The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge in-school program supports mental and physical health for students.
Fletcher Elementary School students got active and celebrated an important cause during an assembly just before the holidays. The American Heart Association and Fletcher Elementary School work together each year to make whole-body wellness a priority as students participate in Kids Heart Challenge™.
As part of the assembly, students were able to receive heart-healthy snacks, practice the life-saving skill of Hands-Only CPR and get their hearts pumping with physical activity.
The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is excited to announce Fletcher Elementary School as one of the top 25 Kids Heart Challenge™ fundraisers of all time in Vermont. Throughout the last 15 years, they have raised over $27,000. In 2024, students raised around $800 to further the mission of the American Heart Association in Vermont.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize Fletcher Elementary School for their fundraising efforts over the years,” said Nick Strance, School Engagement Development Director with the Vermont American Heart Association. “By prioritizing heart health and physical activity, Fletcher Elementary School is setting a powerful example for students, families, and the entire community. Their dedication underscores the importance of instilling healthy habits in young people, ensuring longer, healthier lives for all.”
One student, Jack Towle, has a very personal connection to heart health. Jack was born with congenital heart defects that were not discovered until he was a few months old at a pediatrician’s check-up. He was diagnosed with VSD and ASD. Jack received corrective open-heart surgery and made a full recovery. He is now 12 years old, and he is a part of the Vermont Cardiac Kids. Every year, Jack raises funds for critical research to help ensure more kids get the chance he did to thrive, even with a special heart.
“I’m very excited to help host the Kids Heart Challenge at Fletcher Elementary this year,” said Kathryn Towle, Jack’s mom and founder of the Vermont Cardiac Kids. “Heart health is important to our family, and teaching the kids about how to keep their hearts healthy is very rewarding.”
“The Kids Heart Challenge program inspires and grows our students understanding of wellness in a fun and innovative way,” said Denette Locke, Fletcher Elementary School Principal. “Pairing that excitement with raising funds for children with special hearts like Jack, it allows our students to grow their commitment to wellness beyond just themselves. It brings health to a new level allowing them to be a part of the solution by making funding research possible.”
Funds raised by Kids Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach programs, paving the way for technological breakthroughs to improve health outcomes while creating healthier communities.
The over-45-year-old program works to improve whole-body wellness. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations. The Kids Heart Challenge is rooted in proven science from this guide, which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood. In addition to improved physical health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services state the benefits of physical activity for children include better grades, school attendance and classroom behavior. Physical activity can also help kids feel better, improve mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression.
To learn more about Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge or get your school involved, visit our school programs page.