Elementary students from the Easton School Department participated March 30 in the American Heart Associations Jump Rope for Heart. This is the second year the event has taken place in Easton and the students responded very well to the call to raise donations.
Last year during the first event held in Easton students had a goal of $1,500 and wound up receiving $2,200. This year the goal was $2,500 and the students wound up raising an astounding $3,500. 65 students participated in grades one through six with all proceeds going to the American Heart Association. Jump Rope for Heart proceeds help to find a cure for heart disease and stroke, ranked first and third as killers in the United States.
The American Heart Association promotes the awareness of good health to the public and for teachers it provides very powerful tools for learning. Cardiovascular disease ranks as the second cause of death in children under the age of 15. By participating in this event, the students allowed the donors to become aware of this growing problem and it also promotes a healthy activity for the students. Obesity and diabetes are increasing at an alarming rate among the nation’s youth, and jump roping is a good form of exercise for the children’s hearts and bodies.
Top fund-raisers for Easton included Jake Flewelling and Kathleen Haney, with $200 each, and sisters Emmy and Abby Tompkins, who raised in excess of $420 in memory of their grandfather who passed away four months ago due to a massive heart attack.
“This was a touching time for them and really made the event what it is. To be able to honor the memory of their grandfather will be a memory that the teachers and students will never forget and it will keep this program growing for years to come. Thanks to all of those who donated to this wonderful cause, and thanks to the students of Easton Elementary School for their dedication in an important community service project,” said Evan Graves, physical education teacher.
