On March 16th, Middle School students in the fifth and sixth grades participated in the Jump Rope for Heart event in order to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

Jump Rope for Heart promotes the value of physical activity to students while showing them they can contribute to their community's welfare. By jumping rope and securing sponsors, students raise money for the fight against heart disease and stroke.

"This event provides a wonderful opportunity for us to integrate community service and health education into [Hammond School's] normal physical education curriculum," says physical education instructor, Mary McAllister, "on top of that, the kids have lots of fun with it."

As of Thursday afternoon, 15 hours before the event, the fifth and sixth graders had raised an astonishing $5436.52 to be donated to the American Heart Association and more funds were to be turned in. When all was said and done, the students collected a total $6,035.52. As an added incentive, all students that raised at least $150 were entered into a regional drawing to win a trip for 4 to Walt Disney World in Florida.

For more information about the American Heart Association and the Jump Rope for Heart program, visit: www.americanheart.org