Royal kids raise $10,000

ROYAL CITY - Setting a new record, the Red Rock Elementary School's Jump for Heart on March 26 raised $10,000 for heart research That figure topped the goal of $8,000 and the $9,800 raised last year.

"298 students in grades two through five worked incredibly hard to raise these funds for the American Heart Association," counselor Nicole Dunn said. "The community rallied around our students, and they were able to bring in $10,000."

The after school fund-raising event was organized and supervised by parent volunteers and PE teacher Brent Whitaker. It ran from 3-4:30, and 167 of the 298 fund raising students attended.

Jump for Heart kicked off with an announcement by Whitaker and Royal PTO member Katie Allred of the top fund raiser from each grade level. The top second grader was Kylee Gordon with $345, the No. 1 third grader was Raegan Wardenaar with $200, the leading fourth grader was Alondra Morales with $323, and the outstanding fifth grader was Colin Miller with $250.

The students then rotated through 13 stations with various activities meant to keep the heart rate up. Those included jump rope, mini trampolines, basketball, and more.

There was also a stop at a snack station that had healthy treats such as strawberries, carrots, apples and string cheese.

"Jump for Heart was once again a success, and Red Rock would like to thank all of our parent volunteers and everyone for the incredible support shown by the Royal Community," Dunn said.Dunn also recognized high school teacher Randy Miller and his weights class and District Athletic Director Andrew Perkins.

Allred and Whitaker extended a "special thanks" to volunteers Jessica Stewart, Courtney Andersen and Krista Smith for the time and effort they put into making the event a success.