Students jump rope for heart health at Freedom Crest

Students all across the playground jumped rope in Freedom Crest's annual challenge. (Staff photo)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Freedom Crest Elementary School students jumped for joy on Wednesday – and to raise awareness of heart health issues.

The 17th annual jump rope challenge is designed as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association and a fun educational tool for the students. All across the school blacktop, hundreds of students jumped rope and watched classmates compete for prizes by seeing who could complete the most jumps in two minutes.

According to teacher Angie Domiccio, one of the event organizers, students this year have raised about $3,300 for heart research by sharing a donation link with friends and family members. Over the years, over $130,000 has been raised at the school through this event.

“It’s really about heart and health,” said Jennifer Root, superintendent of the Menifee Union School District. “It’s to support heart research, but they’re also a taught a lot of information about what kinds of heart attacks there are, what to look for, and some are able to learn how to do the compressions. It’s about equipping our youth so their homes can be safer.”

Jonathan Ingram, a candidate for the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in District 3, attended the event and served as a judge for the competition. Even the teachers got into the act, jumping against the clock as the students cheered.

Teachers joined in the fun with a jump rope challenge of their own.

Jonathan Ingram consults with event director Angie Domiccio during the judging.