BY VIOLET JACK
From Monday, April 6 to Wednesday, April 8, over twenty middle and high school Wolfpack students gathered in the library classroom and participated in an American Red Cross Training program, led by Vincent Villella from Norton Sound Health Corporation.
According to Unalakleet Schools Principal Kris Busk, Villella has been traveling to communities throughout the region providing American Red Cross First Aid training. He tries to visit each community once every four years. Villella reached out to Unalakleet Schools earlier this year, expressing his interest in bringing the program to Unalakeleet.
A few weeks before the training was scheduled to take place, the middle and high school teachers in Unalakeet Schools recruited students to participate in the training. Most of the students who attended the training were from Eric Leusch’s fifth hour Outdoor Survival class. According to Dane Johnson, Mr. Leusch offered extra credit to any of his students who attended the training because of its relevance to the class.
When I asked participants what they thought of the experience, many reported that they enjoyed the training. Oliver Ivanoff said that the main reason he attended the training was because Mr. Leusch made him; however, he ended up having fun learning valuable information with his friends, skills that he says could help save a life if anyone is ever in danger or cardiac arrest.
The training itself covered a variety of topics including CPR, response to choking, AED usage, and other essential first aid skills. Emily Dickens recalled that the training included lots of hands-on activities like practice CPR on a dummy. Participants also learned skills like how to tie a tourniquet. Overall, the class covered important first aid skills that can save lives.
After completing the training, participants had a chance to get certified by taking a written test. A total of 21 students from Unalakleet Schools became certified after taking the training. Carter Gray, one of the 21 students to pass, described the training experience as “fun,” especially when building the first aid kits (pictured above). Other highlights from the training include doing chest compressions with friends and practicing CPR. Overall, the training was an educational and fun experience that provided valuable experience for students in Unalakleet Schools.
If any students are interested in more opportunities like this, there is an upcoming Small Boating Safety Class which will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Interested students should get in touch with a teacher to sign up.