Kindergartners catch some air as parent volunteer Shaun Acosta swivles the rope for a group jump. (Photo courtesy of Parker School)

Special to Hawaii 24/7

Parker Lower School students participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 23.

The event raises money for the American Heart Association to help children with heart problems, and also teaches the young participants about how to keep their own hearts healthy through exercise and good nutrition.

After collecting funds from family and friend sponsors over the previous weeks, the children gathered in the lower school’s circle driveway and nearby field to move through six different jumping stations.

Some stations involved solo jump roping, some partner jumping, and others group jumping and team races.

“I’m so proud of the students because they worked hard to save more lives than we did last year and that was our goal,” Parker Lower School PE teacher and Jump Rope for Heart coordinator Nicole Vedelli said.

“This year we made over $4,500 dollars,” Vedelli said. “Our goal was $3,500, just a little up from the $3,100 we made last year, so I’m extremely excited.”

First grader Jahmyl Dugay said, “It felt good because I helped by jumping rope and having fun.”

— Find out more:
www.parkerschool.net