Nationwide awards recognize 21 students, schools and educators’ commitment to health

(Press-News.org) DALLAS, September 12, 2024 — The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, is recognizing 21 students, educators and elementary, middle and high schools from across the country who are making a bold impact in the battle against cardiovascular disease – the nation’s leading cause of death. These exceptional individuals and institutions were honored for their unwavering commitment to the Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, during the annual national awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 10. Held virtually, the event brought together school leaders, volunteers, and supporters from across the country to celebrate those who excelled in fundraising, brought innovation to the in-school initiatives and led the programs with passion.

The award recipients, all active participants in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs during the 2023-2024 school year, were nominated for their exceptional efforts and their role in driving the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission.

The 2024 national award recipients are:

Outstanding Kids Heart Challenge Volunteer, Wayne Smith, physical education teacher at Lake Tapps Elementary School in Lake Tapps, Washington Outstanding American Heart Challenge Volunteer, Vaun Flanders, science teacher at Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas Superintendent of the Year (tie), Aaron Spence, Ed.D. of Loudoun County Public Schools in Ashburn, Virginia Joe Harrington, Ed.D. of Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District in Bedford, Texas Principal of the Year, Jo-Anne Misiewicz-Seltzer of Riverglades Elementary School in Parkland, Florida School Nurse of the Year (tie), Julie Anderson of East Elementary School in Minden, Nebraska Shelby Lampley of Region 11 in northern Texas Open Door Award, Glen Messier, Ed.D. of Linton Springs Elementary in Sykesville, Maryland The Open Door Award recognizes a Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge volunteer who has helped bring other peers into the program by ‘opening doors’. Heart Healthy School Award, Cumming Elementary School in Cumming, Georgia The Heart Healthy School Award Recognizes a Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge school that has implemented American Heart Association programs within the entire school. Outstanding Team of the Year (tie), Marlene Motter and Heidi Kingston of Page Elementary of Page, North Dakota Jay Silbert and Tom Michaels of Mary E Bryant Elementary in Tampa, Florida Young Heart Leadership, Casey VanDorn, a senior at Pendleton High School in Pendleton, Oregon Kids Heart Challenge Top Finn’s Mission School, Kenneth Divich Elementary in Las Vegas, Nevada with 298 students completing Finn’s Mission American Heart Challenge Top Finn’s Mission School, Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas with 323 students completing Finn’s Mission Kids Heart Challenge Rookie of Year, Orange Grove Primary School in Orange Grove, Texas, raising over $20,000 American Heart Challenge Rookie of the Year – Middle School, Warren Middle School in Warren, New Jersey, raising over $18,000 American Heart Challenge Rookie of the Year – High School, Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas, raising over $17,000 Top Kids Heart Challenge Fundraising Student, Judah Martin of Victory Christian Academy in Decatur, Texas who raised over $31,000 Top American Heart Challenge Fundraising Student, Brandon Volosov of Warren Middle School in Warren, New Jersey who raised over $17,000 Top Kids Heart Challenge School, North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, Florida, raising over $130,000 Top American Heart Challenge School, North Attleboro Middle School, North Attleboro, Massachusetts, raising over $64,000 “It’s so inspiring to witness the passion and leadership of these schools, students and educators.” said Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair and former executive vice president and chief diversity officer for The PNC Financial Services Group. “They are proving that through commitment and action, we can drive meaningful change and create a world where longer, healthier lives are possible for everyone.”

Both the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science, which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood2. Each year, these service-learning programs engage more than 10 million students in approximately 20,000 schools in every state in the country. Students learn how to improve their overall health while making a positive impact on others. Through engaging lessons plans and interactive technology, students get active, have fun and learn lifesaving skills like Hands-Only CPR.   

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 25% of children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 get the recommended 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity. Both the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science, which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood.

To learn more about American Heart Association youth-based programs visit www.heart.org/getstarted.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

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