D47 Schools Raise $39,000 for the American Heart Association

District 47 schools have supported the American Heart Association through Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs for more than 20 years. This year, Indian Prairie, Glacier Ridge, West and Coventry Elementary schools ran Jump Rope for Heart events and raised $39,664 for the organization.
Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart are national education and fundraising events sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). While participating in a variety of jumping activities during P.E. class, students can collect donations for the American Heart Association and earn prizes. Schools can also earn gift certificates to purchase P.E. equipment. The events teach students about the functions of the heart as well as the importance of exercise and developing heart-healthy habits. At the same time, students have an opportunity to help other kids with heart health issues.

West Elementary P.E. teacher Trisha Walls has been involved with the program for the past 17 years and is committed to the cause. “We have had students at West with heart problems and my husband has also suffered a heart attack and made a full recovery,” said Walls. “The American Heart Association offers research, education, resources, and support -- all made possible with events like these.”

PHOTO: Jump Rope for Heart participants from Miss Whiston’s kindergarten class at West Elementary. Front row (left to right): Eli Dolte, Lillie May McAndrew, Brigitta Wuehler, Ethan Vivanco, Campbell Cleary and Molly Hartman. Middle Row: Colin Kaye, Michael Thompson, Delaney Fowler and Courtney Morris. Back Row: Jackson Kane, Tony Garcia, Johnathon Hode and Max Bachara.