Fun, Fitness and Heart at Landing

It was a day of exercising, lending a helping hand and more as Landing Elementary School recently participated in the American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart.

This year's fundraiser, which was coordinated for the 16^th  consecutive year by physical education teacher Karen Serani, raised $2,500 for the organization.

Students collected donations for their jumping efforts in their gym classes. Siblings Robert and Angela McCarthy led the way by raising $520.  

The students' participation in the event, school officials said, taught them about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart as well as overall wellness and physical fitness.  

Some student achievements were:

Third grade-  Arden Sanders-D'Alleva recently broke Samantha Nazianzeno's school sit-up record, with a score of 60. 

Fourth grade- Liam Young reached 30 pull-ups, breaking a record set by Jabbar Morales and Jonathan Cruz. 

Fifth grade- Meredith Klenkel broke Stephanie Kasouto's pull-up record, belting out eight pull-ups. Katherine Willson broke the girls' ½-mile record with a time of 3:35, held by Kristin Igengno. Wilson, is the current record holder of the fourth grade ½-mile and sit-up records, also broke the fifth grade sit-up record with a score of 71. The record was set by student Rianna Cedeno. 

In addition, Wilson and fellow fifth grader Ryan DiPaola were named recipients of the Outstanding Physical Education Student of the Year Award by the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 

The award, school officials said, recognizes the efforts of one male and female fifth grader who demonstrate dedication to good health and wellness and fitness levels as well as attention to the personal living skills and value statements, which are encouraged by the school's physical education program.