West students Jump Rope for Heart

Students from West Elementary School took part in the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser last Wednesday, sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Jump Rope for Heart is an event held to help raise awareness for two of the top three causes of death in the U.S., heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association uses the money for public health education, professional education and training, and to do research.

Students from every grade at West jumped rope during their regular PE time with West physical education teacher Dallan Rupp.

"I feel that the event is important for not only the students' education, but to get out and help people for a good cause," said Rupp.

During the PE session, the students played several games such as "Double Dutch" and "Mouse Trap" and jumped several tricks including the "Mixer" and the "Triangle" (where one would attempt to jump three different ropes, going at the same time, in progression).

As a special thank you to those students, the American Heart Association awards the students with gifts based on the amount of the money the student raises.

If a students raised $150 or more, he or she would be entered into a drawing for a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fl.

Each West student taking part in the event was awarded a certificate and a sticker from the American Heart Association.

"They learn that by exercising, like jumping rope, eating healthy foods, and not smoking they can reduce their risk of heart disease. They also learn that many people around them are affected by heart disease and that by helping the AHA raise money they are helping those people fight heart disease and stroke," said Rupp days after the event.

West Elementary School has taken part in the Jump Rope For Heart fund raiser since 1999. The record for money collected in one year was $4,511 in 2007.

Results from this year's Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser have not been announced yet.