ATHENS, IL – From February 4-6, 2026, Athens High School students gained lifesaving skills thanks to Menard County 4-H’s Beyond Ready CPR training program. This year, 41 students successfully completed CPR certification, equipping them with the confidence and knowledge needed to respond in real-life emergencies.
The free 4-H In Your Classroom Program was delivered at Athens High School and provided hands-on instruction in recognizing cardiac emergencies, performing chest compressions, giving rescue breaths, and using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Students practiced scenarios designed to prepare them to act quickly and calmly when seconds matter most.
Throughout the training, students asked thoughtful, real-world questions such as, “How do you know when to start CPR?” and “If you are giving breaths to a baby, is it different than an adult?” These discussions helped participants better understand how CPR techniques vary by age and situation while reinforcing when and how to step in safely.
Sophomore Karli Halsey shared how the training connects to her future goals.
“This is something that I can definitely use in the future. I’m interested in becoming a teacher and joining the Air Force to help with costs,” said Halsey.
By combining classroom learning with hands-on practice, students gained both technical skills and personal confidence to help family members, classmates, and community members in emergency situations.
The program would not have been possible without the instruction and partnership of Erin Nelson, RN, PEL-CSN, and Rachel Skelton of Athens High School, along with Jon Churchill of the Menard County Emergency Management Agency, who provided guidance and real-world perspective throughout the training.
“4-H emphasizes Head, Hands, Heart, and Health, and this program truly reflects those values,” said Stacie Skelton, Menard County 4-H Coordinator. “When youth are trained in CPR, they’re not just learning a skill — they’re learning how to stay calm, take responsibility, and make a difference when it matters most. That’s what being Beyond Ready is all about.”
The CPR certification program supports Menard County 4-H’s mission to prepare youth for real-world challenges and future careers while strengthening community safety. Programs like this help students explore leadership, service, and career pathways in education, military service, healthcare, and emergency response. The program partnership demonstrates the shared commitment of local organizations to invest in the health, safety, and future of Menard County’s youth. For more information on this program or to learn more about Menard County 4-H and its impact, please contact Stacie Skelton at sskelton@illinois.edu or visit our website at extension.illinois.edu/lms/extension-your-classroom.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.