SANDPOINT — Sandpoint High School students entered certified nursing assistant instructor Kristin Day’s classroom, looking around with awe and wonder. 

“They don’t walk in fast,” Day recalled. “They’re just taking it all in and looking around.” 

Before Lake Pend Oreille School District’s Career and Technical Education Center opened, aspiring CNA students shared a crowded classroom, sitting on the same beds as training mannequins while receiving instruction. 

Now, students enrolled in career technical education programs this school year are learning in a designated space, one that “mimics the hospital so well,” said Day. 

“I love the respect for the clinical space,” said Day. “It’s easy to go from this the hospital and know how to relate.” 

LPOSD celebrated the building’s grand opening Tuesday, welcoming community members to explore its hallways and classrooms and see firsthand what the facility had to offer. 

The building serves to house existing programs offered at SHS, including residential carpentry, sports medicine, computer network support, and nursing assistance — giving students a larger, more effective space to learn. 

LPOSD Superintendent Dr. Becky Meyers told attendees that receiving the grant for the building required persistence, joking that she “probably wrote it about 112 times.” 

After receiving a $3.5 million Idaho Career Ready Students grant from the Idaho Department of Education, Meyer’s vision was brough to fruition. 

Speaking to students, Dr. Meyers said that when they start with CTE, they can do anything. 

“We wanted them to feel valued;, we wanted them to know they are important," said Meyers. 

SHS Principal Jacki Crossingham shared that her daughter’s success as a healthcare provider began with the skills and experience she gained through the high school’s CNA program. 

“It really does pay it forward to have this opportunity to train our students, to give them that opportunity to see what it looks like to try this profession or try something they had no idea was out there,” said Crossingham. 

Among those benefitting from that impact is SHS junior Laren Bynum. 

Lauren, who is enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps program, said the class has given her confidence in leadership positions and provided her with a community where she feels connected. 

“This is just a great thing to have on my resume,” said Lauren. “This has been the most beneficial class that I’ve evert taken.” 

Last year, Lauren and fellow JROTC students walked a quarter of a mile to attend class in a portable classroom. 

“It’s super nice having it in the building now,” said Lauren. “We actually have space for all of our stuff, we actually have some storage to put all of our uniforms.” 

As the school year progresses, Day looks forward to helping students succeed in a classroom mirrors their future work environments. 

“All of a sudden, everything becomes a reality, and they feel special and empowered,” said Day.

    Attendees applaud community donors at the Career and Technical Education Center grand opening.
  

    A student views CTE programs at the Career and Technical Education Center grand opening.
  

    LPOSD Superintendent Dr. Becky Meyers speaks at the Career and Technical Education Center grand opening.