Haynes senior selected as local Youth Heart Ambassador
NEW ORLEANS – Sept. 3, 2024 — The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a 12th grader at Haynes Academy to serve as a volunteer local Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. Seventeen year-old Hudson Mobley of Metairie, La., will work closely with the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ to passionately inspire peers to adopt healthy habits for improved mental and physical well-being.
The American Heart Association accepted nominations nationwide from young people who have been affected by heart disease or stroke. Youth with a personal diagnosis, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or a passion for leading a heart-healthy life were encouraged to apply for the Youth Heart Ambassador role. Hudson, a 12th-grade student at Haynes Academy, saved a patron's life by performing CPR until EMS arrived at his job at Chateau Golf & Country Club in October 2023. He had learned CPR at school through one of the Association’s CPR in Schools and, and through his lifeguard training.
“I am so grateful that learning Hands-Only CPR along with my lifeguard training enabled me to act when help was needed. I’m excited to be selected to help further the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association and hopefully impact the lives of my fellow students, schools, and educators right here in Jefferson Parish,” said Hudson Mobley.
The Youth Heart Ambassadors serve a one-year commitment as a volunteer of the American Heart Association assisting the organization to be a relentless force for healthier lives for all. The position gives youth a voice to encourage, advocate and emphasize the need to raise critical funding in their local community as they share the impact cardiovascular disease has had on their life.
“I am immensely proud to recognize Hudson for his quick thinking and courageous actions, which resulted in saving a life," said James Gray, Ph.D., superintendent of Jefferson Parish Schools. “Hudson's ability to stay calm under pressure and make life-saving decisions is a testament to his role as a true leader in our community."
“Seeing one of our local youth share their voice and experience to help others learn through leadership is so empowering,” said Coretta LaGarde, executive director, American Heart Association of Greater New Orleans. “We’ve worked with Jefferson Parish Schools closely for many years to ensure their students and staff know Hands-Only CPR and can be prepared to act in an emergency. Additionally, at least 19 of their schools participate in our Kids Heart Challenge program, learning heart healthy skills and information to help them live longer, better lives. We are excited to see the impact Hudson will make in our community through his ambassadorship.”
The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are dynamic service-learning fundraising programs that teach students how to improve their overall health while making a positive impact on others. Through engaging curriculums and interactive challenges, students get active, have fun, and raise essential funds for congenital heart defects, nutrition security, CPR training, mental well-being and more. These efforts support the American Heart Association’s mission to create a world of longer, healthier lives.
"Hudson Mobley heroically saved a man's life by performing CPR after he collapsed in a public place, showcasing remarkable composure and skill under pressure," said Brent Vollenweider, Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies. "His quick actions made a critical difference, demonstrating the importance of being prepared for emergencies."
Schools interested in participating in either Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge can register now for the 2024-2025 school year. More information about the Youth Heart Ambassadors can be found at heart.org/youthambassadors.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Jefferson Parish Schools: Jefferson Parish Schools is the largest and most diverse public school system in Louisiana and the 98th largest in the nation. Our system of 74 schools serves approximately 47,000 students on both banks of the Mississippi River. With approximately 6,000 employees, JP Schools is one of the largest employers in Jefferson Parish. Our district exists to provide the education our students deserve to succeed in life and make our world a better place.
For Media Inquiries:
Mary Fein: mary.fein@heart.org
Kaela Lewis: kaela.lewis@jpschools.org
