Southern Local Elementary School reached its $2,000 goal for the American Heart Association during the annual Kids’ Heart Challenge and ended the moneymaker with a series of activities to get moving. Among those participating were, pictured from left, fourth graders Ava Pugh, Noah Crooms and Novona Springer jumping rope during the event. (Submitted photo)

SALINEVILLE — Southern Local Elementary students reached their $2,000 goal after finishing a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

Students in PreK-5 wrapped up the Kids’ Heart Challenge earlier this month with classes taking part in staggered events to get them moving. Throughout the month of February, they raised monetary donations and had a chance to jump, hop and dance away during special time in gym. Physical education teacher Kathy Randolph provided three stations and students rotated among an obstacle course complete with climbing, crawling, jumping, balance and pull-up activities, hula hoops and limbo before ending with dancing led by music teacher Ryan Smith. Art teacher Kimberly Adams also assisted during the program.

Half-day preschoolers took part on Feb. 27 with grades K-5 on Feb. 28 and all-day preschool students rounding out the program on March 3. In the end, the students met the $2,000 goal and will be rewarded with a cookout in May while some school staff, faculty and administrators will dress up as characters from the movie “Inside Out.”

Randolph told the class that it was not important to get moving, but also to help others through the annual AHA event.

“We’ve had kids in school who had surgeries and you might have a relative who has had a heart attack,” she told students. “We had to raise $2,000 [to help others in need].”

This year’s theme was “Let the Games Begin,” and students could earn prizes for each monetary level they raised from $5 to $1,000. The duck-themed incentives included keychains and T-shirts to earbuds and toys, plus it educated kids on avoiding vaping and tobacco products, drinking more water, being kind, eating right, getting more sleep, moving more and learning hands-only CPR. Additionally, Randolph and Principal Emily Smith organized a “Heart Heroes Spirit Week” on Feb. 24-28 and students were encouraged to pay $1 per day to dress up for themed events. They included Super Hero Day that Monday, Dress for Your Future (future jobs) on Tuesday; I Love Red on Wednesday; PJ Day on Thursday; and Train Insane (workout gear) that Friday.