Students raise $7,559.79 to combat heart disease and stroke

Hurricane Middle School Principal Greg LeMaster said he is very proud of the community service performed by his students, who raised $7,559.79 to combat the nation's number 1 and 3 killers, heart disease and stroke.

Students from Hurricane Middle and numerous Putnam County elementary schools put on their sneakers and jumped high to raise money for the American Heart Association.

Jump Rope for Heart is a national fundraising program that engages children in a physical activity that supports heart and stroke research. Students ask family and friends to sponsor their jumping and donate the money they raise to the American Heart Association.

Besides raising money for a good cause, physical education teachers use the program to emphasize the importance of physical activity in combating heart disease and the value of service to the community.

The following Putnam County elementary schools joined Hurricane Middle students in raising a total of $28,958.75:

Buffalo Elementary - $1,155

Hometown Elementary - $200

Hurricane Town Elementary - $2,100

Lakeside Elementary - $561.01

Poca Elementary - $5,846.95

Rock Branch Elementary - $1,047

Scott Teays Elementary - $4,434

West Teays Elementary - $6,055.