LEXINGTON — A few students at Central Elementary spent recess practicing jump rope tricks. Others asked family members to donate to a cause that was recently introduced to them.
Together, those small efforts added up to $4,200 — and the return of a school tradition that was absent for more than two decades.
Central Elementary recently brought back the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge for the first time in more than 20 years, combining heart-health education, physical activity and community service.
The national program encourages students to learn healthy habits while raising money to support research, education and programs that address heart disease and stroke.
Physical education teacher Ashlee Strong said she jumped at the opportunity when the American Heart Association reached out about restarting the program.
“Central was contacted by our AHA representative, Ashley Abner,” Strong said. “When I heard they reached out, I was excited to participate.”
Strong, who joined Lexington Local Schools this year, previously led Kids Heart Challenge programs in Medina and Cincinnati.
Building healthy habits early
The American Heart Association developed the program to help students improve their physical and emotional well-being through service learning.
Programs like this give students a chance to see how small actions — moving more, learning new skills, helping others — can add up to something meaningful.
Nancy Tobbe, executive director for the American Heart Association in Central Ohio
Students also participated in Finn’s Mission, a component of the challenge named after a child born with a heart condition. The program introduces life-saving skills such as Hands-Only CPR, stroke warning signs and habits that help protect the heart and brain.
“We talk about all the services the American Heart Association provides our community,” she said. “We also cover lessons including the anatomy of the heart, how the circulatory system works and how to keep our heart healthy by exercising, eating right, getting enough sleep, drinking water and staying away from tobacco products.”
Strong said her family’s personal connection to heart disease helped students understand the importance of the lessons.
“I always tell the students about my family’s connection with the American Heart Association, from learning lifeguarding, first aid and CPR to my late grandmother LaDonna Strong’s struggle with heart disease,” Strong said.
“The students then make their own connections, and that’s pretty meaningful.”
Programs like Kids Heart Challenge help schools introduce healthy habits at an early age, when lifelong behaviors often begin to take shape, according to the American Hearts Association.
“We’re excited to see Central Elementary School reconnect with Kids Heart Challenge and the energy they’ve brought to it this year,” Nancy Tobbe, executive director for the American Heart Association in Central Ohio said.
“Programs like this give students a chance to see how small actions — moving more, learning new skills, helping others — can add up to something meaningful.”
Jumping for a cause
Participation in fundraising remained optional. Students who chose to take part asked friends and family members for donations and received small thank-you gifts from the American Heart Association.
According to the American Heart Association, funds raised through the program support research, education and community programs focused on heart disease and stroke.
Third-grader Maverick Alstadt raised $507, the highest individual total at the school.
Students also challenged themselves during a jump rope unit tied to the fundraiser. Second graders needed to complete 50 consecutive jumps to earn a black belt, while third graders needed 75.
(Story continues below photos. Students at Central Elementary who earned a black belt. Provided by Ashlee Strong.)
Strong said some students could barely string together five jumps when the unit began.
“We had kids who weren’t even able to string five jumps together at the beginning of the unit practicing daily during recess or at home and earning their black belts,” she said.
The program comes at an important time. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, only about 20% of children get the recommended amount of daily physical activity.
“Seeing them come together and raise $4,200 has been inspiring,” Strong said. “It’s helped them realize they can make a difference in ways that feel right for them.”
After the program’s successful return, Strong hopes it becomes a permanent part of Central Elementary’s culture.
“I plan on continuing with the Kids Heart Challenge as long as I’m at Lexington,” she added. “It’s a great way to incorporate heart health into my lessons and give them a new way to get involved in their community.”
(Photos of Central Elementary students at the end of the year field day. Provided by Ashlee Strong)
