District -

Bringing the next generation of medical professionals to the workforce, Mrs. Kristy Ghrist, the CTE Health Science teacher at Aiken High School, creates meaningful opportunities for growth.

She was surprised by WJBF News Channel 6 and sponsor Kroger, Friday, August 14, in her classroom as a recipient of the Golden Apple Award. Her segment will air on Tuesday, August 25 during the 5:30 PM broadcast.

Ghrist, a nurse by trade, helped create the Health Science program at Aiken High School. In her program, students can earn certifications as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) and Phlebotomy, alongside CPR and First Aid Training.

The program started in one classroom and has since expanded into several skills labs that have hospital beds, wheelchairs and additional materials needed for certifications. Students also get real-world experience with patients through partnerships at local nursing homes.

Ghrist is pleased to provide quality hands-on medical education that gets for Aiken High students college and career ready.

“It’s very rewarding to see where they start with the Health Science program as freshmen and sophomores and how they have to figure things out and skills and watching them do the things that they didn’t think they could do,” Ghrist shared.

“Ms. Kristy Ghrist is more than an outstanding AHS Health Science teacher—she is a mentor, encourager, and champion for her students.” Aiken High School Principal Angela Moore shared. “Through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences, she helps students discover their potential and prepares them for futures in healthcare and beyond. The time and heart she invests in her students make a lasting difference, and AHS is incredibly fortunate to have an educator who gives so much to help every student succeed.”

Several other ACPSD Teachers were named Golden Apple Award winners. Below are those teachers + airdates on WJBF News Channel 6.