Via such initiatives as Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart, physical education teachers at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School have raised more than $165,000 for the American Heart Association over the past dozen years, including $12,716 this year alone. This fundraising each year earns vouchers for JFK to purchase useful physical education equipment.

Recognizing the school’s altruism, AHA representative Eve Pyser visited the school during the opening ceremony of JFK’s annual Field Day, presenting awards to teachers and top fundraisers.