“The State Leadership Conference (SLC) is not simply a time to pick the perfect competition, prepare the skill, hone your craft, and finally perform to possibly win a medal. This is the time when over 4,000 members, advisors, and industry partners come together for inspirational speakers, leadership workshops, professional development, and career guidance, and to give it their all. There is plenty to keep every attendee busy including educational symposiums, College and Career Fair, Courtesy Corps, and HOSA Village! Competitors are recognized, officers are sworn in, and scholarships are presented during the excitement-filled State Leadership Conference. “ (cal-hosa.org, 2022)
The California HOSA State Leadership Conference was all that and more. Our trip began with COVID testing and bus loading at 7 am on March 23. As we traveled down towards Long Beach we had a break at UCLA. Students took this opportunity to tour the campus checking out the Bruin statue, athletic facilities (I hear there are some great tennis players), the beautiful campus buildings, the food delivery robots, the student center, and more. After loading up again we headed to our hotel, The Westin Long Beach. After most of the students were settled in their rooms we headed out to the Pike Outlets for dinner. Our next stop was Vons grocery store. to load up on food. I am not sure that Vons was ready for almost 100 high school students but we all had a good time and walked back to the Westin loaded with all sorts of goodies.
Early the next morning the brave advisors registered our chapter and carted back over 100 t-shirts, badges, and pins. Luckily we had a wagon. Students checked in to receive their conference swag and headed out to compete, practice, go to a workshop or get a Starbucks. The day went by very quickly. That evening we went to the Opening Ceremony which featured keynote speaker, John Beede. John was humorous but also had a great message for the students about setting goals and perseverance. He was one of the best keynotes speakers that I have seen. After the opening ceremony, we headed back to the hotel where the students had dinner. A small group needed more supplies so we headed out to our favorite store - Vons. (Image below shows a group of students heading back to our hotel in the background)
Friday consisted of competitions, workshops, competition preparation, school work, aquarium trips, and more. Friday night we attended the Recognition Ceremony where Mountain House High School started racking up the awards. (See list below). That was followed by the Talent/ No Talent show including song, dance, mini competitions, and more (See image below). Students returned to the hotel, had some dinner, and went to bed.
Saturday morning we were up and cleaning rooms first thing and then loaded the luggage on the bus. Students were generally done with their competitions and attended workshops. Some students checked out the pier or other Long Beach tourist attractions. When asked about their favorite times so far many said competing and others said the Talent Show. Saturday evening we attended the Closing Ceremony. Eshaal Naveed was elected as a Cal-HOSA State Officer.
Mountain House High School was very well represented in the awards (See list below). There are several students who placed in the Top 10 in events that we have not done so in the past which is amazing. We are proud of all the students who competed. They showed great sportsmanship. All the students have improved their knowledge in the area of health/ medicine. All students improved their leadership and college/career skills. The mood after the closing ceremony can best be described as elation and eagerness to compete again next year.
Thank you to everyone who has supported these students throughout the year including parents, chaperones, teachers, advisors, administrators, and the District Office. We couldn’t have done this without your support.
We are now preparing for the next adventure which is the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Nashville, TN. Any student who received a gold, silver or bronze medal automatically qualifies for ILC. These students are bolded in the list below The other students are alternates. Students can only compete in one event and some students will have conflicts this summer which will provide some alternates a chance to compete at ILC against the best of the best in the US and beyond.
Mountain House High School Top 10 Finalists
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