results. Special thanks went to Oklahoma HOSA State Advisor Debbie Saterbak for coordinating the event. Screams of joy echoed throughout the ballroom as many competitors took to the stage in celebration of placing at their chosen event. Although the conference was almost over, members clearly showed their excitement for HOSA and for the upcoming NLC. After all events were recognized, members were released to ask the world, "Got Health?" Nobody could look back on the conference's three days and say that the answer wouldn't be a resounding, "Yes!"

Oklahoma HOSA State Officers with State Advisor Debbie Saterbak in front of a chalk drawing by keynote speaker and artist Richard Hight

Nevada HOSA SLC 2011-2012

Nevada HOSA SLC Recap
March 21st - 24th, 2012 Las Vegas, Nevada 
Do you have the Anatomy of a HOSA member? Nevada HOSA challenged their members to think about this question, and the answer was strikingly clear - everyone embodied the values, commitment and dedication that comprises future health professionals, ready to make a difference, improve the future healthcare workforce, and most of all, unite for their 5th Annual State Leadership Conference in Las Vegas!

The Nevada HOSA SLC featured:

• 600 attendees
• 6 outstanding state officers to lead the state

• 33 competitions
• 23 Educational Symposiums
• 1 National Officer
• 1 Keynote Speaker
• 3 days to host all the excitement!

The Opening Session

With the jeering excitement, exciting chants, and streaming lights, encompassed by the the strong bass backbeat - the energy jeered through the bones of everyone in the room, ready to kick-off the beginning of the conference.

To conclude the opening session, the State Officers gave their reflections on what the Anatomy of a HOSA member is - with one mic, no podium and no script, their rendition was perfect.

HOSA NV Chapter Challenge, Decorative Buckets in support of JDRF

The State Officers of Nevada HOSA

The state officers served NV HOSA very well, taking time to not only make everyone’s experience special, but going as far as leading the leadership sessions for the members as well! Talk about true interactions with members! Check out their newsletter here: http://www.nevadahosa.org/newsletter/

President: Tazia Statucki - A student at Southwest Career and Technical Academy aspiring to be a large-animal veterinarian, and a HOSA member of 3 years.

1st Vice President: Dominique Barnett - A sophomore at the Academy of Arts, Careers, and Technology, planning to be a future OB/GYN.
2nd Vice President: Hanna Eason - A junior in Battle Mountain High School and future nurse, a avid part of her school in journalism, student council, HOSA, and spirit squad.
Secretary: Jenny Tenorio - A resident from Las Vegas attending Clark High School, she’s a future veterinarian.
Post Secondary Vice President: Miranda Terrell - A freshmen at the University of Nevada Reno and experienced HOSA veteren, serving as the former 2nd Vice President of Nevada HOSA.

Leadership Sessions

Take one escalator up - surrounded by a glass disarray, cross the floor and in seconds you were surrounded by crowds of anxious chapters shuffling to the many workshops to start the day bright. It was clear by the venue that the hustle and bustle of members everywhere brought a nice reverberating tone that Nevada HOSA has clearly grown to a strong state to represent at Nationals!

Check out the leadership Educational Symposiums in their state program:
http://www.nevadahosa.org/PDF/conferences/Nevada%20HOSA%20SLC%202012%20Schedule.pdf

Sean Sheffer, National President Leadership Workshops Sean Sheffer had the amazing opportunity to host two leadership sessions:
Understanding Ethos: What’s the most important aspect of leadership?
Sean had the amazing opportunity to meet over 150 members who attended his workshop, dedicated to showing Nevada HOSA that the most crucial part in the anatomy of a HOSA member - is character. From the role playing interview, to the negotiating the case of the Ugli Orange, remember that integrity rises above all for HOSA members in any situation!

and Breaking Tradition, Building Bridges
In his second leadership session, members were faced with a question: “If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you do it?”
Of course the answer is no, BUT, as we get older, the question gets rephrased: “Everyone else is jumping off a bridge, why aren’t you doing it?”
Be sure that no matter what you do in the future, they are your aspirations and your dreams, don’t follow the crowd jumping off bridges if you can build your own!

The Competition

This year the competition was fiercer than ever, with over 33 competitions and the members exponentially increasing the talent pool. The teams were stronger, the individuals were relentless, and knowledge, creativity and skill lightened the conference center and scenarios!

Sean Sheffer was honored to serve as the Judge of HOSA Bowl, his favorite competition when he competed. Through the rise and fall of the many teams, the crowds did their best to remain calm as the buzzers flashed constantly with each question, slowly raising the stakes as time elapsed.


Former National Officers Unite!

Serving the HOSA Bowl Competition

Deborah Howell Keynote Speaker/Presenter

Nevada HOSA was honored to have their guest speaker: Deborah Howell. To name some of her most passionate achievements, she is a licensed physical therapist, empowerment speaker, and the author of Straight to the Heart of What Matters. She is the Founder and CEO of Victory in Action Enrichment and Empowerment Academy and a graduate of the State University of New York  (SUNY) Health Science Center in Brooklyn. For the past seventeen years, Deborah has provided physical therapy services in a wide variety of direct patient care environments throughout the United States. Recently, she created a patient education program called, “The Rehabilitation Experience.” Deborah’s passion and focus is to encourage and facilitate positive and long lasting change, inspiring and empowering participants to live their best life possible!

She led two educational symposiums, dedicated to intrinsically moving participants towards greater personal awareness and insight to the overall health e!ects of nutritional choices, personal choices, stress and other influences in their daily lives.

Check out her cause below:
www.victoryinaction.com
www.facebook.com/victoryinaction

HOSA Night out and the Dance!

The Awards Session

Victory was within reach as the excitement just two days ago translated into anxiousness, today was the accumulation of all their hard work!

Thank you to Nevada HOSA
From Sean Sheffer, National President
I’m so very proud of Nevada HOSA for treating me with hospitality and open arms. I fondly remember the first state leadership conference in Nevada, being on the first state officer team to seeing the current state officers team be installed. The future of Nevada HOSA will always live on in the members who shared the kindle of those flames - and I sincerely hope that I’ve done my part to make an impact on the state association just like it has impacted my life. One day I hope to return to serve Nevada HOSA - even past my official term as National President. Though the time has passed so quickly the memories will stay, to everybody I got a chance to meet with and everybody who worked so hard to be where they were at the conference, stay strong and spirited, and I will see you at the National Leadership Conference in Orlando Florida!

-Sean



Questions? Comments? e-mail me at
shefferhosa@gmail.com

Florida Hosa Takes Over the River City: 35th Annual State Leadership Conference 2012

From March 29 – April 1, 2012 over 2,800 Florida Hosa members, advisors, and guests convened in Jacksonville, Florida at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The beautiful back drop of the St. John’s River and blue Jacksonville bridges set the scene for an amazing conference. Thursday March 28th marked an electric evening for the Opening Session of Florida Hosa's State Leadership Conference. National Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President, Sara Sapp and Region II Vice President Nathalie Figueroa spoke on behalf of the National Executive Council bringing a warm welcome and invitation to the National Leadership Conference in their own backyard of Orlando, Florida. Leadership Fellow and Director of Leadership at Tri Leadership Resources, Amy Gallimore, graced the stage as the keynote speaker. She taught the audience how her childhood dream of becoming a "fire truck" was realized. The laughs and lessons of perseverance inspired the members in attendance to be the best they can be.

The view of St. John's River from the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Home of Florida Hosa SLC 2012

The Sunshine State loves Hosa! 

Headquarters before the rush of competitions.

Amy Gallimore delivering the Keynote at Thursday evening's Opening Session

Friday March 29th kicked off early in the morning with the hotel buzzing with competitors in the halls. Facilitated by Florida Hosa's State Officers, the Business Session addressed the presentation of next year's conference themes and campaign speeches for state office. That afternoon, members could take the opportunity to attend HOSA University 101, a dynamic program designed to help them grow as leaders. A High School Senior Networking Workshop took place in the conference center where Seniors learned about the benefits of Alumni Membership while networking and enjoying refreshments. Later in the evening, the Florida Hosa Reception and Reunion took place in the beautiful River Terrace overlooking the St. John's River. This was a time for current and past State/National Officers, Honorary Lifetime Members, and other guests from Florida to reflect on the past and catch up on how Hosa has influenced their present. The Recognition Session was full of emotion as the State Officer Farewells and Member Tribute of 2011-2012 played on the stage. Hundreds of chapters and advisors received recognition for all of their hard work throughout the year.

Senior Networking on Friday Afternoon

Past and Present National Officers Reunite at the Florida Hosa Reception with State Advisor Lloyd DeVault

Region I Showing their Spirit!

Members of Plantation High School Hosa after Friday's Recognition Session

Saturday March 31st was the last day of events, but certainly not the least. Middle School Division Grand Awards Session started the day off with smiling faces as Middle School winners were announced to the stage from ten different competitions. Headquarters kept busy all day: Courtesy Corps counted the change for JDRF Penny Wars, competitive event results came in, and judges tabulated scores. As part of Hosa Day in Jacksonville, members traveled to the many historical sites or the Museum of Science and History. Jacksonville Zoo met members at the Hyatt where they could discover the physical and behavioral features enabling animals to survive with real live animals. The conference wrapped up with the Postsecondary and Secondary Grand Awards Session where competitors found out if they advanced to the National Leadership Conference. Many hugs, smiles, and screams of enthusiasm filled the room as winners were announced and took the stage.

Jacksonville Museum of Science and History on Hosa Day

Members representing with newly earned medals!

Florida Hosa loves a photo-op!

Disney World here we come!

Florida Hosa President Gregory Cotes Addressing the Delegation