Caraway Elementary School has been awarded a $1,800 grant to implement a “CPR in Classroom” program at the campus.

The grant, awarded by Neighbors Emergency Center Lakeline location, will allow 200 students and 12 teachers to participate in the program, which will teach necessary skills to start lifesaving CPR for victims of cardiovascular emergencies.

Caraway Nurse Judy Gullen, RN, submitted the grant proposal to the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education (PIE) Foundation, which reached out to Neighbors Emergency Center Lakeline for help. The grant will pay for books and supplies to begin the “CPR in Classroom” program. Students will be able to learn Bystander CPR, which can save lives as an early intervention method if someone is having a heart attack.

Gullen, along with Caraway Physical Education Teacher Veronica Cavazos, will begin the program by teaching fourth and fifth-grade students CPR skills with the ultimate goal of training the Caraway staff and community. Gullen said she hopes the program will allow herself and Cavazos to teach CPR skills to younger students next school year.

“I am thrilled to have gotten this grant,” Gullens said. ““This grant is going to open up my students to not only lifesaving skills, but perhaps life changing ones. This might inspire a doctor, nurse, EMT or a paramedic of the future.”

The CPR classes will continue to be taught through the Coordinated Approach to Student Health (CATCH) program and at the school’s Family Wellness Night.

“With the help of this grant, our students and staff will have the unique opportunity to learn about CPR in a hands-on, interactive environment,” Caraway Principal Katrina Bailey said. “We are honored to have received a grant to increase our awareness and skills regarding the wellbeing of our community and hope to continue a successful partnership with Neighbors Emergency Center Lakeline.”