Georgia HOSA 2011-2012: Beyond Possible

Many organizations have programs of work. They evaluate their performance each year and create goals for the coming year. Most organizations look at their performance and determine, based on that data, projections on what will be possible to complete in the coming year. What's possible is a good objective for which to strive, but for a very select few, what's possible just isn't good enough. They must go BEYOND POSSIBLE. Welcome to Georgia HOSA's 2012 State Leadership Conference.

National HOSA President-Elect David Kelly had the amazing opportunity to attend this three day event full of competition, excitement, and over 2,800 attendees. Many arrived the night before to ensure ample time to prepare for preliminary tests in the morning. The event was held in the Classic Center of Athens, Georgia, home of the Georgia Bulldogs. A spirit of youth was definitely present in this hilly and vibrant town only an hour from downtown Atlanta. Meanwhile, Georgia HOSA state officers prepared for Thursday night's opening session. The stage was set.

The Classic Center stage prepared for Opening Session

Opening session of Georgia's SLC involves over 2,800 people cheering in support of their chapter, state, and organization. A true celebration, state officers focus and reflect the enthusiasm of the crown to deliver an incredible message - not everything is possible, but what if we go BEYOND POSSIBLE? Executive Director/State Advisor Mr. Allen Seigler gave a State of the State Address highlighting Georgia's many accomplishments, including Georgia's membership of over 10,000 Future Health Professionals.

The crowd cheers in support of Georgia HOSA

On Friday, competition became heated as members competed in 58 different events. State Officer and Region Representative candidates campaigned nearly all day in search of votes from delegates. The mood of the classic center became more tense as the day rolled to a close, probably due to the impending arrival of the Grand Awards Ceremony. The perfect event to break the tension? The annual Georgia HOSA Dance. Nearly all of the 2,800 members present took to the dance floor to show off not only their skills in the healthcare field, but also their skills on the dance floor. Meanwhile, Georgia HOSA leadership held an event for Chapter Presidents in an adjoining room, celebrating and recognizing their outstanding chapter leadership.

The air the next morning was crackling with excitement and nerves as HOSA descended once again upon the Classic Center. Members were anxious to see who placed the best in their competition, and candidates nervously awaited the announcement of the 2012-2013 State Officer Team. Awards began, and winners ecstatically took to the stage to receive their medals and a chance to attend the 2012 National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. After the presentation of awards came the announcement and installation of the next State Officer Team. State President Maria van Allen handed the gavel over to President-Elect Sabrina Singh after an emotional tribute to the outgoing team.

After only three days celebrating a year's worth of achievement, Georgia HOSA once again returned to their chapters with a renewed challenge: to go BEYOND POSSIBLE. The passion and enthusiasm of Georgia's membership still reverberated through the center, a poignant reminder of the joy that was experienced here. National HOSA and President-Elect David Kelly would like to personally thank Georgia HOSA leadership, including State Officers, State Staff, and Executive Director Allen Seigler, for inviting a member of the National Executive Council to take part in this unforgettable event. Congratulations to Georgia HOSA on reaching beyond the stars and dreaming beyond reality. Georgia HOSA 2011-2012: BEYOND POSSIBLE.

Members of Georgia HOSA State Staff with Executive Director Mr. Allen Seigler 

National HOSA President-Elect David Kelly with 2011-2012 Georgia

HOSA State Officers and Region Representatives

For more information on Georgia HOSA visit georgiahosa.org.