Carmichaels marks 24 years with fundraiser
Fifth-grader Peyton Whipkey makes it look easy as he barely moves to keep a hula hoop up at Carmichaels Elementary Center.
Carmichaels Elementary Center student council members Ethan Green and Garrett Ponick take a turn at jumping rope. The student council sponsored the annual American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart Friday at the school. Tara Kinsell/Observer-Reporter
Carmichaels kindergarten student Harley Stoneking, 6, was the top fundraiser for the annual Jump Rope for Heart. Stoneking raised $630 for the American Heart Association. Tara Kinsell/Observer-Reporter
The student council at Carmichaels Area Elementary Center held its annual American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser Friday. Students at the school have participated in the event for 24 years.
Students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade participated in several heart-pumping activities, including jumping rope and hula hooping. Although fun is part of the day, teachers emphasize that it also teaches jump rope skills, the importance of physical activity and community service.
Jump Rope for Heart events have been held across the country for nearly 35 years. The money raised has been used in research and education to help reduce and prevent heart disease. The Carmichaels event averages nearly $10,000 each year.
The high fundraiser for the 2013 event was Harley Stoneking, 6, of Carmichaels. The kindergartener raised $630.