CTSO Winter Summit Training

Written by Laura Okolie

The Georgia HOSA State Officer Team had a blast at the jam-packed three days CTSO Winter Summit Training at the FFA Camp in Covington, Georgia this last weekend (Dec. 7-9). This summit was a weekend filled with training, thrill, excitement, courage, teamwork, and strength. The training tested the officer’s teamwork skills, public speaking skills, and other skills that will ensure success in each Career and Technical Student Organizations (HOSA, DECA, FFCLA, FBLA, GCSA, TSA, SkillsUSA, and FFA). During training, the HOSA officer team had many goals in mind. They had to find a way to deliver amazing skits and talents and win a trip to SixFlags by rising in rank from second to last place in team competitions, thrive during fear factor and deliver an awesome one minute speech that would show Mr. Woodard, CTAE Director; Mr. Carey, CTSO Coordinator; and Mr.  Fiese, Trainer; other esteemed guests, and all the other CTSO officers what HOSA accomplished this year so far.

            The HOSA Officer team arrived at 12:00 P.M on Friday, December 7, and went for their first winter training session where Mr. Fiese, a fantastic and well known speaker, reviewed over key tips for public speaking. After the first session, the officer team was given the opportunity to meet with each other and decide on the skits that were to be displayed to the other CTSOs. As the “Tootsie Roll” tune played in the room, the team created a dance that would stun the judges. They also created a talent that would put all the training participants in the holiday spirit. Dinner was provided at Stevi B Pizza where all the CTSO officers conversed, ate, and had fun. After Training Session 2, all the CTSOs had a Karaoke contest where Mr. Seigler and Ashley Weaver sang RESPECT by Aretha Franklin. Individually, Ashley beautifully sang a Christmas song by Nat King Cole that reminded everyone of the true reason for the season.
           

The next day was an action packed, heart bursting, mind challenging day. The third training session with Mr. Fiese introduced the different personalities of people. Each person was able to find out about themselves, what stresses them out and what inspires them to do what they do. The early afternoon included a time for the CTSO to take pictures. The HOSA Officer team took individual pictures and a family picture around the Christmas tree. Later on was the infamous High Ropes/ Leadership Course; and this time, the directors had to complete the course with the officers. This was an important event as it would give the team points for the competition. During the rock climbing event, Mr. Seigler raced to the top against the FFA director. On the other side, the HOSA officer team had victory in the leadership course as they worked together. Dinner was actually a formal banquet that included Mr. Woodard, Mr. Carey and …… The dinner began with the National Anthem sung by Ashley Weaver, HOSA; Jessica Ridgett, FFA; and Kelly Glass, SkillsUSA. Mr. Fiese taught everyone about table etiquette and Mr. Woodard gave an inspiring speech about the future of CTSO. This was also the time of the “ONE Minute Speech”.  Chemyeeka Tumblin, Georgia HOSA Treasurer, gave an amazing powerful speech as she showed and told everyone about the increased HOSA membership, Fall Leadership Conference, and the plans for the future. Talent show, skits and Fear Factor took place after dinner. The Officer Team received cheers and laughs with the “Don’t CHA” HOSA song and the HOSA KID act. Fear factor was a sight to see as Mr. Seigler ate ketchup covered MM’s and picked up hot dogs with his feet. President Jordanna Lundgren caught mustard marshmallows dropped from Region 5 Representative, Patrick Chancy, and then bobbed for a variety of items ranging from zucchini to real live goldfish. Ashley Weaver and Tyanna Allen showed their “ninja warrior” side as they succeeded in beating eggs off the tops of the heads of other CTSO officers.
          

Sunday was the last day of training. This day was a day of triumph as HOSA advanced from second to last place to 2nd place in the competition. At the end, Mr. Carey shocked everyone by offering all the CTSO a trip to SixFlags. Lastly, The HOSA officer team set up the calendar for the next couple of months.
           

The summit in Covington Georgia was great. The Officer team truly worked together to complete a task. They proved their sincerity and love for HOSA with their work ethic, enthusiasm, and team working skills. Currently HOSA embodies excellence and continues on the same path of success.

            -Submitted by Laura Okolie, Georgia HOSA Vice President, Secondary Division