HOSA Visits with School Leaders at the Annual NASSP Conference

This year's NASSP Conference was all about "Breaking Ranks"

The streets of Tampa buzzed with the promise of education as more than 1,000 school leaders converged on the Tampa Convention Center March 8th. The conference, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, was all about changing the way leaders think about education by "Breaking Ranks". Attendees visited many exhibitors during the three-day event, one of which was HOSA - Future Health Professionals! Principals and visitors were drawn to the booth by the presentation of this year's HOSA feature video: Impact Your Future. The video includes many of the most exciting facts and figures about HOSA as well as many attendees of the 2011 National Leadership Conference. See if you appear in the video on Youtube! Visitors to the display were greeted by Mrs. Sheila Carlton, past National Board Chairperson, and National President-Elect David Kelly. Some wanted to be introduced to HOSA, while others simply stopped by to offer their support - we have amazing advisors! One thing was exceptionally clear throughout the show: the word is getting out. HOSA is seeing incredible numbers come in at the national office in Flower Mound, Texas, and interest is only growing as health careers emerge at the forefront of global workforce needs. After seeing the enthusiasm of both established advisors as well as prospective chapters, one has to marvel at the incredible opportunity afforded to such an amazing organization. Ladies and gentlemen, the secret is out. HOSA is making its mark on the world of health, the world of education, and the world itself. HOSA - Future Health Professionals.

Colorado HOSA: Respecting the Past, Excelling in the Present, Creating a Successful Future.

Secondary Board Representative, Brittany Woods, had the pleasure of attending the 2012 Colorado HOSA State Leadership Conference in the beautiful city of Loveland, Colorado!
This conference consisted of 3 days filled with competitive events, educational symposiums, state officer elections, special sessions and most importantly, enthusiastic HOSA members!

The opening day of the conference was exciting for all members and state officers! The opening session consisted of a general welcome to all conference attendees and special guests, a keynote speaker, and the state officers encouraging members to be excited for the next few days of the conference! The keynote speaker was Justin Boudreau, a native to our neighbor nation, Canada. While he was also very comical and entertaining to the members, he expressed how vital it was for members to be thankful for the individuals in their lives who have inspired them to strive to achieve their goals. Day one concluded with a chapter presidents reception, a state officer candidate social, and an exciting game room, with a Nintendo Wii included!

On your marks, get set, COMPETE! That’s right, day two members were out in hallways, guidelines in hands, ready to compete, with hopes of moving on to the National Leadership Conference! From Forensic Science to Human Growth and Development, members were ecstatic to show off their professional dress as well as their health science skills they’ve been enhancing all year long! Alongside competitive events, this day also consisted of educational symposiums which included topics such as Networking, Anatomy in Clay and Zumba! While the day was filled with activities, the night concluded with a recognition session intertwined with dinner that was followed by a dance where the slating of the State Officer Candidates was announced!

At the recognition session, while many students were recognized, one individual was definitely a shining star. A representative from our National Service Project, JDRF, Ellie White touched the heart of all HOSA members who were attendance that night. Ellie was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 3, she is now 8 years old, and is eager to fight against her Type 1 Diabetes. Although she struggles with various health disorders, Ellie still maintains an optimistic attitude. She enjoys telling her story, and also lives her life to the fullest while she can. While Ellie was inspired by the members of Colorado HOSA, all members were inspired by her as well.

The Final day of the Colorado HOSA State Leadership Conference consisted of the business meeting and closing session. At the closing session, Secondary Board Representative, Brittany Woods Greeted all members on Behalf of National HOSA. The entire room was filled with applause and cheers as the competitive event winners were announced, and bright smiles were on the faces of those who received bronze, silver and gold medals. Aside from competitive events, the 2012-2013 Colorado HOSA State Officers were also Installed into their offices. At this conference all members learned something new, or gained a new experience, the 2012 Colorado HOSA State Leadership Conference will definitely be one to remember!

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.

The annual HOSA, Inc. Board of Directors meeting is held in Dallas, Texas each year. At this meeting, members of the board convene to discuss the year in review and to make plans for the future of HOSA. The two-day meeting involves fascinating elements of parliamentary procedure and culminates in a program of work for the ensuing year.

Sean and David are part of the executive committee, which consists of the chair, chair-elect, and immediate past chair of the HOSA Inc. Board of Directors, the Executive Director and Associate Director of HOSA.

Brittany Woods and Warché Downing serve as your secondary and postsecondary board members, and were also present at the the annual meeting on Saturday.
National President Sean Sheffer and National President-Elect David Kelly attended the Executive Committee meeting on Friday, January 6th, to finalize the agenda for the board meeting. Members of the committee discussed pros and cons of each motion, and approved many to pass toward the board for decision. Tonia Moore-Davis, Chairman of the Board, presided. National HOSA brought many exciting On January 7th, 2010, all HOSA Board Meeting attendees were prepared for a long day of hard work and decision making on a bright and early Saturday Morning. The day started off with a delicious breakfast, where National Officers greeted all attendees. Although it was early, many faces were lit up with bright smiles and you could sense the enthusiasm of those who were in attendance. Shortly after breakfast, it was time for everyone to sit down and get to work!
During the annual board meeting, an abundance of discussion and decision making took place. National Officers, Sean Sheffer, David Kelly, Warche Downing, and Brittany Woods were all very excited to serve as the ultimate voice for all 145,000 members across the nation.  Many innovative ideas and suggestions were brought to the table, with assurance that all decisions made, would best reflect the National developments and ideas to this meeting, ensuring an incredible year for HOSA members!

Executive Council’s ultimate goal of “Celebrating the Members!”
The National Executive Council conducted an update which was presented by President, Sean Sheffer, President-Elect, David Kelly, Secondary Board Representative, Brittany Woods, and Postsecondary/Collegiate Board Representative, Warche Downing. Each of the officers provided a brief update on remarkable activities and projects that they have partaken in since the Washington Leadership Academy in September. The officers who were not present prepared a video that was presented to all members of the HOSA Inc. Board of Directors.
Following the conclusion of all new business, it was finally time for lunch! Meals are always a great opportunity for the National Officers to have time to sit down and network with state advisors, local advisors, and other board and committee members, while also having a delicious meal! However, at this lunch, the board members were lucky enough to have a birthday cake present! We were very excited to celebrate the birthdays of Kentucky State Advisor, Elizabeth Bullock, and Postsecondary/Collegiate Board Representative, Warche Downing.
A few hours after lunch, the board meeting slowly came to a close. Members of the board elected a new executive committee. HOSA extends congratulations to Secretary, Elizabeth Bullock, Chair-Elect, Dennis Abbot! Most importantly, the National Executive council provides sincere gratitude to our Immediate Past Board Chair, Mrs. Tania Moore-Davis. Tania’s passion for HOSA reflected in all the hard work and dedication that she put into HOSA. We thank her for her service, and for also being an excellent role model for all HOSA members. Tania Moore-Davis is truly an asset to our organization. After electing the new executive committee, the meeting was adjourned by HOSA’s 2012 Board Chair Lowell Doringo! We congratulate Lowell on his new position, and are very excited to see what he brings to HOSA in the upcoming year.
The day concluded with a dinner, where everyone said their final farewells. Attending the board meeting was a great experience that will never be forgotten. Secondary Board Representative, Brittany Woods, and Postsecondary/Collegiate Board Representative, Warche Downing, are very thankful to represent you, the members, while serving on the HOSA Inc. Board of Directors!

Florida HOSA Leadership Development Conference

Florida HOSA's Leadership Development Conference took place November 18-20, 2011 in beautiful High Springs, FL at Camp Kulaqua. "HOSA: Guiding you Through the Wild" was a great explanation of the weekend full of workshops, fundraisers, networking, laughs, and memories. There were eight workshops that were organized and implemented by the Florida HOSA State Officer Team, Keynote Speaker Dan Greer, and National Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President Sara Sapp. The workshop topics included Communication, Time Management, Suit Up, Parliamentary Procedure, Teamwork, Public Speaking, and Professionalism. Below is a timeline of all the events that took place over the weekend...

Friday November 18, 2011

This year's theme was Call of the Wild, each state officer represented a different tribe

Florida's State Officers Dunk Tank Fundraiser for the Florida HOSA Foundation Scholarship

                                       

    President Gregory Cotes and Parliamentarian Ashley Ivy in the Teamwork Workshop

                     

Friday Night's General Session

State Officers performing the Lion Sleeps tonight at the General Session

Saturday November 19, 2011

Regional Officer Workshop on Saturday afternoon focused on skills needed to run an efficient Winter Leadership Conference

Even lunch had entertainment! This was taken right before a flashmob in the cafeteria!

Trying to stay warm at the Campfire! Fresh s'mores definitely helped!

  

Florida HOSA loves to dance!

FL HOSA State Officers after the Pie in the Face Fundraiser for the Florida HOSA Foundation Scholarship Saturday night at the campfire 

Sunday November 20, 2011

Graduates from the Suit Up Workshop signed this larger than life "diploma"

Tribes performed original skits Sunday morning at the General Session

One last group shot before Region IX's long bus ride home

From navigating the woods, workshops to enhance leadership skills, sidesplitting skits performed by the State Officers and Tribes, eating warm freshly made s'mores, and dancing by the campfire Florida HOSA Leadership Development Conference was a "wild" success. With over 250 members, advisors, and special guests in attendance the lessons learned and friendships made over the weekend will resonate all over the HOSA Nation!

HOSA NEC Members at the ACTE Conference in St. Louis

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 28^th 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.

National Association of Parliamentarians Biennial Convention 2011

The National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) is a dynamic, growing organization concerned with the practical problems parliamentarians face today. They partner with several student organizations to develop and enhance educational programs, and HOSA is one of those lucky organizations.

Opening General Session 

The NAP Biennial Convention took place from September 22 to September 26 in Saint Petersburg, FL. At the convention major business was in order for the biennium: the gathering of over four hundred NAP members, bylaw revisions, and the much anticipated release of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11^th Edition.

Henry Robert III summarizing the major changes in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th Edition

Sara Sapp, National Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President, represented HOSA as an intern at the convention. There were six interns in attendance from FBLA, PBL, FCCLA, BPA, NAP Education Foundation, and HOSA. They served at the NAP as pages during general body meetings. Being a page entails serving the approximately four hundred person delegation by collecting motion forms, sending messages, and answering questions during business meetings.

Sara Sapp, National Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President and Mrs. Jane Shovlin, Arizona HOSA State Advisor at the Hilton St. Petersburg.

Throughout the conference the interns learned ample amounts about parliamentary procedure and leadership through keynote speakers, workshops, and the exciting release of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11^th Edition.

NAP 2011 Interns

At the Youth Committee Luncheon the Bell High School HOSA Parliamentary Procedure Team performed a meeting in front of the NAP Education Foundation and the authors of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11^th Edition. As a reward for their hard work and proficiency in Parliamentary Procedure each member of the team received a signed copy of the book from the authors.

Bell High School HOSA Parliamentary Procedure Team