COMPETITIVE EVENTS PREPARATION WORKSHOP
On November 15, 2024, Missouri HOSA hosted its Competitive Events Preparation Workshop at Stephens College in Columbia, where 243 participants from 34 local chapters were in attendance. The day began with an opening session that covered an overview of competitive and recognition events, general rules, guidelines, and essential tools for success in the competitive events program offered by HOSA - Future Health Professionals. After lunch, attendees participated in category-specific rotations, offering hands-on practice for events such as Clinical Laboratory Science, CPR/First Aid, Extemporaneous Writing, Public Service Announcement, and Emotional Well-Being Challenge across five competitive event categories: Health Professions, Emergency Preparedness, Teamwork, Leadership, and Recognition.
In Clinical Laboratory Science and CPR/First Aid, participants performed skills such as blood typing and practiced proper CPR techniques. In Public Service Announcement, Extemporaneous Writing, and Emotional Well-Being Challenge, rubrics for these events were reviewed, highlighting topics such as filming PSAs, writing policy change letters to congressional officials, and working within communities to support peers and oneself on topics of mental health and substance use. The workshop concluded with a closing session that shared valuable resources, reviewed key deadlines, and provided attendees with practical takeaways to excel in their events.
Wyatt McDonald, Missouri HOSA 2024-2025 President-Elect
COMPETITIVE EVENTS TESTIMONIAL
"Competing with HOSA has been about so much more than just the medal. Sure, gaining recognition for your hard work feels amazing, but the networking, leadership, and education that HOSA has brought me along the way has taken me so much further than I could have ever imagined.
I have been competing with HOSA for five years now, and it has been the five most rewarding years of my life. HOSA gives you the hands-on experience that you cannot gain in the classroom. The relationships that I have gained have taken me far, and I am so grateful for this organization. To those just starting out, or to those waiting to take the jump into the competition side of HOSA, I say… Take that jump! There is nothing to lose, and much to gain. If anything, I wish I would have started sooner.
The medals in this box do not just showcase the placement in the events in which I have competed in, but they display a lot of growth. I encourage you to start today and take risks not just within HOSA, but within everything you set your mind to. You might just be surprised by the outcome!"
Sophia Giltner
Missouri HOSA Alumni