Jump Rope for Heart

by: Rachel Garza

Photo 1: Angie Garza has been the head P.E. coach at J.R.G. Early Childhood in Edcouch for the past three years.

Photo 2: Garza often reminds her students that "it's fun to be fit!"

Photo 3: J.R.G. had their first ever "Jump Rope for Heart" fundraiser late last month, which allowed the community to donate and raise money for children with heart problems.

Photo 4: Students were able to play with friends and their jump ropes.

Photo 5: Students who helped raise money for the cause pose with their jump rope.

Photo 6: Students who raised at least $15 were allowed to be a coach for the day on different days of the week.

Photo 7: Kindergarten students raise their hand when asked who cares about the kids who need help.

Photo 8: Garza talks with four of her students about the importance of being a "Heart Hero."

Photo 9: Anyssa Galvan, a kindergarten student at J.R.G. enjoys the benefits of being coach for the day.

Photo 10: Andrew Zepeda and Assistant Coach Mary Castillo pose with the Jump Rope for Heart hand sign.

Photo 11: Students enjoyed five moon jumps during their fun day reward.

Photo 12: Students played outside as a reward for donating more than $15 to the fundraiser.

Photo 13: Garza speaks to her kids about the importance of eating healthy and staying fit.

Photo 14: J.R.G. students listen attentively to their P.E. coach. According to Garza, the students were very excited about helping to raise money for the sick children.

Photo 15: Garza poses with two students during their P.E. class period.

Photo 16: The coaches at J.R.G. set up hula hoops for the kids to play with.

Photo 17: Huddles were also put up so the kids could jump over them and get their heart pumping.

Photo 18, 19: Students jumped over huddles and learned that exercising could be fun.

Photo 20, 21: The students who contributed to the fundraiser were allowed to jump rope for as long as they could.

Photo 22: Garza feels it's important to instill good values in each of her students.

Photo 23-27: Students who donated at least $15 were able to play outside during their fun day reward.

Photo 28: J.R.G. Early Childhood raised more than $2,700 during their Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser.