Want healthy kids? Check out what they are doing over at Stephen Bell.
Physical Education teacher Stacy Tincher – with the help of her students – raised over $23K during their Kids Heart Challenge /American Heart Challenge program.
This wasn’t her first go-around, though. In fact, it is her 29th year being involved in the Kids Heart Challenge.
Tincher was introduced to the Kids Heart Challenge, formerly Jump Rope for Heart, while doing her student teaching at Cox Elementary in Xenia. She lost her grandmother a few years prior to a heart-related illness, so she was happy to find a way to honor the memory of her loved one.
“I have had so many family, friends and students impacted by heart-related issues during the time I’ve been involved with the Kids Heart Challenge, it compels me to keep supporting the American Heart Association and their efforts to save lives,” Tincher said.
According to the American Heart Association, families and schools are critical links in providing the foundation for cardiovascular wellness in our country.
The program introduces students to the signs and symptoms of heart-related illnesses, teaches them to eat healthy and stay active as well as raises student awareness of those who may not be as fortunate as those who live with healthy hearts.
This year’s event came with a bit of a real-world reality check, too.
“We literally kicked off this year's event the same week (Buffalo Bills defensive back) Damar Hamlin went down on the football field (against the Bengals in January),” Tincher said. “So, we had some great discussions concerning CPR and saving a life.
Tincher’s fundraising efforts make a tremendous impact in helping millions of Americans through increased awareness of cardiovascular disease, lifesaving scientific research and critically needed education efforts.
“It’s events like these, and people in our district like Stacy that make a huge impact. Not just on Bellbrook, but on the world around us. And that’s really the impact we are trying to make. Raising and teaching great kids that will have an impact on the world around them,” Superintendent Doug Cozad said.
Tincher passes the credit for funds raised onto her students, their parents and the community.
“I plan, coordinate and facilitate KHC, but they do all the work,“ Tincher said. “I am blessed to live in such a caring community. I was recently made aware that in my 23 years at Stephen Bell, students have raised just over $300,000. This is amazing!”
Recently, Stephen Bell Principal Ginger Keeton encouraged Tincher to share some of the details of the program’s success with the Board of Education.
“We continue to be extremely proud of Mrs. Tincher’s endeavors to support heart-healthy habits in our youngest learners,” Keeton said.