Jump Rope for Heart

Last week, I covered one of Chesak Elementary School's Jump Rope for Heart events.

I attended the same event last year, and – despite the economy – both school staff and I noticed that the support for these types of fundraisers hasn't really wavered. One child at Chesak raised $900 alone this year for the American Heart Association, and another student at Conley Elementary School has raised a few thousand dollars in the last three years.

According to information from District 158, four of its five elementary schools placed well into the Top 100 of all Jump Rope for Heart fundraisers last year:

• Chesak placed 25th with $28,095.

• Leggee placed 31st with $25,657.

• Conley placed 47th with $22,582.

• Mackeben placed 51st with $20,618.

And, the kids always look excited and ready to jump rope for hours on end as they pack their gyms for a few days each year to show off their skills and get a little exercise.

Congratulations to all students, staff, parent volunteers and community members for donating their time and funds to the variety of local Jump Rope for Heart events.

To read last week's Northwest Herald coverage, click here. For more information about Jump Rope for Heart, visit the American Heart Association's Web page here,

– Amber Krosel