Members of the HOSA National Executive Council recently had the opportunity to attend the annual Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) conference in St. Louis, Missouri. This was a thrill for all, as it was both a chance to learn more about the intricacies of education and an opportunity to interact with HOSA advisors, as well as officers with other organizations! The three days spent illustrated even more the need for Future Health Professionals in the career tech system. ACTE is an incredible organization the with which HOSA is glad to be associated. Read on to discover three days of excitement!
As the team arrived to St. Louis on Wednesday, the officer team had much in store as we began to set up the HOSA booth. While David and Warche went off to give greetings from National HOSA at regional meetings, Ms. Sheila Carlton, Nabil, and Tayla began to set up the HOSA trade show booth. We wanted to be creative so we spelled out “HOSA” with our hand sanitizer bottles and placed the flyers in a artistic way! As we were setting up the banners, it was definitely a trial! We had trouble setting the banners onto the hooks and keeping them straight, however, after much struggle, we succeeded! We were able to get a monitor so as the day went on, we were able to play the 2011-2012 HOSA promo video, an incredible HOSA publication! (HOSA Promo) On one end of the table, we placed a blood pressure cuff, a unique facet of our display that allowed us to better interact with attendees. Our first day was full of setup, but it would all be worth it for the next day!
Opening session at the ACTE conference was very enlightening. The opening session revealed even more why Career-Technical Education is absolutely critical in developing strong, multifaceted, competent leaders while empowering students to excel in their future. The keynote speaker was Sir Ken Robinson, who is an internationally recognized leader in the development of education, creativity, and innovation. The opening session really allowed the officer team to appreciate educators even more, because educators give so much to what they do as an effort to impact future generations. The team maintained the National HOSA booth throughout the morning. We met many advisors, teachers, counselors, and administrators,many of whom were excited to hear about HOSA for the first time! The team had the honor of meeting Maj. Kristen M. Hensley, U.S. Army Nurse Corps Executive Officer, and attendee at last year’s NLC! Some HOSA advisors were ecstatic to hear about our 28th consecutive year of growth, opportunities provided through HOSA, and so much more. The ambience that was set at the booth translated to meeting rooms as HOSA was formally recognized at the Health Sciences meeting. Dr. and Mrs. Koeninger, Executive and Associate Directors of HOSA, received an award for their tireless dedication to the future of healthcare! The day was filled with surprises and inspiring stories, all leading up to the health sciences luncheon!
Members of the NEC with Maj. Kristen M. Hensley
The officer team’s final day in Missouri proved to be even more incredible as more dedicated HOSA alumni, advisors, and supporters poured through the doors of the convention center. The HOSA booth was once again in full swing, showcasing the 34th annual National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California and looking forward to the 35th in Orlando, Florida! The highlight of the day, though, came when the team hosted the health sciences divisional luncheon. Health sciences instructors attended to socialize, learn, and celebrate the success of health science education. David welcomed the instructors, Nabil introduced special guests, Warche delivered an official National HOSA update, and Tayla introduced the day’s keynote speaker, Bill Cordes. Cordes lectured on the ability of students to persevere through opposition, keeping the tone light and fun throughout the presentation. The luncheon ended with a health sciences silent raffle, an event which thrilled all in attendance! The final day in St. Louis was certainly one not to be missed.
