Marble Falls Elementary raises $4,600 for American Heart Association
Marble Falls Elementary School students raised $4,600 for the American Heart Association during their February program Jump for the Heart, which incorporated jump ropes, heart health lessons and a bit of fundraising. The top fundraisers were Kenley Virdell (second from left) and Cordyn Alderman. MFES physical education teacher David Woods (left) and Principal Michael Haley joined the two to celebrate the campus’ accomplishment. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — Pecans are good for the human heart. Just ask Marble Falls Elementary School student Cordyn Alderman, who cracked and sold pecans on his way to earning $1,000 for the American Heart Association.
“There are people out there who need help,” the elementary school student said. (In full disclosure, Cordyn is the son of Crissy Alderman, a sales representative with The Picayune). During the month of February — also American Heart Month — the fifth-grader cracked pecans, mixed some with sugar and cinnamon, bagged them and sold them in an effort to raise money for the American Heart Association.
In fact, the entire campus jumped into raising money during February for the American Heart Association through its Jump for the Heart program.
“I’m real proud of the kids,” physical education coach David Woods said. “They raised exactly $4,600. It was a great effort.”
During Jump for the Heart, students jumped rope during P.E. class but raised money whenever they could. Some kids asked for donations, while others such as Cordyn found innovative ways to raise the funds.
And it wasn’t just the older kids making a difference. Kindergartner Kenley Virdell raised the second-highest amount on the campus at $660.
She shrugged when asked how she did it.
“I just asked,” she answered.
The money helps support research, health educational efforts, heart patients and other programs through the American Heart Association.
“The kids really got behind the program and wanted to do something for other people,” Woods said.
Cordyn shrugged off the idea that he went above and beyond for the American Heart Association.
“I have a roof over my head, food on the table and a good heart,” he said. “So, if I can help others, I should.”
Go to www.heart.org to learn about Jump for the Heart and the American Heart Association.
daniel@thepicayune.com