ATHENS, IL – From February 3-6, Athens High School Biology 2 students gained lifesaving CPR certification through a Menard County 4-H organized training in partnership with Erin Nelson, RN, PEL-CSN, and Rachel Skelton, both from Athens High School, along with Kolbe Huss with the Menard County Emergency Management Agency and Illinois National Guard’s Sergeant Tony Clark and Athens student enlistee Brooke Beatty. This free 4-H In Your Classroom Program provided students with the knowledge and confidence to respond in emergency situations.

Students from Athens High School gained lifesaving skills through hands-on CPR training, coordinated by Menard County 4-H with instruction from Erin Nelson. The program equipped them with the ability to recognize cardiac emergencies, perform chest compressions, and use automated external defibrillators (AEDs), ensuring they are prepared to take action when needed. Sergeant Tony Clark of the Illinois National Guard provided advanced medical training on proper tourniquet techniques and gas mask usage.

Certified instructors emphasized first-aid skills that can be applied at home, in school, and within the community. By engaging in interactive instruction and practical demonstrations, participants are better prepared to assist family members, friends, and neighbors in critical situations.

"I would just like to stress that I feel CPR training at an early age prepares kids to respond in stressful situations that we hope they never have to encounter, but gives them the confidence to step in and assist in a time of need. They also learn that trying to do something is better than nothing when it comes to crucial minutes between the time a cardiac arrest occurs and first responders are on the scene." - Erin Nelson, R.N., PEL-CSN

Participants shared their experiences, emphasizing the impact of the training:

• "It was a great experience that everyone should have. Knowing CPR can truly change your life and others." - Macie, '26
• "This opportunity can save someone's life." - Carley, '25
• "This CPR training and National Guard visit showed me and taught me how to stay calm and help someone else." - Bio 2 student, '27
• "I am incredibly thankful that 4-H, the National Guard, and Nurse Erin taught everyone in Bio 2 how to perform CPR and lifesaving things." - Liam, '27

The experience also provided participants with a sense of confidence and preparedness:

• "I would know how to do CPR and if a situation like this happened I would be calmer." - Preslie, '27
• "The ability to be confident that I can give someone CPR in an emergency." - Bio 2 student, '26
• "Since I babysit, if something were to happen with the kids I wouldn't freak out. I would know exactly how to handle the situation." - Ellie, '27

The training even influenced some participants' career aspirations:

• "I could honestly see myself doing something like this in the future like EMS." - Preslie, '27
• "It has helped me by deciding I want to go into the medical field." - Aubrey, '27
• "This experience has made me realize that the medical field may be a good career for me, because I enjoyed the course." - Bio 2 student, '27

Students were surveyed at the end of their experiences and 100 percent shared that they believe this program would be extremely beneficial if offered to future students. 

“4-H emphasizes Head, Hands, Heart, and Health, and this program exemplifies these values,” said Stacie Skelton, Menard County 4-H Coordinator. “The program equips youth with the skills and confidence to make meaningful contributions to their communities. It also supports the 4-H initiative, ‘Beyond Ready,’ by preparing them to respond effectively in critical situations and embrace future challenges and opportunities.”

This initiative reflects Menard County 4-H’s dedication to preparing youth for real-world challenges by equipping them with critical skills. 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.