After BAVTS decorated for Christmas, our Health Occupations Students of America organization joined the festive fun by hosting a gingerbread house decorating competition to raise funds for its upcoming state level competition at the Wyndham Resort and Convention Center in Lancaster from March 26-28, bringing roughly 200 students together.

Fifty-two teams competed, each composed of four students. Teams were given one hour to put together and decorate their gingerbread houses. The competition allowed for teams to bring a max of three outside candies as the competition organizers would provide most of the materials necessary. The prize was a pizza party for the top three winning classes for both morning and afternoon classes. While it was a tight race, in the morning classes Sports Medicine finished in first; Cosmetology, second; and Plumbing followed close behind in third. In the afternoon classes, it was hard for the judges to determine winners. Ultimately, Cosmetology placed first; Wielding, second; and Sports Medicine, third.

Gingerbread house-making picked up steam in the early 1800s after the Grimm brothers “Hansel and Grettle” found its popularity. The Grimm brothers were known to collect German fairy tales as they recognized their importance to German culture. They preserved the originals no matter how dark they seemed. The Grimm brother’s book retells the story of two children wandering into the forest and finding themselves in a house made of candy and cake owned by an evil witch. German bakers began taking inspiration from the story creating a connection between gingerbread and Christmas.

Original Gingerbread houses would have been made of Lebkuchen which are spiced honey biscuits. This tradition was brought to America by early German settlers. Eventually, becoming the well-known tradition we know and love today.

HOSA is an international organization endorsed by both the U.S. Department of education, and the Health Science and technology of ACTE. Board members and advisers are excited to see their competitors step out of their comfort zones through the statewide event in Lancaster. The board members highlighted how they appreciate such a unique experience to expand their knowledge, collaboration skills, and the ability to exercise professionalism, win or lose. They also noted how extraordinary it is to see a group of people come together and challenge each other’s skills and expertise to become more knowledgeable in their beloved field.

The board talked about the ins and outs of competitions. While all competitions will vary, the competitors have selected their competitions and have undergone lots of preparations for their spots. The competition can be either in groups or solo, ranging from studying for provided tests, or preparing projects before the competition, but all test the competitors’, knowledge of terms used in the medical field as well as procedures.

Win or lose, our HOSA team members are excited to get into their competitions and do their best to challenge themselves.

HOSA’s next fundraising event is bingo Feb. 23.