Caldwell Students Jump Rope to Raise Funds for American Heart Association

Students from Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools joined together to raise nearly $11,000 for the American Heart Association as part of their annual “Jump Rope for Heart” event.

According to a release, Jump Rope for Heart is a national educational fund-raising program that is sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Elementary students engage in a physical activity (jumping rope) while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research. The students ask friends and family for donations and receive thank-you gifts based on the dollars that they raise.

The program teaches physical fitness while promoting the value of community service to students and their families, showing students that they can contribute to their community’s welfare, the release stated.

Coordinated by school nurse Maryann Ciesla and physical education instructor Sheila Zeman, the event is held each year on the last Friday of March.

According to school officials, the event has grown into a highly anticipated annual fundraiser in Caldwell.

“Students at Lincoln School really look forward to third through fifth grade so that they can participate in the event”, stated Lincoln School’s nurse Maryann Ciesla.

According to a release, Washington School students Justin and Jeremy Rodriquez were the top fundraisers this year, collecting $2,200… a record for a single family at the event. Last year, Justin Rodriguez raised $1,200, setting an all-time record for both Washington and Lincoln schools.

Photos courtesy of Christine Corliss

Photo 1: Washington School students Anglina Feakes, Ella Santaiti and Payton Mc Goldrick jump for heart at the school’s annual Jump Rope for Heart event.

Photo 2: Lincoln School students Sofai Kasbo, Caitlin Cetrulo and Alexis Narine jump in to support the school’s annual Jump Rope for Heart event. The annual even raises money for the American Heart Association.

Send Caldwell news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com