When seconds count in a medical emergency, Bellport High School now has dozens of students prepared to step forward and save lives.
Forty-one students recently earned CPR certification through the health elective Adulting 101, mastering essential response techniques used in first aid emergencies.
The certification took place during the school day and was fully embedded into the Adulting 101 curriculum, marking the first time students have had the opportunity to become CPR certified through a school-based program. By offering the training as part of a regular class, the school ensured students could learn critical emergency skills without needing to seek outside instruction.
The course is open to any student who has successfully completed general health, providing broad access to the life-saving program. During the certification process, students learned how to respond to cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies, including how to assess a scene, evaluate a patient’s condition, and take appropriate action while help is on the way.
Students practiced chest compressions, proper response techniques, and decision-making under pressure, building both confidence and readiness.
“When students become CPR certified, they become ‘capeless heroes,’” teacher William Champlin said. “They are individuals who are capable of saving a life in the event of an emergency and responding calmly and effectively when it matters most.”
School officials say the program reflects a growing emphasis on real-world skills that prepare students not just for adulthood, but for moments when quick thinking and action can make all the difference.