Students at Florida High now have the opportunity to learn how to respond to real-world crises through our new Emergency Response and Planning class. The goal of this class is to train students for high-stress situations, such as preparing for natural disasters, handling emergencies and crises and protecting people in need. 

     Terry Dawkins, a former police officer with years of experience, teaches the new Emergency Response class.

     “I feel like it helps because he’s been through [the things being taught]. He has prior knowledge of these emergencies,” sophomore Cooper Wenhold said.

     With Dawkins’ background in law enforcement, he can go beyond the textbook. He can offer insights into actual situations he has been through and how professionals handle real emergencies. This all helps prepare students for what may come in the future.

     “It helps with being prepared for anything that could happen and to be ready and learn how to respond,” sophomore Collin Fletcher said. 

     Students not only think the course increases their confidence, but it also gives them practical skills they can use in everyday life. Whether they are responding to an accident, helping in a crisis or maybe just even staying calm, this class promotes adaptability, which is a crucial skill in unpredictable situations.

     “I think it gives you a lot of adaptability in situations you wouldn’t have thought of,” sophomore Josey Johnston said.

     The Emergency Response and Planning class pushes students to think on their feet and stay flexible when things do not go according to plan. Instead of panicking or freezing under stress, they are learning how to remain calm, adapt and make informed choices that can help them in both emergencies and everyday life.

     These lessons will stick with them, even after the bell.