The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) — In honor of Red Cross Month, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is highlighting the dedication of its students and staff to emergency preparedness and lifesaving skills.
Every March, the American Red Cross honors people who make the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross possible. Over the last five years, a significant number of AHPS faculty, staff, and students have become certified in critical areas of health and safety, including Adult and Pediatric CPR-AED and First Aid, Professional Rescuer, and Basic Life Support.
More than 200 individuals have received these certifications through 40-plus courses held since 2020. For over 15 years, Corey Bowles, VATL, ATC, and Charity Hale MS, VATL, ATC, certified Red Cross instructors, have been leading the training sessions, ensuring that students and staff not only learn lifesaving techniques but also understand the importance of staying prepared for any situation.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many individuals walk away from these courses feeling empowered and ready to help,” said Bowles, who teaches health and medical sciences at Alleghany High School.
“I have always enjoyed teaching CPR classes; it is not just about saving lives but equipping others to act in emergency situations,” said Hale, who is now an assistant principal at the high school.
These certifications ensure that students and staff are equipped with the life-saving skills that can make a difference in a critical moment. With the knowledge of CPR, AED operation, and First Aid skills, AHPS schools are better prepared to handle medical emergencies and potentially save lives.
AHPS was created through the July 2022 merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center. Alleghany County and the City of Covington jointly fund the school division. AHPS serves approximately 2,700 students.
AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and the division website www.ahps.k12.va.us. School starts for students on Aug. 13 for the school year 2025-2026.
