Lester Middle School and American Red Cross Okinawa partner in lifesaving skills education
OKINAWA, Japan – Lester Middle School has launched a new partnership with American Red Cross Okinawa, expanding opportunities for students and staff to learn essential lifesaving skills.
The collaboration began after three Lester Middle School teachers, Dr. Cara Kaiser, Mr. Gabriell Horton, and Mr. Ted Hocker, completed their certifications as Red Cross First Aid/CPR Instructors. After completing her certification, Dr. Cara Kaiser approached Principal Dr. Will Penner to explore ways the school could use these new instructional skills to broaden learning opportunities for students, a conversation that quickly led to a variety of Red Cross training programs being brought directly to the Lester Middle School community.
Red Cross Babysitter Training and First Aid/CPR courses are being offered as optional after‑school and weekend programs through the American Red Cross. Interest was immediate and enthusiastic: More than 30 students responded to the initial sign‑up form. The first of three student courses was held on Saturday, Feb. 7, with two additional sessions scheduled over the next month.
The partnership also extends to faculty and staff. Lester Middle School faculty members were invited to enroll in Red Cross First Aid/CPR training, which will also be hosted on campus. By offering these courses at school, Lester is making it easier for busy teachers and staff to gain or renew critical certifications that support student safety and overall school readiness.
Another initiative that is in development is that Red Cross volunteers will soon visit Family Consumer Science, Humanities, and Physical Education classes to teach hands‑only CPR. This classroom‑based approach will provide even more students with exposure to basic lifesaving techniques, reinforcing the idea that anyone, regardless of age, can make a difference in an emergency.
The skills taught through Babysitter Training, First Aid, and CPR are more than certifications; they build confidence, responsibility, and readiness. Students learn how to respond calmly in unexpected situations, care for younger children, recognize emergencies, and act when every second matters. For many, these courses are their first steps toward leadership roles in their families and communities.
This growing partnership between Lester Middle School and American Red Cross Okinawa reflects a shared commitment to empowering young people and strengthening community resilience. With continued support from both organizations, the school hopes to expand these offerings and provide even more opportunities for students and staff to learn skills that can save lives.
