Greenfield Elementary recognized as nationwide leader for promoting physical and mental well-being

BALDWIN, WI, April 24, 2026 — Greenfield Elementary School has been named the top public school fundraiser in the nation for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge™, after students raised more than $100,000 for the second consecutive year.

This school year, 83% of Greenfield Elementary students participated in the Kids Heart Challenge, reflecting a schoolwide commitment to wellness, learning and helping others.

“It’s incredibly humbling to be part of something so big and so positive,” Kids Heart Challenge volunteer and Greenfield Elementary P.E. teacher Amy Wolske said. “We really just get to step back and say, ‘Look how amazing our students and community are.’”

Jon Curtis, also physical education teacher and Kids Heart Challenge volunteer, added, “Knowing that our students can recognize the signs of stroke or step in with hands‑only CPR means more to me than any fundraising total. That’s lives being changed.”

Greenfield Elementary’s performance places it among the very best of the more than 15,000 schools nationwide that participate in the Kids Heart Challenge each year. The school has finished top five nationally for six consecutive years, demonstrating sustained leadership in promoting heart‑healthy habits, physical activity and compassion for others.

The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge™ is a fundraising, service-learning program that provides lessons, tools and activities to support mental and physical well-being for students, families and staff. The program has nearly 50 years of proven success rooted in scientific research which shows that kids who are regularly active feel better, improve their mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression^[1]. 

“Every school can look at Greenfield and see what can happen when you think big,” American Heart Association Development Director Brooke Bosacker said. “It has been incredible to see the teachers, students and families come together to demonstrate the importance of heart and brain health while supporting the mission of the American Heart Association.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans[2], only 20% of children meet recommended daily physical activity levels. Programs like the Kids Heart Challenge not only improve physical health, but are also linked to better academic performance, attendance and classroom behavior.

Participation in the Kids Heart Challenge helps fund critical scientific research and outreach programs that improve health outcomes and save lives nationwide.

Schools interested in joining the Kids Heart Challenge can register at www.heart.org/getstarted.

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:
Travis Sloan; Travis.Sloan@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org