On Thursday, February 17, HOSA members left to compete at State in Springfield, Illinois. Before the state competition, the group had to take a round of preliminary tests in order to qualify for state. Thursday, after arriving in Springfield, a few competitions took place and participants got all dressed up to attend a fancy dinner. Qualifiers then had a long day of competing on Friday.  To relax and unwind a little bit, HOSA members got to play a fun game of glo-bingo. 

The following members placed in the top ten in their respective categories: Reese Brandon (11), Ava Greiner (11), Amanda Baxter (11), Faith Perry (11) in two categories, John Braid (10) in two categories, Kaitlyn Beck (12), Evan Young (11) and Jeremiah Stemm (11), Madyson LaBotte (10), Brenna Gusewelle (12), Amaris Williams (11), Reese Billingsley (11), and Waylon Hall (9).

Sophomore Madyson LaBotte, as well as placing top ten, also placed 2nd which qualified her for internationals. Along with LaBotte, senior Lexis Lacy placed 3rd and also qualified for internationals.

In order to prepare for state, Vice President of the Illinois HOSA Southern Region, Herrin High School junior, Jeremiah Stemm, says that every member was given a packet about their category and other resources to study from. After studying thoroughly, they all took tests in their respective categories. To be nominated for Vice President, Jeremiah had to fill out an application, get a teacher recommendation, write an essay, and record a speech. Once at state, Jeremiah had to go in front of a board of voting delegates to give a speech and talk to them. From there, the delegates then voted on who they thought was the best candidate. 

Jeremiah says that the atmosphere was “very chill” between testing and that there was time to mingle and get to know the other attendees. But during the testing, the rooms were very quiet and extremely competitive. 

Congratulations to all HOSA members and the Illinois Southern Region Vice President, Jeremiah Stemm!