Students at Churchville Elementary School (CES) not only surpassed their goal of raising $15,000 for the American Heart Association’s Hoops for Heart campaign, they set another school record – collecting $18,456.74 for the organization.
The CES community takes the annual Hoops for Heart event very seriously. Last year, CES raised over $16,600 and, in 2014, was the fourth-highest fundraising school in New York State.
This year, the organization’s mission hit close to home for CES students. Third-grader Michaela Scott-Jones has first-hand experience with heart disease. She is active and healthy now, but was born with a serious heart defect. She and her mother, Rebecca Scott, shared her story and inspired students, teachers and staff to take action and get involved. The school recognized Michaela as its honorary Heart Hero for 2016.
Kindergarten student and top fundraiser Logan Williamson collected $700 for the cause. Principal Dave Johnson temporarily stepped down from his position and named Williamson Principal for the Day.
Wegmans Supermarkets kindly donated a gift card to sponsor a healthy snack party for the class with the most donations. Students also participated in raffles for the contents of Surprise Boxes. Winners included Kaedence Andross, Landon Ayers, Finnegan Carey, Quinlan Hickey, Lauren Laing and Ava Peevey.
A major incentive for students to ramp up their fundraising was the promise that physical education teachers would dress like puppies if they exceeded the goal. Several happy “dogs” entertained the audience during the celebratory assembly.
More than 3,000 schools nationwide participate in the Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope for Heart programs. Fun events promote sports and fitness, educate students in the risks of heart disease and stroke, and help lay the groundwork for life-long community activism and volunteering.
Physical education teacher Brooke Elnicky coordinated the CES event for the seventh year with assistance from student teacher Katie Stang (from The College at Brockport) and fellow PE teacher Bethany Matsko.
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