Students get a jump on healthy lifestyle

Aubrey Pepperling jumps for heart health.

Sisters Elementary school gymnasium was filled with the thunder of little feet on Thursday, February 14, as more than 200 students participated in Jump Rope for Heart, sponsored by the American Heart Association.

The educational fund-raiser is held each year in thousands of elementary schools across the nation. Jump Rope for Heart raises funds for medical research and for programs such as HeartPower! that help prevent heart disease and stroke.

It also teaches students the benefits of physical activity and how they can keep their own hearts healthy.

"We do Jump Rope for Heart every other year here in Sisters," said Colleen Reiss, who teaches PE at the elementary school. "The American Heart Association sends out educational materials, and the event combines recreational, educational, and community service for the kids."

To participate in Jump Rope for Heart, the students had to sign up and get pledge forms. They then sought sponsors to donate money for the minutes they jumped rope.

The students were put into teams of six.

"The kids each jump for two minutes, then rest for 10 while the others jump," said Reiss. "This goes on for a total of 90 minutes. The kids got a lot of exercise and had a lot of fun."

Reiss said that they had a large turnout of parent volunteers. Ray's Food Place provided healthy snacks to replenish the jumper's energy stores.

"I did this when I was a little kid," said Jesse Latter, who was volunteering her time at the event.

Sisters Elementary students signed up to jump rope, not just to escape academia, but to be of service to others.

"I want to help people," said third-grader Shanon Danley. "We are raising money for equipment."

"I like to jump rope," added Aubrey Pepperling. "We are trying to raise money for people who have heart attacks."

Young Bill Hix, a third-grader of few words, participated in the event, "Because it's fun!"

Last year, the students raised more than $6,000 for the American Heart Association.

"The kids have until the end of February to collect donations from their sponsors," said Reiss.

"Sponsors are still welcome."

For more information contact Colleen Reiss at 549-8981.