HOSA NEC 2011-2012: Celebrating the Members!: 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.