On October 16, Lambert Health Occupations Students of America(HOSA) took a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia for their annual Fall Rally, run by the state charter of HOSA called Georgia HOSA. Normally held at the state fair, but this year the event was held at Six Flags. Students took a break from school to instead go to a and have fun with friends after attending a healthcare presentation with keynote speakers.
Once they got off the bus, students attended the HOSA presentations that kickstarted the fall rally and built excitement for the rest of the day.
“They [Georgia HOSA] were just exciting attendees for the upcoming year and talking about how they’re gonna promote HOSA in a better way,” Lambert sophomore and HOSA member Abhay Kumar said. “I’m excited for the SLC (State Leadership Conference), because I think I’m going to get in for the SQT (State Qualification Testing).”
The Fall Rally for HOSA serves as a stepping stone in preparation for larger leadership-oriented events in the future. The speakers and curated presentations provide new members with opportunities to learn what Georgia HOSA(the parent organization of Lambert HOSA) is all about, showcasing some of the unique opportunities the organization offers. However, the presentations are not the only required event for the rally.
The statesman exam, a required test to go to the rally, tested members’ knowledge of Georgia HOSA and its leaders. By testing information about the organization itself, the exam awards those who are most passionate and knowledgeable about the statewide club. At Lambert, hopeful participants were required to attend study sessions for the exam to go to the rally and then later required to take a mock statesman exam.
“I had to take a mock statesman exam after going to one of the study sessions for the test,” Kumar explained. “Whoever scored higher than 80% was eligible to go. And then after that, at the rally, you have to take the exam for recognition.”
Since the test’s cutoff was quite strict, it meant that only dedicated Lambert HOSA members could attend the rally and seize its opportunities. The mock test and the study sessions also proved beneficial, since they helped prepare members for the real statesman exam.
Rallies are often meant to bring people together to celebrate a common goal, cause or event. Georgia HOSA brought together people from all across the state to celebrate the organization, but it went one step further: it builds the foundation for its future as well.
