By Brandi Miller / For the FCT

Red Bay High School senior Savannah Shaw recently had an opportunity she will never forget. Shaw traveled to Montgomery as part of her duties as a HOSA officer, and while she was there, she had the opportunity to meet the governor of Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey.

February is Career Technical Month, and each year Alabama Career State Technical officers from across the state travel to Montgomery for the signing of a proclamation by the governor. Shaw was one of the students who made the trip, and while she was there, she was actually able to meet and have a conversation with the governor.

“I spoke to the governor about my future plans,” said Shaw. “She gave me good advice about going to college and working hard because over 65 percent of the workforce in Alabama in the next year will require a four-year degree at least.”

Shaw represents HOSA as state vice president. Serving as a state officer is a tremendous honor, and RBHS has produced other outstanding students who have served as officers in the past. Tate Ozbirn served as president in 2016-2017, and Holly Hardin served as an international officer in 2016-2017.

Being a state officer allows Shaw to network with other students not only from the state of Alabama but from across the globe. Often these networking connections lead to scholarship opportunities and eventually job opportunities.

“I was able to see a lot of my friends … and I was able to see my HOSA executive committee,” said Shaw. She said it was “very rewarding” to have her hard work, and the hard work of other career tech state officers, recognized at this level.

Shaw will represent Alabama at the Alabama State Leadership Conference in Montgomery Feb. 21-23. A total of 21 students from RBHS will be competing in various healthcare events with other students from across the state. Students who place 1st, 2nd or 3rd will have the opportunity to travel to Dallas, Texas, in June to compete at the HOSA International conference.

Shaw, a senior, said she knows that her time in RBHS HOSA program is drawing to a close, but there is no doubt the experiences she has had will help prepare her for whatever future path she decides to take. She said she knows that most students her age never have the opportunity to meet with leaders like she has been able to, and she is thankful.

“I would like to thank my mom and dad and my adviser Dr. Hargett for always pushing me to be the best,” said Shaw. She also thanked “the State of Alabama and its leaders for inviting me to this event.”