Careerline Tech Center Earns MI HEARTSafe School Designation

Holland, MI - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services awarded Careerline Tech Center (CTC) with an MI HEARTSafe School designation for 2023 – 2026 at an award ceremony on November 12 in East Lansing in recognition of the appropriate steps CTC has taken to prepare for and create a safer learning environment in case of cardiac emergencies.

EMS Program Instructor Kim Schrader, EMT-P I/C said this certification shows CTC has a plan and a trained team of people and equipment ready to respond to a cardiac arrest.

“I had a group of high-achieving students who consistently had their work done and were looking for above-and-beyond opportunities,” Schrader said. “I tasked them with looking into the program and they decided they could make it happen! I’m so proud of these students for taking the lead and earning this prestigious designation.” 

To receive an MI HEARTSafe School designation, schools must have:

• A written cardiac emergency response plan and a team that can respond to an emergency during school hours and after-school activities and sports.
• Current CPR/AED certification of at least 10% of staff and 50% of coaches, including 100% of head coaches and physical education staff.
• Accessible, properly maintained and inspected AEDs with signs identifying locations.
• Annual cardiac emergency response drills

“Working toward the certification allowed students to take on leadership roles and demonstrate responsibility, significantly boosting their personal development,” Assistant Principal for CTC, Melanie Sportell, said. “Through these leadership roles, they contributed to an initiative that enhances the safety of current and future students and staff at the Careerline Tech Center. It’s a win-win situation!”

Since the program began in 2013, 994 schools have earned this honor. This year, a record-breaking 312 schools were recognized for their work during the 2023-2024 school year, with 158 schools receiving the award for the first time.

Careerline Tech Center
Operated by Ottawa Area ISD, Careerline Tech Center prepares high school juniors and seniors for tomorrow's workforce by providing career and technical education in 30 career areas. CTC serves students from public and private high schools, as well as those who are homeschooled, within the following local school districts: Allendale, Coopersville, Grand Haven, Hamilton, Holland, Hudsonville, Jenison, Saugatuck, Spring Lake, West Ottawa, and Zeeland. www.CareerlineTech.org

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District

Ottawa Area ISD works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, Ottawa Area ISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts, charter, parochial and private schools and adults in the most cost‐effective ways possible. To learn more about Ottawa Area ISD visit www.oaisd.org

MIHeartSafeCeremony Photo L-R
American Heart Association representative
Michigan High School Sports Association representative
Kim Schrader, EMT-P I/C EMS Program Instructor 
Rae Clover, 2024 CTC EMS Program Alumni
Melanie Sportell, Assistant Principal for CTC
Project Adam representative