American Heart Association praises Rutherford County Schools, names youth ambassador

Jean Saunders, American Heart Association representative, told the Rutherford County School Board during a work session that 28 district schools participated last year in the association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs and that 2,911 students completed the online hands-only CPR module.

Saunders said Rutherford County Schools raised more than $134,000 for the American Heart Association last year and recognized top fundraising schools: McFadden School of Excellence (more than $24,000), Plainview Elementary (more than $21,000) and Homer Petard Campus School (more than $11,000).

“The Kids Heart Challenge and the American Heart Challenge are programs of the American Heart Association that aim to teach students and families about nutrition, physical activity and, most importantly, hands-only CPR,” Saunders said.

Caleb Tidwell, a member of the American Heart Association board in Rutherford County, presented a Heart of Gold certificate to the district and said Rutherford County was a 2024 top-five fundraising district in Tennessee.

Patty Navarez, mother of 9-year-old Bryant Navarez, described her son’s congenital heart condition and credited the American Heart Association with supporting families and awareness. “The awareness we gain after belonging in the heart community will forever be carved in our hearts,” she said.

The presentation included a list of schools participating in events that begin in February. No board action was taken at the work session; the presentation was informational and celebratory.