May 8, 2025 - Congratulations to 16 students from Westside High School who have made history as the inaugural graduates of Team Duval’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
These dedicated students were honored in a special pinning ceremony on May 6 celebrating their successful completion of the rigorous three-year training program. Through the program, students can earn not only a high school diploma, but also a CNA license, giving them a significant head start in the healthcare field and their future.
“Truly before I started this program, I really didn’t know where I was going to go at all with my future,” said Kiera Frazier, a CNA graduate who said she is considering a career in forensic nursing. “I truly didn’t even see myself making it to my senior year. So, for this program to really give me something to look forward to and really give me something to have, like it really means a lot.”
District leaders say the ceremony illustrates the district's commitment to providing pathways to rewarding careers for students through strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Collaborating with community partners like Ascension St. Vincent's and Mayo Clinic helps to ensure that students receive top-tier training, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce.
“The CNA pinning ceremony tonight represented more than just program completion,” said Jill Fierle, Director of CTE Programs for the district. “It's a recognition of who these students have become on this journey and a celebration of their professional accomplishments in the healthcare industry.”
Fierle went on to say, “This program has taken significant time and commitment from multiple stakeholders to develop and seeing how excited our students are and hearing their stories on how prepared they are for life after graduation is the reason why we invest in CTE.”
Westside High School is one of two schools offering the CNA program. Atlantic Coast High School is also home to a CNA program and will host their inaugural pinning ceremony later this month.
To discover more about the wide array of CTE options available at Duval County Public Schools, visit our Career and Technical Education webpage.