Students skip rope to promote heart health

The sounds of snapping ropes and pounding feet filled the Linderman Elementary School gymMarch 1 as approximately 125 children hopped, skipped and jump roped in unison to promote heart healthy activities.

Part of a the nationwide Jump Rope for Heart campaign, the event raised roughly $4,500 for the American Heat Association.

Lisa Vesciano, the association’s regional youth marketing director, said the turnout was one of the largest she’s seen among the more than 100 schools she works with. She said Linderman is one of the few remaining schools to dedicate an entire afternoon for the event.

“Most teachers don’t do it anymore,” she said.

Linderman’s tradition of hosting Jump Rope for Heart dates back to the mid-1990s, but nearly disappeared this year after a key organizer retired.

Jessica Tolliver, a nursing student at Salish Kootenai College, said she decided to grab the torch and continue the tradition.

“I sort of said ‘No, we’re going to keep it going,’” Tolliver said, noting that promoting heart healthy activity in future generations remains imperative.

“I don’t think there’s enough ways for kids to exercise,” she said.

Tolliver said the best way to convey this message is by having fun, a strategy that was on full display throughout the gym.

In addition to conventional jump ropes, children also played with hula hoops, agility ladders and a variety of obstacle equipment.

Vesciano said she enjoys watching the progression that takes place.

“A lot of boys especially will start out swinging the rope backwards,” she said. “It’s fun to watch them start to get better.”

The excitement wasn’t limited to the participants. Gym Teacher Micki Stanley had her hands fun cycling students through the excessive stations.

Despite the occasional look of exasperation, Tolliver said Stanley, once again, volunteered to run the event.

“She can’t let it go,” Tolliver said. “Even though she said she hates it.”