HOLLY, Michigan – For the seventh consecutive year, second and third graders at Holly Elementary School had some heart pumpin’ fun, participating in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program.
HAS gym teacher Jason McLaughlin not only uses the program to teach students about the importance of cardiovascular health and exercise, but also about giving back and raising money for an important cause.
Using sponsor forms, students asked friends and relatives to make a donation to the American Heart Association. Additionally, gym teacher Jason McLaughlin said students were able to designate a person for whom they were jumping, such as a grandparent or other relative who has suffered a stroke or heart attack.
“When talking about the heart and stroke, almost every student had a comment or a story about someone in their family that has a problem with cardiovascular health,” McLaughlin said. “Jumping rope for somebody like that really brings it home for the student – they have a better understanding of how strokes and heart attacks affect everyone in one way or another.”
McLaughlin said his students receive small prizes for raising certain amounts of money. “This year in many classes, several students told me they are not doing it for the prizes – they are doing it to help people,” he said. “I told them that was a fantastic attitude to have and felt so very proud of our students for their great character.”
Last year, students were able to raise over $2,000. This year, McLaughlin expects it to be higher.
“I was just floored as I was opening the envelopes today,” McLaughlin said. “This year’s students really stepped up and did a great job in raising funds.”
On Monday, McLaughlin said second and third graders at Rose Pioneer Elementary School will do their part by also participating in the program.
For more information on the Jump Rope for Heart program, visit them online at www.americanheart.org.
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