The wonderful state of Virginia welcomed Region II Vice-President, Nathalie Figueroa, to their 32nd annual State Leadership Conference. It was held at the Williamsburg Hotel and Conference Center in Williamsburg, Virginia from March 16-18. Members gathered to demonstrate and improve their medical and leadership skills while making new friends across the state.
Friday, March 16, 2012
The conference began with members arriving from schools all across Virginia. Registration and competitive event orientations were held throughout the day. The Williamsburg Hotel and Conference Center was full of life as members practiced their skills in study groups and socialized with new friends. Advisors and volunteers worked hard as they ran the orientations and prepared for competitions the following day.
During the opening session, a multitude of chapters gathered to celebrate the beginning of a thrilling weekend. The State Officers welcomed everyone, led members in reciting the HOSA creed, and explained the purpose, agenda, and guidelines for the ensuing days.
Richmond Tech's EMS Ambulance flashed lights, talked, and moved around the conference room exciting members before the opening session!
Enthusiastic members representing their chapters and ready to kick-off a great conference.
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| Andrea Sawyer |
The keynote speaker, Andrea Sawyer, gave a motivational speech about the decisions we make after going through challenging experiences. When her husband returned from Iraq with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she became his caregiver. She described how she watched him deteriorate before her eyes and the challenges she faced in receiving the proper care for her husband. Her hope was dwindling until she found the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). It made them feel empowered to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others facing the same obstacles. WWP's Policy and Government Affairs program gave her the opportunity to express to the White House and members of Congress the importance of mental healthcare for our wounded warriors and support for their caregivers.
She finished by saying that we can respond to obstacles in three different ways. We can let a challenge affect us negatively forever, we can overcome a challenge, or we can overcome a challenge and change it for others so that they do not have to face the same problems. The choice is ours.
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| https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org |
The night concluded with a talent show that singing, dancing, and instrumental acts. The talent was truly through the roof!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Behind the scenes, State Officers and State Advisor, Mrs. Ann Craddock, prepare for the day's events, which included a variety of workshops, competitions, and various sessions.
Beautiful HOSA uniforms and Virginia HOSA pins were found all throughout the conference. Members who dressed for success received ribbons and wore them proudly.
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| Workshops on every kind of subject were held all day. Out of the many workshops offered to members at the conference was this "Dress for Success" workshop. Members and advisors received tips on how to dress sharp. |
That night, the State Officers led the recognition session at a banquet where members and advisors dressed up. What a great way to recognize the members, advisors, and guests that give back to HOSA and the medical community at large.
After the session, members attended "Fun Night," which included events such as Bingo, a dance, Wii games, karaoke, and corn-hole. Members represented their chapter shirts throughout the conference. Check out these soon-to-be nurses showing their medical pride on "Fun Night."
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The morning started with State Officers ready to award members after a weekend of challenging and exciting competition. Members waited eagerly for the results!
The 2012-2013 State Officers accepting the responsibilities of their office. Virginia HOSA has great leaders!
Post-Secondary/Collegiate winners after the awards ceremony. They're ready for Nationals!
Secondary winners after the awards ceremony. See you in Orlando, Florida at the 35th Annual National Leadership Conference!
The 2011-2012 State Officer Team, State Advisor, Mrs. Ann Craddock, and National Officer, Nathalie Figueroa.
Virginia HOSA's 32nd annual State Leadership Conference was full of friendships, successes, and lessons that will continue to mold future healthcare professionals.
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