Kids Heart Challenge, formerly called Jump Rope for Heart, is something Lee Elementary has been doing for at least 30 years. And in those 30 years students have raised more than $600,000 for the American Heart Association. This year, students raised more than $23,000 with the final numbers expected next week.
Lee PE teacher Samuel Thaler said he’s always impressed with the funds students are able to raise and he’s excited to help them learn about staying healthy and active throughout their whole life.
“We talk in class about different ways to stay healthy. This is just one thing they can do,” said Thaler.
Along one wall in the gym, Thaler hung different banners from the event dating back to 1996. A giant “JUMP” sign and hearts of all sizes decorated the gym for the special day. In the middle of the gym were tables of prizes for students.
Thaler said he’s always impressed with the amount of money students are able to raise and the commitment from the community. “It’s incredible for this community to do this every year,” he said.
Second-grader Grey McKeown was the top fundraiser for the school this year bringing in $952 in pledges.
Near the entrance to the gym there is a special dedication wall prominently displayed so all can see. A giant heart is made out of smaller paper hearts. Each of those paper hearts held the names of loved ones students know who had, or continue to have, heart problems. Many students were jumping this week in honor or remembrance of those names on their hearts.
Students eagerly jump up when it’s their turn to twirl the jump rope. Some see how fast they can do the basic skip or count how many jumps they can make before missing. Others practice their side swing, the two-footed jump, or even jumping backward. Most teachers eagerly joined in as well.
Every class in the school gets a turn at heading to the gym during the Kids Heart Challenge day and jumping rope. Parents, grandparents and siblings come to watch and many pick up a jump rope to join their student.
Thaler said this is a day students look forward to all year. “I’m in awe every year,” he said.