Skinner Road School exercises, raises funds for heart health

Drusilla, 10, clears the hurdles. Photos by Steve Smith.

VERNON - Last week, Skinner Road School students took part in the American Heart Association’s “Jump Rope for Heart,” which promotes heart health and raises funds to combat heart disease.
Kate Moore, regional coordinator of Jump Rope for Heart for Northeastern Connecticut, stopped in to give the school its banner for 2010.
Physical education teacher Eric Uthgenannt commended his students.
“Through your community service, and all the fundraising you’ve done,” he told the students, “you’re promoting physical activity and healthy hearts for all.”
The students were separated into groups of two or three, and took turns at five exercise stations, as well as the popular “snack station,” provided by the school’s PTO, which served heatlhy treats, such as orange slices.
The students also competed in some heart exercise challenges, and received small awards.
Uthgenannt also gave the students some education about the heart.
“It’s the size of a fist,” he said, “and it weighs as much as a sneaker.
Uthgenannt said that more than 40 students participated, and although the official tally wasn’t in yet, it appeared as if the team broke its financial goal, which was to beat last year’s total.
“This is the best turnout we’ve ever had,” he said, “especially for the older kids.”