Jump Rope for Heart is a special program raising funds for the American Heart Association’s (AHA) fight against heart disease and stroke.

This year, Cumberland County Elementary School (CCES) donated its fund from the program in memory of the late Coach Keith White, who died in January. White served as Cumberland High School’s junior varsity boys’ basketball coach and as former Cumberland County recreation director.

Participating students learned jump rope skills while learning about heart health and how nutrition and physical activity help them live longer, healthier lives. This is the 24th year CCES has taken part in the program. CCES students and staff rallied to the cause in late February, contributing $6,000 to the American Heart Association.

The highest fundraisers among second graders are Anthony Worrell, $350 (highest overall); Kody Kohnen, $150; Chimere Brown, $129; Shakira Gregory, $110; Ariel Crenshaw, $105; Jayland Skeens, $81; and Tabytha Robertson, $75.

Among third graders, highest fundraisers are Natalie Sullivan, $231; Shawn Barden, $170; Abigail Mills, $129; Maya Bell, $100; Taylor Shores, $90; Glory Cubbage, $80; Robby King, $75; DaColby Harris, $73; Hunter Berger, $70; Smantha Price, $70; and Keira Parker, $65.

In fourth grade, highest fundraisers are Anthony Price, $188; Bella Johnson, $160; Ayla Finnegan, $139; Aeden Coleman, $135; Juniper Ludgae, $110; Gage Stringfield, $100; Kristein Jamerson, $75; Brooklyn Willingham, $75; Brienca Donikin, $71; and MacKenzie Vance, $70.

CCES’s partnership with the AHA and its Jump Rope for Heart program has raised $111,000 during the past 24 years.

Jumping rope at CCES is a yearlong program designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, coordination, agility, timing, balance, flexibility, power and rhythm.