Benfields' Jump Rope for Heart Raises Close to $10K

The students at were jumping rope and dancing in April, all in the name of heart health. The Jump-a-Thon, run by physical education teacher Michael Santacroce, partnered with the American Heart Association's  Jump Rope for Heart program.

The students had about two months to do fundraising with an unusual incentive to work hard - at the end of the event, the student who raised the most money got to shave Santacroce's head in the style of their choice. It was a close call, but Jonah Fogle of Ms. Snyder's fourth grade class won the challenge with $540. He then chose a stylish Bozo the Clown cut for Santacroce.

In total, the determined students at Benfield Elementary school raised almost $10,000 towards heart health research.

During each recess on the day of the Jump-a-Thon, students got to jump rope and dance to music to elevetate their heart rates. They were given various prizes and once all of the recess periods were finished, numbers were tallied. At the end of the day, a brief assembly was held to celebrate the fundraising accomplishments and witness the much-anticipated haircut.

"As a P.E. teacher, I  understand that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America and I want to raise awareness in the kids, since so many people are affected by it," said Santacroce. 

For 11 years, Santacroce has enjoyed teaching physical education at Benfield Elementary School. "I love teaching in Severna Park. The family values are strong and I've gotten pretty close with some of the parents," he said. "We have a strong parental involvement and everyone looks out for each other. Plus, since I'm a P.E. teacher, it means I get the kids back every year and get to watch them grow."

Jonah Fogle's father, Stephen Fogle agrees. "He is an amazing teacher and is much loved by all students and parents who have been lucky enough to have their kids at Benfield."

For more information on heart health, please visit www.americanheart.org.