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Siesta Key Students Jump For Heart Health

On Friday, February 7th students, faculty, staff, and families assembled on the basketball court for the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser on the Siesta Key Campus. The annual ODA event is held in conjunction with February’s National Heart Health Month.
The national fundraiser, geared toward elementary and middle schoolers, teaches children the value of community service and how to develop heart-healthy habits by being physically active. This year ODA’s students surpassed their original goal of $18,000 and raised an impressive $25,000. The funds students raised will be used to help children nationwide who have cardiac health issues.
 
Siesta Key students practiced their routines for more than three weeks in order to be ready to participate in this fun event. Each grade took center stage and jumped to an array of upbeat songs for their choreographed routines. After the students finished showcasing their skills, faculty, staff, and parents joined in the fun and jumped to the music.
 
To encourage participation, when the $18,000 goal was met, Head of Lower School Mrs. Horner and Assistant Head of School Mrs. Jessica Banks would each eat a chocolate-covered cricket at the event. When the music ended and the jumping stopped, Head of School Mr. Mahler announced that he had a very special surprise in store—since the students had exceeded their original goal and met the incredible benchmark of $25,000, their reward was to watch Coach Young and Coach Horr join Mrs. Horner and Mrs. Banks in their culinary adventure. Students and parents alike joined in the cheering as the four brave ODA epicureans downed the chocolate-coated insects!
 
Immediately following Jump Rope for Heart, the entire group moved over to the east corner of the field for a special recognition ceremony for Coach Young. Mr. Mahler told those assembled of Coach Young’s history and dedication during his 35 years of service at ODA. A commemorative plaque was installed by a newly planted tree, which will remain as a permanent reminder of Coach Young's commitment to the school.
 
Visit our Facebook photo album to view pictures from this year’s Jump Rope For Heart event.
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The Out-of-Door Academy

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