Fabyan
Elementary School students — with the help of their community — teamed up against
heart disease and raised more than $10,000 for the American Heart Association through
the charity event Hoops for Heart. The experience, which emulates the
District’s Vision of being collaborative and productive citizens, also teaches
students to develop heart-healthy habits while being physically active.With the help
of Fabyan PE teacher Alex Serluco, participants in grades K-5 began raising
money in February to benefit Hoops for Heart. Students far surpassed their
original goal to raise $8,000, according to Fabyan Principal Lauri Haugen.
“I am really
a proud principal! They far surpassed Mr. Serluco’s and my expectations,”
Haugen said. “We are the smallest school in the district, and we clearly have a
community with a big heart!”
Serluco
organized a 3-on-3 basketball tournament as the culminating event for the
fundraiser. Students in 4th and 5th grades were invited
to choose their own teams and register for the tournament, held in the FES
gymnasium after school. The $5 registration fee also went toward Hoops for
Heart.
This event
was one that all FES students participated in, and the school is extremely
grateful to the community for supporting the students’ cause, Serluco said.
“Heart
disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, so what we are doing
at Fabyan will hopefully help change that statistic!” Serluco added. “All of
the money that we have raised will be going to research and medical technology
to help people who have heart disease. Thank you again for all your support!