Madawaska Elementary Students Andre Theriault (left) raised $1,275 and Nicholas Poitras (right) raised $1,700 for the American Heart Association through Jump Rope For Heart.
Under the guidance of PE Teacher, Dan Cyr, students at Madawaska Elementary raised over $13,000 through the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Jump Rope for Heart program this past year. Out 165 schools in Maine who participated, Madawaska Elementary raised the fifth highest amount in the state.
Two students at Madawaska Elementary were the number one and three fundraisers in the entire state. Nicholas Poitras raised $1,700 and Andre Theriault raised $1,275. Other schools in Aroostook County who participated were Dr. Levesque Elementary, Teague Park Elementary, Easton Elementary, Easton Jr/Sr. High School, Houlton Elementary, Woodland Consolidated School, and Limestone Community School.
Gary Urey, AHA Youth Market Director in Maine, believes the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs are a blend of activity, education, and community service. “This program is about being healthy and fit, while also fighting childhood obesity – which is right now at about 40% in the country,” said Urey. “It’s also about raising donations that fund the researchers and doctors who perform miracles every day for kids with sick hearts. The schools, kids, and Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart coordinators who complete events are amazing in their support of AHA’s mission. They are the true heart heroes.”
Jump Rope for Heart is a fundraising event that takes place in elementary schools all over the nation. Participants learn jump rope skills, participate in community service and raise money for the AHA while learning how to develop heart-healthy habits like being physically active.
For more information on the program or to register as a school or as in individual, please visit: www.heart.org/jump or contact Gary Urey at [email protected] or 207-289-2390.