Scholarships awarded to 5 students committed to wellness

(NewMediaWire) – September 16, 2021 – DALLAS – The American Heart Association’s school-based program, American Heart Challenge™, awarded five 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 their in-school or virtual American Heart Challenge program for the 2020-2021 school year were eligible for the scholarship program. Student applicants were required to demonstrate leadership skills within their school’s American Heart Challenge event and showcase their passion for impacting community health. Applications also required a letter of support from their school American Heart Challenge advisor.

2020-2021 scholarship recipients:

• Lauren Bowen of Ridge Point High School in Missouri City, Texas
• Keira Bricker of Wharton High School in Tampa, Florida
• Leon Lavong of Savanna High School in Anaheim, California
• Jenna Milbrodt of La Canada High School in La Canada, California
• Julia Stieglitz of Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, New Jersey

“Each of these students represents the spirit of the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives,” said Kim Slone, executive vice president for development and community health for the American Heart Association. “We are encouraged by their commitment to improving the health and well-being within their local communities and are hopeful these scholarships will continue to shape their future actions of serving and inspiring others.”

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].

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