We’re honored to announce one of our winners, Dr. April Barker, Health Science teacher and HOSA – Future Health Professionals advisor at Pasadena Memorial High School in Pasadena, Texas. Read her nomination below.
Dr. April Barker’s Impact
“April Barker teaches the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program and trains her students in this class at Pasadena Memorial. One of her students had just placed 2nd at the Texas HOSA State competition on a Saturday and the student took part in the CERT event with her team. That evening, she was on our campus at an event with many participating schools in attendance, when the unthinkable happened. We had an intruder come onto our campus and fire gunshots into the crowd. People scattered in all directions and as this student and her friends were running a man near them fell to the ground and realized he had been shot. The students realized they were all in danger and that they needed to get away from the building. They grabbed the man and took him across the street to safety. Her training kicked in and she began to do all the things she had been trained to do by her instructor to render aid until the emergency medical team arrived. She applied pressure to his wound and worked to keep him from going into shock. She provided aid and a calm presence to get him through until help arrived. What a testament to the training she received from April Barker.”
Read more about this incredible story on HOSA.
The Lasting Effect of CTE Heroes
Dr. April Barker’s dedication to her students and her commitment to CTE education has made a lasting impact—not just in the classroom, but in real-life situations where skills and training are truly put to the test.
As this year’s CTE Giveaway winner, Dr. Barker embodies what it means to be a CTE Hero. Through her guidance, students like Makaylla Talavera have the tools to step up in critical moments.
Makaylla’s heroic actions are a testament to the power of CTE education and the educators who make it possible. This story is why we celebrate CTE Month—to honor the teachers, advisors and mentors shaping the next generation.
Congratulations to Dr. Barker, our CTE Hero, and to all the educators whose dedication is making a difference.
