Youngsters jump to raise funds for heart health

From left to right, second-graders Evan Hart, 8, Sierra Wright, 7, and Eli Williams, 7, jump rope using short ropes. Throughout the month of February, second-graders from seven Winfield Scott Elementary classes participated in the American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser, collecting $1,599.15. Angelique McNaughton/Herald-Tribune.

Throughout February, second-graders at Winfield Scott Elementary School jumped for a good cause -- heart health.

The students participated in the American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. Proceeds fund research, programs and education to fight heart disease and stroke, the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 causes of death.

"I'm so pleased with the success of this year's event," Chris Sather, Jump Rope for Heart coordinator and Winfield Scott elementary physical education teacher, said in a press release. "We all had a lot of fun and the kids enjoyed learning about the importance of physical activity and how they can play a role in saving lives."

Youngsters raised $1,599.15 through sponsorships from parents, grandparents and family members. One student raised $128 for the cause.

The Jump for Heart program promotes physical activity and heart health through jumping rope. Seven classes took part, completing all of their jump roping during their physical education classes. The kids learned how to jump the long rope, the individual short ropes and Chinese jump rope.

Sather said students received prizes -- from jump ropes to water bottles -- for a minimum sponsorship of $5. The three students who raised the most money from each class were also awarded a special luncheon provided by Marsha's Great Plains Deli.

This is the 11th year Winfield Scott has participated in the program. For more information about Jump Rope for Heart, call the American Heart Association at (800) AHA-USA1 or at Heart.Org/Jump.