“It’s huge for kids to give of themselves to people they do not know or may never meet”, explained Tom Glenn, Physical Education Teacher at Dutch Lane School and on the Board of Directors of the Hicksville Congress of Teachers. Many children’s lives have been touched by the loss of a loved one to heart disease. So, for each of the past eleven years that Tom Glenn has worked for the Hicksville School District, he has encouraged his students to participate in the American Heart Association’s “Jump Rope for the Heart” fundraiser.
“The children are amazing!” exclaimed Glenn who praised his altruistic students as they sought sponsors amongst family and friends. Despite the current economy, an unprecedented number of students turned out to raise the greatest amount of money that Dutch Lane has ever been able to donate.
On November 29, 2011, fifty Dutch Lane students from the third through fifth grades volunteered after school to help benefit this worthy cause. For one hour, the “heart-healthy” children participated in various exercises and jump roping activities. The students raised over $2,700 which was donated to local heart hospitals and will be used for research and public awareness/education. Glenn’s students are proud that their efforts will be making a difference in the lives of others.
(Tom Glenn is a member of Hicksville Congress of Teachers)