LITTLE RIVER-ACADEMY, Texas — Academy ISD Senior Jo Moses carefully adjusts the blood pressure cuff around the arm of her patient — a sophisticated training mannequin named Susie. It's all part of her preparation for a career in healthcare through Academy Independent School District's growing Future Health Professionals program.

"[the mannequin] really shows you what it's like to have the abnormal readings and different findings that you wouldn't find on a normal person just walking around," Moses said.

The program has grown since instructor Jennifer Chaffin was hired to launch it. What started with 30 students has now expanded to more than 200 students across four grade levels, with three dedicated teachers.

Major Grant Boosts Program Capabilities

The expansion was made possible throu

See Full Page