EAGLE, ID, September 22, 2023 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, recognized Tyla and Treyton Hurless, both students at Eagle Elementary School as the Young Heart Leadership Award recipients for the Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. The national award, given annually, was announced during the association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge awards ceremony. The ceremony, held virtually on September 12, was joined by program participants from coast to coast and celebrated students, educators and leading schools for their work in advancing the association’s lifesaving work.
“As the Physical Education and Health teacher of Tyla and Treyton, I can say that they are the most amazing students. They always have smiles on their faces and are energetic and willing to help out. Tyla and Treyton both show leadership in their classrooms, on the playground and of course with Kids Heart Challenge (KHC). I especially appreciate how humble Tyla and Treyton are everyday! They are very gracious and grateful for all that the American Heart Association has taught our students about having healthy hearts. On behalf of Eagle Elementary, KHC has changed our lives,” said Carolyn Peters, Physical Education and Health Teacher, Eagle Elementary School of the Arts.
The Young Heart Leadership Award is given each year to a student or young person under the age of 21 who demonstrates the highest levels of leadership in action through their Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge program.
Tyla and Treyton Hurless were nominated by local American Heart Association staff for the national award. These siblings have shown incredible teamwork and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Treyton has a special heart and had his first open heart surgery at just three days old. His personal experience with having a special heart has inspired both him and his sister Tyla to raise awareness and donations for research on these heart conditions. With their help, over 100 students at their school signed up for the Kids Heart Challenge! Treyton was also recently named as one of the American Heart Association’s Community Youth Heart Ambassadors. And Eagle Elementary School received an American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge grant of $1,300 for student health and well-being resources.
With a foundation set in physical activity, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge have expanded beyond the gymnasium to meet the needs of today’s youth and educators as science has proven the strong connection between physical and mental health. Kids Heart Challenge offers a variety of physical activities to get elementary students’ hearts pumping such as dance, basketball or jumping rope paired with digital mission to learn life-saving skills such as Hands-Only CPR™. The American Heart Challenge is a service-learning program for middle and high school students. The program also helps boost heart health and self-esteem, while reducing stress and anxiety through programs featuring yoga, dance, and obstacle courses.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations. Both the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science, which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood.
To learn more about American Heart Association youth-based programs visit www.heart.org/getstarted.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Jennifer Merback: 801-2052489; jennifer.merback@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
