David A. Herrera, a student at Sgt. Jose F. Carrasco Elementary, participated in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge program for the 2023-2024 school year and emerged as the number one student raising donations in El Paso.
Herrera was one of many students at Carrasco Elementary that participated and helped the school raise nearly $7,000 for the American Heart Association. He was recognized by a representative for the American Heart Association with a trophy and congratulations on May 13 at the school.
Herrera raised more than $2,000 through his personal fundraising in which he promoted a healthy lifestyle and sought donations from his network of family, friends and supporters.
“The American Heart Association is so grateful for your support. You raised $2,194 that will be invested in critical research, medical procedures and devices that will help save lives and improve lifestyles of individuals living with cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” said Amy Newman, regional vice president for school engagement with the American Heart Association, in a letter to Herrera. “It will also provide education and inspire people across El Paso to improve their habits and be healthier!”
Two other students in the Socorro Independent School District also finished in the top 10 among American Heart Association fund raisers in El Paso. Journey Price, a student at Sgt. Roberto Ituarte Elementary, emerged as the fourth student in the top 10 by raising $1,326. Jude Aragon, a student at Col. Ben Narbuth Elementary School, raised $1,069 and landed as number seven.
The Kids Heart Challenge focuses on whole body well-being, helping students improve their own health and better their character while raising life-saving donations for the American Heart Association to help kids with special hearts.
The service-learning program is implemented by elementary schools with the purpose of providing students an opportunity to support the fight against heart diseases and stroke while also learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness for heart diseases and stroke.
By participating in the Kids Heart Challenge students learn to act with empathy, activate their personal networks, make an impact in a meaningful way and become healthy, smart, caring citizens focused on building healthier communities.