Model Elementary School students raise record amount for American Heart Association!

GOSHEN, Ind. -- Model Elementary School raises a record amount of money for the American Heart Association!

The students raised over $11,000 during the month of February - more than double what they raised during the 2021-22 school year.

It's all part of the AHA's Kids Heart Challenge program.

In addition to the challenge, 46 students and 56 families also completed Finn's Mission. Students spent time at home learning about hands-on CPR and how to spot a stroke with their families, almost double the number of students who participated last year.

Development Director of School Engagement with AHA, Stephanie Rosenberg says cardiac arrest outside of the hospital setting is the leading cause of death worldwide. By teaching students and their families about heart health and how to spot signs of stroke or heart trouble, we're also reducing the number of bystanders during a medical emergency.

Students were rewarded for their efforts by pieing some of their teachers in the face, and giving ice baths to their principal, assistant principal and gym teacher. The gym was also renamed for the year after the student who raised the most money. Anna Sofia raised over $1,000 for the American Heart Association all on her own!

Staff say they're already looking forward to next year, and seeing if they can top their fundraising efforts for the third year in a row.

To learn more about the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge program, visit its website.