It was a heartfelt day for Jefferson School students and staff as they recently learned their efforts last spring earned them recognition from the American Heart Association.
After being absent for a time, students led by PE teacher Stefanie Black participated in the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart events.
“The fun activities rally a school community around healthy life-style choices and encourages the helping of others,” wrote Jennifer Thompson, senior youth market director for the American Heart Association, in a congratulatory letter.
“Students at Jefferson certainly answered the call by raising more than $5,747 to help save lives in Great Bend and beyond,” Thompson said. “The students and staff raised almost four times more than the average new event.
“(The plaque represents) a special congratulations to Jefferson Elementary for ranking as the highest new event in the western 57 counties of Kansas,” Thompson continued. “Tyler Shirley, Jefferson’s PE teacher this year, is looking forward to continuing the tradition and the event this year.”
Cardiovascular diseases and stroke account for approximately one-fourth of deaths in the county and unfortunately, children are not immune.   
“The American Heart Association and the millions of American affected by cardiovascular diseases thank the students for their dedication in the continued fight against heart diseases and stroke,” Thompson said.