From jump roping in elementary school, to hooping in middle school, the high school takes raising money for the American Heart Association to the next level. Every December, students in p.e. and health classes have the option to participate in a volleyball tournament while raising money and awareness for heart disease and strokes.
The PE department has always done an annual volleyball tournament but started partnering with the AHA back in 2010. Prior to the tournament, students registered by going to AHA (American Heart Association) Schools, to make raising money easier. Raising money is not limited to the p.e. and health students; anyone can donate or get family members and friends to help as well. Any student – not already participating in the tournament – who raises $100 or more will be able to play on Friday, December 20th.
After spending a few classes sharpening up their volleyball skills, the teams started the tournament. Each team was assigned a color and had the ability to purchase a t-shirt corresponding to their color. All the proceeds from the shirts go directly to the organization, funding research for the future of heart health.
Throughout the month, the teams will play 3-4 games per period and up to 15 games total to determine the ultimate winner of their class. There will be prizes issued out to the winning teams of each period; however, “students will have to wait and see!” says Mrs. Grant, PE teacher.
Over the years, partnering with the American Heart Association has showed our Fallston community starting as early as elementary school that taking care of your heart is quintessential in preventing any other underlying health issues down the road. Looking out for your heart could be as simple as playing volleyball with friends. Additionally, raising money not only provides research and promotes advocacy, but it also allows “students to get more involved in learning about heart health and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle,” Mrs. Grant adds.
