Holley teacher honored by American Heart Association

The American Heart Association has presented its Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator of the Year State Award to Holley physical education teacher Lisa Campbell for her active participation and support of the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart program.

Over the past 15 years, Campbell has coordinated this event for Holley Elementary School. This year, students raised over $12,000, with the cumulative amount raised over the past 15 years reaching over $132,000. In addition to coordinating the fundraiser, Campbell organized a jump demonstration team of Holley students to perform a routine the day of the event. She also arranged to have Olympic champion and heart valve replacement survivor, Phil Lanzatella, speak to students and parents about the importance of what the American Heart Association accomplishes in the areas of research, as well as how it has impacted his life directly.

With the help of a growing volunteer staff of over 65 parents and 35 teachers, Campbell has continued to teach heart health risk factors and strives to make physical fitness fun for students in her physical education classes. "I am absolutely thrilled and honored to receive this award," said Campbell. "I lost my father to congestive heart failure and this program has provided me a means to help others from losing their loved ones."

The Jump Rope for Heart program not only provides funds for research and education programs of the American Heart Association. In addition, it helps schools meet New York State Learning Standards because it gives teachers the opportunity to teach students the importance of community service, and necessity of physical fitness and nutrition. Campbell said it's also a great way to involve everyone in a worthwhile cause. "For the past 15 years, this event has brought the Holley community, students, parents, staff and administration together on a Saturday to work toward the fight against heart disease and stroke."