The Kids Heart Challenge is an annual tradition at Patrick M. Villano School. Students learn how the heart works and how eating right and physical activity can help them live longer, healthier lives. They also learn jump roping skills as they raise money to help kids with sick hearts, many of whom are around the same age as the students. Layla Robayo, a fifth-grader, participated in the jump rope competition and kept her feet moving for 40 seconds in a row.
“I think that doing the competition was a little hard because I get out of breath very quickly but overall I think it was easy, for a great cause, and very fun,” Robayo said. “I think this is an amazing cause because you the littlest one dollar can save a person’s life.”
Students can earn small trinkets like key chains or bracelets as prizes for raising money for the American Heart Association. This year, students raised a total of $4,126.19.
“Through their involvement in the Kid Heart Challenge, we hope students learn the value of helping others in need and the importance of supporting research and awareness efforts for heart health. By participating, students develop empathy and understand the impact of their actions on their community,” Franklin Tiburcio, the school’s physical education teacher, said.
