The students of the Paton-Churdan School District recently wrapped up a program in an emphatic way Wednesday.

As part of the Kids Heart Challenge, Principal Annie Smith kissed a pig at an all school assembly for the students for reaching a fundraising goal for the American Heart Association of $1,500. At the assembly Smith announced that the students raised a total of $2,675, which according to the American Heart Association would save 55 lives. She said the school was approached by the national non-profit organization, after not doing a fundraiser with that organization for several years, with a new spin on their annual fundraiser to help people have healthy hearts.

Smith jumped on the program because of the front-end heart healthy education, such as teaching every student in kindergarten through 12th grade about hands-only CPR. She described one story that the Vocal and Band Director Shannon Hobbs talked about having to use CPR.

“We call her one of our ‘Local Heart Heroes.’ She saved her husband’s life with CPR and so that, you know, is so impactful. It’s just been something that we wanted to see how big this makes an impact and how much we wanted to make sure that we had the education piece out there.”  

Smith revealed for the fundraising aspect, there were incentive levels for every $500 that was raised. School Counselor Libby Towers was taped to the gym wall for $500, then for $1,000 Physical Education Teacher Korey Jeshke wore a duck suit for a day, and Smith agreed to kiss a pig for $1,500. She noted that the staff took each of these rewards light heartedly.

“It’s a fun way to reward them for a job well done to just be giving towards something so great and I also think that they also know that they’re making a difference. And so there’s also so much joy that comes from even just making a difference.”     

Smith appreciated working with the American Heart Association to bring the Kids Heart Challenge to their school this year.