Scholarships awarded to high school students committed to whole body wellness

(NewMediaWire) – September 21, 2023 – DALLAS — Supporting the next generation of health advocates, the American Heart Association awards five high school seniors with $1,000 college scholarships to energize their commitment to community health through service-learning opportunities. The grants are a part of the American Heart Challenge™, a school-based program that helps middle and high school students feel good about their health, while doing good for the community.

The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives 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 boost in addition to supporting their total physical and emotional well-being.

High school juniors and seniors across the country who participated in their in-school American Heart Challenge program for the 2022-2023 school year were eligible for the scholarship program. Student applicants were required to demonstrate leadership skills within their school’s American Heart Challenge program and showcase their passion for impacting community health. Applications also required a letter of support from their American Heart Challenge school advisor or teacher.

2022-2023 scholarship recipients:

• Adelyn Gary of Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley High School, Graceville, Minnesota
• Anushka Kolli of Vista del Lago High School, Folsom, California
• Bryce Oliphant of Stratford High School, Houston, Texas
• Echo Charlton of Perryville High School, Port Deposit, Maryland
• Jonah Calvery of St. Michael Catholic High School, Daphne, Alabama

“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 Marsha Jones, volunteer chairperson of the board of 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 nationwide. Schools are encouraged to register now for the American Heart Challenge to bring expanded curriculum resources to their classrooms for the 2023-24 school year.

To learn more about other school programs, or to donate 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 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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X 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