The American Heart Association (AHA) named Virginia Beach City Public Schools the top school division in the state for its participation in the annual Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart campaigns, known also as the Kids Heart Challenge, which promote health awareness among students while aligning with the health and physical education curriculum.

The campaigns teach heart health fundamentals for students as well as reinforce the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and eating a balanced diet. During events, students participate in a variety of cardio-based exercise challenges, demonstrate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), learn proper nutrition to maintain a healthy heart and study anatomy of the human heart.

Out of the division's 55 elementary schools 42 participated in AHA events, and, in doing so, they raised more than $270,000 divisionwide for the American Heart Association. Three Oaks Elementary led this effort by raising $36,861.

"It's not every day that kids get to help save lives, but that's what the students, parents, and staff in Virginia Beach City Public Schools have done," said Matthew Houck, American Heart Association youth market director. "It's truly amazing to see that with all that transpires in our lives, we still find time and resources to help others. It's what makes a community great, and what makes us all proud to live in Virginia Beach."

The division's partnership with the AHA began more than 20 years ago. For more information on how schools can participate, visit their website.

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Department of Communications and Community Engagement, [email protected]

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