05/26/2026
The future of emergency medical services was proudly on display on May 23, 2026, as 31 students were recognized during the Parker County Hospital District's High School Emergency Medical Technician graduation ceremony held at the auditorium of Weatherford High School.
The graduates represented school districts and academies from across Parker County and surrounding communities, including Millsap ISD, Brock ISD, Springtown ISD, Aledo ISD, Mineral Wells ISD, Victory Baptist Academy, Gamer ISD, Weatherford ISD, Poolville ISD, and Peaster ISD. Together, the students completed the Parker County Hospital District EMS Academy EMT certification program, designed to prepare high school students for careers in emergency medicine and healthcare.
This year's class began in August 2025 and was conducted at the Parker County Hospital District Education Building, located across the street from Medical City Weatherford. As part of their regular school day schedule, students attended class every day for an hour and a half throughout the academic year.
The EMS Academy is made possible through funding provided by the SAMHSA grant program in partnership with participating local school districts. The collaborative effort allows high school students throughout the region to gain advanced medical education and nationally recognized EMT certification while still completing their secondary education.
The course was led by instructor Laura Chapin, with program coordination provided by Shane Ansel. Throughout the year, students were challenged to master advanced prehospital emergency medical skills, including patient assessment, trauma care, airway management, and medical emergency response.
In addition to classroom instruction, students completed ambulance ride-outs and hospital clinical rotations, gaining firsthand experience in real-world emergency care environments. Program leaders recognized the extraordinary dedication required to complete the demanding curriculum while balancing high school academics, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities.
In May 2026, all 31 students completed the National Registry examination and earned certification as Emergency Medical Technicians. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone for the graduates, many of whom plan to continue their education by attending paramedic school this fall. Others intend to pursue careers in nursing, medicine, and various healthcare professions.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Justin Northeim, who commended the students for their commitment to serving others and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in healthcare and emergency services. His remarks highlighted the growing need for compassionate and highly trained medical professionals in communities across Texas.
Family members, educators, EMS professionals, clinical partners, and community supporters filled the auditorium to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates. The ceremony served as both a recognition of the students' hard work and a reminder of the important role young healthcare providers will play in the future of emergency medical services.
The Parker County Hospital District EMS Academy Class of 2026 leaves the program with nationally recognized certifications, valuable clinical experience, and a strong foundation for future success in the medical field. Their achievement represents not only personal accomplishment, but also a significant investment in the future health and safety of their communities.
