By Willoe Phillips.
During the week of April 2-5, in Galveston Island, for the HOSA state conference, sophomores Jozalyn Gallow, Alexa Puryear and Caleb Hardin, junior Adene Tilihun and senior Karissa Chapman received Barbara James Service Awards for 100 hours of community service. Sophomore Baylee Lawrence received recognition for her service project and sophomore Willoe Phillips received recognition for HOSA Happenings.
“I had to do over 100 hours of community service,” Puryear said. “It took me about a semester and a half. I did a lot of community service at the nursing home where my mom’s works.”
In order to get their community service award, students need to have a minimum of 100 hours of community service. There are three tiers to the award, bronze for 100 hours, silver for 200 hours, and gold for 250 hours. To accept their awards, students get to walk a stage and shake the hands of the state HOSA officers.
“The steps were steep, my first thought was, ‘let me not trip and embarrass myself in front of all these people,” Tilahun said. “Then it was a moment of ‘oh my gosh I actually did it, like wow I actually did it’.”
In order to help pay for food students received $112 from the district, along with personal money brought by students. They needed to learn a lot about money management and budget accurately to be able to afford food.
“Money management was definitely a big challenge for me while in Galveston,” Gallow said. “The Rainforest Cafe was one of my favorite experiences because there was a lot going on and a lot of people.”
HOSA allows students to be able to travel and see other members and their chapter. It allowed them to meet the state HOSA officer line up. According to Puryear, HOSA has opened up many opportunities for her.
“I recommend other members working to be able to go,” Puryear said. “It was so much fun, and you get to get close with some really cool people. It’s also given me a step in the right direction to healthcare.”
HOSA isn’t just a student organization. It’s a lot of learning experiences, students get to learn with their friends, participate in new activities, and meet new people.
“It allows students to have the opportunity for travel and meeting the other HOSA students from around the state,” 14-year HOSA advisor Melissa McMillion said. “It’s a great experience for students to step out of their comfort zone by competing, completing community service, national and chapter projects and being recognized for their hard work.”
