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