Free training provided for 12 Red Cross YouthCorps members during CPR Saturday event
St. Louis, Monday, April 9, 2007 - During a recent
CPR Saturday
event hosted by the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter,
12 Red Cross YouthCorps members received free training and certification in CPR and First Aid. The group participated in lifesaving training led by two of their peers - Ariana Mooradian (Kirkwood, MO) and Amit Shintre (Maryland Heights, MO).
Ariana and Amit are high school juniors at MICDS and Parkway North. During their holiday break from school in December of 2006, both students completed extensive training (24 hours over three days) to become Red Cross volunteer instructors. Prior to their first experience as lead instructors during the recent CPR Saturday event, Ariana and Amit further developed their training/leadership skills by serving as assistant instructors during other CPR and First Aid courses.
"Inspiring a new generation of volunteers is one of the highest priorities for the American Red Cross," said Deane Adam, director of youth services for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter. "Ariana and Amit are exceptional leaders and they did an outstanding job of training others during the CPR Saturday event. As a result of that training, twelve other Red Cross youth volunteers are now equipped to save a life."
The YouthCorps members who completed certification in CPR/First Aid during
CPR Saturday
include the following:
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Michael Acton - (Mehlville, MO - Bishop DuBourg High School)
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Aaron Chunn - (St. Louis, MO - McKinley CJA)
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Sayla Hearns - (East St. Louis, IL - Christian Academy)
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Adee Heiman - (Creve Coeur, MO - Parkway North High School)
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Alex Hercz - (Belleville, IL - Belleville West High School)
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Michael Kaucher - (Mehlville, MO - Saint Louis University High School)
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Amanda Lee - (Belleville, IL - Belleville West High School)
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Haley Mayenkar - (Maryland Heights, MO - Parkway Northeast Middle School)
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Pooja Rajguru - (St. Louis, MO - Parkway North High School)
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Jamie Renneker - (Belleville, IL - Belleville West High School)
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Stefani Sutton - (Belleville, IL - Belleville West High School)
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Liv Witkowski - (Frontenac, MO - MICDS)
"It means a lot to have received a Red Cross scholarship for CPR and First Aid training and to have had an opportunity to pass along those skills to my peers," said Ariana Mooradian.
"CPR Saturday was a great way for youth volunteers to lead other young adults and I'm grateful to have had this experience."
About Red Cross YouthCorps:
Youth have an important role in delivering Red Cross programs and services on behalf of the St. Louis Area Chapter. The American Red Cross YouthCorps Program is designed for young adults from junior high through college. YouthCorps trains individuals in the programs and services of the American Red Cross during after-school group sessions held once a week. Training focuses on health and safety and disaster preparedness, and Red Cross programs are then presented by YouthCorps members throughout area schools. Last year, YouthCorps members reached nearly 3,800 peers and remained active in community outreach through various service projects.
As an active member of YouthCorps, students are eligible to attend a three-day, two-night Leadership Development Camp at Trout Lodge each summer. YouthCorps members also receive free training and Red Cross certification in CPR and First Aid. Leadership roles are available through the Youth Advisory Board, which plans activities and programs for area YouthCorps members and provides insight regarding important issues for high school students. In addition, two YouthCorps members currently serve on the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter's Board of Directors.
To start a YouthCorps group in an area school, students need a school sponsor, a classroom where the group can meet, and at least six high school students interested in peer teaching and service projects.
"YouthCorps volunteers demonstrate a strong commitment to community service through the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter," said Deane Adam.
"It is our hope that other youth and adults will follow their lead by volunteering to help others prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies."
For More Information:
To learn more about the Red Cross YouthCorps program, please call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org.
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 90 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 410,000 times each year. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.
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