American Heart Challenge awards college scholarships to 9 high school students as part of national scholarship program

DALLAS, October 14, 2020 — The American Heart Association’s school-based program, American Heart Challenge™, awarded nine high school juniors and seniors with $1,000 college scholarships recognizing their commitment to wellness and community health.

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, offers a service-learning in-school fundraising program that prepares students for success by offering leadership development opportunities, community service hours and a college application booster in addition to supporting their physical and emotional well-being.

Juniors and seniors across the country who participated in either their in-school or virtual American Heart Challenge program for the 2019-2020 school year were eligible for the scholarship program. To apply students were required to demonstrate leadership skills within their school’s 2019-2020 American Heart Challenge event and showcase a passion for impacting community health. Applications also required a letter of support from their school American Heart Challenge advisor. Recipients were selected by a panel of American Heart Association medical and education expert volunteers.

2019-2020 scholarship recipients:

• Valeria Torres of Belmond-Klemme Jr.- Sr. High School in Belmond, Iowa
• Alexandra White of Fulton High School in Fulton, Mo.
• Emily Gao of Fargo Davies High School in Fargo, N.D.
• Sanjana Murthy of Beachwood High School in Beachwood, Ohio
• Jessica Hoechstetter of Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas
• Iman Jaka of Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugarland, Texas
• Saamiya Syed of Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugarland, Texas
• Kylee Duarte of Santiago High School in Corona, Calif.
• Artis Andrew Phillips of La Canada High School in La Canada Flintridge, Calif.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans[1] only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations. The American Heart Challenge is rooted in proven science which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood[2].

In addition to improved physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include better grades, school attendance and classroom behavior. Physical activity can also help kids feel better, improve mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression[3] which is critical now due to social distancing measures and remote learning.

Funds raised by American Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach programs, while creating healthier communities. Schools are encouraged to register now for the American Heart Challenge to bring expanded curriculum resources to their classrooms and in-home learning environments for the 2020-21 school year.

To learn more about other school programs, or to make a donation to the American Heart Association, please visit www.heart.org/kids.

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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, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Linzy Cotaya: 504-872-3446; linzy.cotaya@heart.org

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org