East Quogue Students Raise $11K+ For American Heart Association

EAST QUOGUE, NY — It was a valentine with lasting meaning as East Quogue Elementary School students raised more than $11,000 to help the American Heart Association.

The students perfected their hoop skills while raising money through participation in the Kids Heart Challenge held on Feb. 2. In all, the school raised $11,142, the district said.

As students registered for the challenge, they wrote their name on the Registration Hall of Fame. Each morning, the school made announcements about the fundraising efforts. Students in grades 3 to 6 participated in four competitive stations — jackpot Shot, Super Shooter 6, Shooting Knockout and a Skills Obstacle Course. Winners received paper crowns for being Top 3 Super Shooter 6 scorers, and for being the top boy and girl shooters in the Jackpot Shot, the district said.

Students in K to 2 also participated in four stations, which included dribble pit, practice shot, the Rebounder and the Super Shooter 6 Station. The top three shooters also received crowns for their shooting skills, the district said.

The district congratulated the Kids Heart Challenge top fundraisers: Rhonin Collins ($618), Jack Grant ($476), Julianna Valez ($465), James Chih ($409) and Quinn O’Connor ($364).

Lauren Schmitt’s fifth grade class was the top fundraising class ($1,314), and Bridget Caliendo’s third grade class had the most students registered for the challenge. The fifth grade was the top fundraising grade, and the third and fifth grades had the most students registered, the district said.