TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) as the top school system in the eastern United States for its heart health fundraising efforts during the last school year. The district also secured the 10th spot nationwide.
Through the Kids Heart Challenge and the American Heart Challenge programs, BCPS students, staff, and communities collectively raised $321,421 in lifesaving donations. Thirty-three BCPS schools participated, including 12 community schools, with more than 3,180 students and families engaged.
“This incredible achievement reflects the deep compassion and civic responsibility of our students, educators, and families,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers. “By embracing the mission of the American Heart Association, our school communities are not only raising critical funds for heart health research and education, they are also learning how to take care of themselves and others.”
A significant aspect of the participation included 686 BCPS students taking part in Finn’s Mission, an AHA program that educates on hands-only CPR, stroke warning signs, and other vital skills.
The top five fundraising schools in BCPS were:
- Riderwood Elementary School – $34,947
- Prettyboy Elementary School – $27,902
- Honeygo Elementary School – $25,587
- Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School – $24,239
- New Town Elementary School – $22,088
Abby Bartley, senior vice president of school engagement for the American Heart Association, Eastern States Region, commended BCPS. “Baltimore County Public Schools has shown what’s possible when a community comes together for a cause,” Bartley said. The Eastern States region encompasses 13 states from Maine to Virginia and the District of Columbia.
In addition to the funds raised for the AHA, BCPS schools earned an additional $25,440 to support their own wellness initiatives and health education programs in classrooms.
The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are school-based programs designed by the AHA to teach students about heart health while raising funds for research and community programs, promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and CPR education.
Photo: BCPS Supt. Dr. Myriam Rogers, Kate Poole of the American Heart Assn., and BCPS Chief of Staff Mildred Charley-Greene
