I had an opportunity earlier in the year, to sit down with two individuals who exemplify the spirit of preparedness: senior Kennedy Connaway, an aspiring nurse, and her teacher, Tara Bousman, who leads CHS’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. Together, they’re showing what dedication, compassion, and support can do to shape and prepare for the future.

The CNA program at CHS is more than just a course; it’s a life-changing opportunity for students interested in healthcare. For Tara Bousman, the program is the perfect blend of her two passions— nursing and teaching. After working in various healthcare settings, from emergency rooms to surgery, Tara made a surprising career shift into education seven years ago. “I never thought I’d be a teacher,” Tara admits, “but when the opportunity came, I took a leap of faith.”

Her decision paid off. Tara now leads a program that prepares seniors to become certified nursing assistants by the time they graduate. “By spring break, they’ve completed their clinical hours and are ready for their state certification test,” she says. With 27 seniors currently enrolled, Tara’s program is helping students build careers in healthcare before they even leave high school.

KENNEDY CONNAWAY: A RISING LEADER IN HEALTHCARE
One of the standout students in the program is Kennedy Connaway. A senior at CHS, Kennedy wasn’t sure what career path to pursue when she joined the CNA program last year. But after a year of hands-on experience, her path became clear. “I wasn’t sure when I started, but I’ve fallen in love with it. I know nursing is what I want to do,” Kennedy says with deadpan confidence.

Kennedy’s passion for healthcare is part of her family’s legacy—both her mother and grandmother are nurses. “I’ve always looked up to my mom,” she explains. “Seeing how much she cares for her patients inspired me to do the same.” But it wasn’t just family influence that solidified her interest. “This class showed me how much I love nursing,” she adds.

Beyond the classroom, Kennedy is also the captain of the cheerleading squad, balancing her academic and extracurricular responsibilities with grace. “Cheerleading taught me leadership skills, and I’ve been able to apply that in the CNA program,” she says. “If a classmate is nervous, I step in and show them it’s okay. Leading by example is something I’ve learned from cheer.”

Kennedy’s ambitions in healthcare don’t stop with becoming a CNA. Her ultimate goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), a specialized role that involves administering anesthesia during surgeries. “That’s my dream,” Kennedy says confidently. “I want to help people feel safe and comfortable during medical procedures.”

Her plan is well thought out. After graduation, she’ll attend Kaskaskia College for nursing, earn her bachelor’s degree online, and gain ICU experience before applying to a CRNA program. “It’s a long road, but I’m ready for it,” she says, adding that her academic foundation in courses like anatomy and physiology at CHS has prepared her well.

A COMMUNITY THAT CARES
For both Kennedy and Tara, Centralia’s sense of community plays a huge role in their journeys. “The atmosphere here is special,” Kennedy reflects. “The community comes together to support one another, whether it’s at basketball games or in school.”

Tara agrees, emphasizing the opportunities CHS provides. “The students here are given a lot of support, both academically and personally,” she says. “I’ve seen kids come into the CNA program thinking they want to be nurses, and by the end, they discover a new passion—whether it’s radiology, lab work, or even psychology.”

The CNA program itself offers students exposure to a variety of medical fields through clinical experiences at local hospitals, where they observe departments like radiology, the emergency room, and even veterinary clinics. “It opens their eyes to all the possibilities in healthcare,” Tara explains. “Some students end up going in completely different directions, and that’s a win, too.”

A SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As Kennedy prepares for graduation, the impact of the CNA program will stay with her. “This program has given me a head start on my career,” she says. For Tara, the greatest reward is seeing her students thrive. “I want them to know all their options and to be prepared for whatever path they choose,” she says.

With Tara’s leadership and guidance, wrought by lived experience, Centralia’s future in healthcare looks bright. The CNA program not only promotes but shares the values of compassion, dedication, and community that make CHS—and Centralia—a place to be proud of.