BATTLE MOUNTAIN - There were 76 first graders who were joined by high school students, parents, teachers and staff at the Jump Rope for Heart event which was held Feb. 23 from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the white gym at Battle Mountain Elementary Schools to raise money for the American Heart Association.
First-grade teacher Anna DeVries, who was in charge of the event, said right after the event that she was not sure how much money had been raised so far since donations are still being collected and will continue to be collected through any first grader or at the front desk of Eliza Pierce Elementary School through March 8.
Last year, $1,700 was raised and DeVries is hoping to raise more than that amount this year, she said.
Teachers, staff, parents and Battle Mountain High School students manned the seven stations at the event, which included single jump rope, double jump and hula hoops.
"(It went) fantastic," said DeVries. "I think it really went well. They enjoyed it really good and had lots of fun. It was awesome. We had a really good time and enjoyed it, loved it."
She added that the students were excited about the event.
"It makes me feel good that they are doing something good to help others," she said. "It was very positive."
DeVries, the high school students and the adults all agreed that the event was a great way to teach kids about their heart while helping to get them in shape and keep them heart healthy.
"It gives these kids a chance to exercise," said Battle Mountain High School junior Mason Burkhart. "It teaches them to exercise and be healthy. It raises awareness and they get to have fun."
First-grader teacher Cherise Averett said the event helps kids get a positive view of exercise.
"It teaches the kids that exercise is good for their hearts and that they need to keep their hearts healthy," said Averett.
Battle Mountain Elementary Schools Principal Lorrie Sparks said she was pleased with how the event went.
"I think it went great," she said. "It was very well organized. I am a PE person so obviously I feel that jump rope and cardiovascular activity is very important for people."
Battle Mountain High School senior MacKenzie Clark, who was helping to man station 2, the limbo station, said the event was good "because it is for a good cause and gets the kids out of the classroom. It's a good way for them to do something."
Parent Annie Gilmore added, "It keeps them active and it teaches them to give their time to an organization that helps others."
Elementary school AmeriCorps volunteer Carissa Brewer said it was a good way for kids to learn new games.
"I think it's important to teach the kids to be physical," she said. "I think they can learn a lot of games that they may have not played before. It gives them ideas."
DeVries wanted to thank everyone who helped make the event a success. She said Cindy Baum, who works at Bakkers Brew, donated coupons for ice cream cones for the high school students and drinks for the adults.
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