A California Elementary School physical education teacher was awarded the Mission Milestone Award from the American Heart Association for her nine years of support for the association through the Kids Heart Challenge.
Teacher Jill Hampton said it was quite the honor to receive this award.
"I participate in this event because I love to see the kids getting excited to help others," Hampton said. "This program not only teaches the kids about heart disease and how to prevent it but also how important it is to help others."
Hampton said she started participating in the program when she taught at Columbia public schools.
"A parent approached me about this program, and so I said I would give it a try," Hampton said. "And I have been doing it ever since. I have participated in it for nine years because it brings me great joy to see the kids' faces when they have helped someone in need."
For the Kids Heart Challenge, Hampton said she has students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade participate. They do a unit on jump roping with several different activities.
"We also talk about staying healthy and active and what that means for the student," Hampton said.
Hampton said she hopes the students take away important information from participating in the event.
"I hope the children take away information about heart disease, how to prevent it and ways to keep healthy and active, and what it means and feels to help others," Hampton said.