The JP Stevens annual HOSA AHA Dinner, held on February 12, was an unforgettable night filled with school spirit, color, and excitement. Students showed up to the dinner in red and pink casual attire to match the Valentine’s Day-themed event. The cafeteria was transformed with colored tablecloths, heart-themed decorations, streamers, and handmade posters made by the HOSA club members. 

The dinner was dedicated to the American Heart Association, a voluntary organization that fights heart diseases and strokes. The atmosphere in the cafeteria that night felt both fun and meaningful, as we recognized the importance of this cause. 

There was lots of lively entertainment throughout the night. Some of the festivities the dinner included were games, food, and an enjoyable dance competition to watch or participate in. Students enjoyed cupcakes, brownies, pizza, Taco Bell burritos, bagels, soda, and more with friends. Music played in the background, encouraging people to get involved and keeping the crowd’s energy high. Around the room, games were set up, such as a matching cards game and a pin-the-heart-on-the-Valentine ‘s-poster game. 

Ninth grader, Esther Thomas, describes her highlights of the dinner, saying, “My highlight of the dinner was the game pin the heart on the poster, especially because the prize was a generous amount of candy! I also really enjoyed the variety of food and the time I got to spend with my friends.” 

Towards the end of the night, groups of friends joined together for a dance competition, which was held for extra club points. Students danced to their favorite songs and showed off their best moves. Everyone cheered each other on, raising the energy and making the atmosphere lively and joyful. 

Behind the scenes, the event required extensive preparation and dedication from both the HOSA board and club members. 

As HOSA board member Pragnyasree Eranki explained, “The HOSA executive board began planning for this event 2 weeks prior, starting with posting our sign-up sheet for volunteers and encouraging our members to reach out to local restaurants for donations. On the day of the AHA dinner, we had an incredibly proactive team of student volunteers who helped decorate the area and set up booths, which took around 2 hours to complete!” 

Thanks to the board and volunteers’ commitment, the event raised over $1,600 for the American Heart Association. Overall, the HOSA AHA dinner was not only entertaining but also a powerful example of students gathering to support an important cause.