CERT graduation leads a new generation of emergency responders
A group of Napa High School seniors are now trained in basic disaster response skills, thanks to a semester-long Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. The students, who wore bright green vests to receive their certification, a typical uniform for CERT volunteers, celebrated their graduation on Thursday, May 12, after completing hands-on training designed to prepare them for real-world emergencies.
The initiative was made possible through a partnership between Napa CERT and the Leadership Academy Youth Leaders in Action (LAYLA) program. The class focused on critical emergency preparedness topics such as fire safety, disaster medical operations and search-and-rescue tactics.
In attendance was Sheriff Oscar Ortiz who congratulated the students in their participation
Maricela Rodriguez, program manager for LAYLA, explained that the elective class operates across various Napa Valley Unified School District campuses, including three elementary schools, two middle schools and Napa High. The high school program includes students from all grade levels, with about 125 students enrolled overall. The CERT training was completed by a group of juniors and seniors.
“This was our first time partnering with CERT,” Rodriguez said. “One of the things we’ve realized over the past few years — after wildfires and the 2014 earthquake — is how few people in our community are trained to respond in times of crisis.”
The program secured funding through the Listos California Grant Program, which supports disaster preparedness outreach, especially in underrepresented communities. The grant allowed for targeted training of young people, who, Rodriguez says are “next in line in supporting us with leadership and decision-making.”
Students learned vital skills such as safely entering damaged buildings, applying first aid, assisting victims trapped under debris and using fire extinguishers correctly. Simulated disaster scenarios provided real-time application of their training.
Training sessions began in January and were held weekly during regular class hours. Rodriguez emphasized how even small decisions — like knowing whether a vehicle is fueled and ready during an emergency — can make a huge difference.
“These skills aren’t just for the individual,” she said. “They uplift the entire community and help us all be more prepared.”
Kindle Lord, Napa CERT lead instructor, conducted the training and spoke at the graduation ceremony. She praised the students for their dedication and invited them to help expand CERT programs to other local campuses.
“This is a classroom of leaders,” Lord told the graduates. “If you want to make this available for future students, let’s make it happen together.”
Megan Apolinar Garcia, a 17-year-old senior, chose the LAYLA class as an elective based on her cousin’s recommendation. She appreciated the chance to work at elementary schools and participate in youth-focused podcasts on topics like women’s empowerment.
“CERT helped me understand how to react in emergencies,” she said. “I used to panic in stressful situations, but now I feel more confident and capable.”
Mario Zavala Moreno, also 17, initially took the class because friends were enrolling — but soon found deeper value. Through CERT, he said he learned how to lead, stay calm and communicate under pressure.
“It helped me become more open and talkative,” he said. “It taught me how to reassure others, lead a team and work together during emergencies — all important life skills.”
Both students agreed that emergency preparedness should be a community-wide priority.
A total of 38 students graduated from the CERT program this semester. The course was made possible through funding from the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership and On The Move Napa.
