ATHENS, IL – Students in Athens will have an invaluable opportunity to gain life-saving skills through CPR training because of a partnership between Menard County 4-H, Rachel Skelton, teacher of Biological Sciences at Athens High School, Erin Nelson, RN and nurse at Athens High School, and Kolbe Huss from the Menard County Emergency Management Agency. This groundbreaking program will be held on February 3 and 4, 2025, and is open to all students currently enrolled in the Biology 2 classes at Athens High School.

This collaboration brings together expertise and resources to equip students with essential CPR skills. The program highlights how these skills not only aid in emergencies but also provide a foundation for those interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. Additionally, students will learn how they can become involved with the Menard County Emergency Medical Service and Management Agency, further enhancing their knowledge and hands-on experience.

“4-H emphasizes Head, Hands, Heart, and Health, and this program exemplifies these values,” said Stacie Skelton, Menard County 4-H Coordinator. “This program equips youth with the confidence and skills 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.”

The inspiration for this program came from Athens High School Principal Matt Rhoades’ cardiac health scare during the previous school year. His experience serves as a powerful reminder of how knowing CPR can make a critical difference during emergencies at school, work, or in the community.

This training is uniquely integrated into the Advanced Biology classes, which are currently studying Human Anatomy and Physiology. This connection provides students with a hands-on learning opportunity that aligns with the 4-H philosophy of learning by doing, making classroom activities even more impactful and relevant.

Erin Nelson, Athens High School nurse and a certified CPR instructor through the American Heart Association, will lead the training. Her expertise ensures students will receive high-quality instruction in a supportive learning environment. The program organizers hope this initial effort will spark a grassroots movement to increase awareness and improve the confidence of even our youngest community members to act during emergencies.

“Teaching CPR to students is about more than learning a skill,” said Rachel Skelton, Biological Sciences teacher at Athens High School. “It’s about inspiring them to see themselves as capable responders in critical situations, whether they’re helping a loved one, a neighbor, or someone in need.”

Organizers are also hopeful that this training can serve as a workforce development skill for all participants, equipping them with knowledge and certifications that can be valuable in a variety of professional settings.

This partnership reflects the shared commitment of local organizations to promote the health, safety, and success 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.

ABOUT ILLINOIS 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.