Clinton Elementary Raises More Than $16K through Kids Heart Challenge

Clinton Elementary School is once again celebrating another successful Kids Heart Challenge, with a total of 174 students registered and $16,146.94 raised for the American Heart Association.

Each year, Clinton Elementary students take on the challenge of improving their own health while also raising life-saving donations for the American Heart Association. What started as a challenge for students in grades 3-5 has expanded to include students in pre-K through grade 5.

Beyond fundraising, the program also emphasizes life-saving skills. This year, 52 families learned Hands-Only CPR, empowering them with the knowledge needed to respond in emergency situations. Additionally, 42 students completed Finn’s Mission, a series of seven steps that include learning the warning signs of a stroke and how to perform Hands-Only CPR – skills that can make a critical difference in saving lives.

Thanks to Clinton students’ enthusiasm and commitment, Clinton Elementary was one of the top-earning schools in the region. Leading the way was kindergarten student Rosalie Grace, who was this year’s top earner with a total of $1,118.85 raised.

"The Kids Heart Challenge is an important part of our physical education curriculum here at Clinton Elementary School,” said elementary physical education teacher Heather Hillage, who serves as the lead coordinator for the Kids Heart Challenge. “Not only are our students learning heart health and nutrition, but they are also learning about and experiencing what it means to work as a team or community, as well as goal-setting. Without goals in life, we have no direction. Our students at Clinton Elementary really come together to work towards our goals, while learning lifelong skills and finding a cause greater than themselves.”

The continued success of the Kids Heart Challenge at Clinton Elementary School speaks to the dedication of its students, staff and families. With nearly a quarter-century of participation under Hillage’s leadership, the program remains a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to health, wellness and community impact.

As the school community celebrates another successful fundraiser, the Clinton Central School District looks forward to building on this tradition and empowering even more students to take care of their hearts while also making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.