PHOTOS PROVIDED Students are shown while undertaking CPR training thanks to a grant from the Keystone Central Foundation.

PHOTOS PROVIDED
Students are shown while undertaking CPR training thanks to a grant from the Keystone Central Foundation.

MILL HALL — Through a mini-grant provided by the Keystone Central Foundation, eighth graders at Central Mountain Middle School had the opportunity to learn CPR training.

The KCF is able to provide the funds through its LaRue Hinchcliffe Stars in the Classroom Mini-Grants, according to KCF Executive Director Melissa Bottorf.

Students from Central Mountain High School’s CTE classes visited the students to provide high-quality, hands-on instruction and CPR certification utilizing the grant.

“After completing the training and successfully passing the assessment, each eighth grader will receive an official CPR certification card,” a release from the Keystone Central School District shared on social media.

Bottorf said the foundation is happy to support projects such as this to further the education of students at KCSD.

“When CMMS Physical Education teacher, Katie Bidwell, approached us to support the CPR certification initiative, we were happy to award the nearly $800 needed to certify each 8th grade student at the middle school,” Bottorf told The Express. “This project not only equips students with a life-saving skill but also brings in mentorship from high school health-occupations students.”

Bottorf emphasized the importance of hands-on training such as this.

“We see the benefits of hands-on, real-world learning and how this initiative builds community connections, promotes safety and supports career exploration in health and emergency services,” she said. “We are committed to helping the district build leadership, confidence and health awareness among our students in any way possible.”

Staff at CMMS expressed their thanks for the collaborations that took place to make the training possible.

“Because of this collaboration — and the outstanding guidance provided by the Health Assisting CTE students — our middle schoolers have gained a truly valuable, lifelong skill with the potential to save countless lives,” the release said.

Staff at CMMS thanked Health Occupations teacher Chelsea Grieb and CTC Health Occupations Instructor Cassie Carson and their students for taking the time to teach their students.

They also thanked the Keystone Central Foundation for making these opportunities possible through their mini-grants and other projects.

“This is only round 1. The CTE instructors will be coming back in December and to all classes in the spring semester,” the release said.