Seven Oaks Elementary recently participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart event. “JUMP is a great Community Service project for students, combining education and physical activity to promote a healthier lifestyle,” said P.E. teacher Jeff Ennett.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and more people die from heart disease than the next seven leading causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer, according to the AHA. “Most kids and families in our school have been touched by cardiovascular disease and our participation helps raise funds that are used for research, health saving initiatives and community programs,” Ennett said.
This year Jordan Verasamy, a third grade student raised more than $1,000 dollars for the organization. Ennett caught up with Jordan to ask her some questions regarding how she was able to accomplish this great effort.
Jordan, how did you raise so much money this year?
“I sent it to my nana in Boston who works in a doctor’s office. She has tons of friends and they e-mailed around the building and got a lot of sponsors.”
Did you set an amount of money that you wanted to raise?
“My first goal was to raise $100 and I saw that I was raising a lot more so I set another goal to get to $1,000 dollars.”
What did you do when you found out you had reached your goal and raised more than $1,000 dollars for the American Heart Association?
“I felt excited, proud and had so many happy feelings in my head.”
How do you feel about the money you raised this year?
“I feel happy that the money will help pay medical bills, get kids medications and support kids that need the help. My grandma works at a school with special needs kids, some have heart conditions. I visited her and felt inspired to make a difference.”
By Jeff Ennett, Seven Oaks Elementary
