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American Heart Association honors Clarksville,
Glenmont and Hamagrael
Release Date: Feb. 7, 2008
At the Feb. 6 Board of Education, the American Heart Association recognized Clarksville and Glenmont for its efforts to raise money for the organization’s lifesaving research efforts, and Hamagrael for a commitment to wellness for students and staff that stands out nationally.
Jeffrey A. Masline, the American Heart Association Regional Director, Youth Markets, presented a total of six awards to Clarksville and Glenmont and the prestigious national Heart-Healthy School Award for school-wide dedication to health and wellness to Hamagrael.
Clarksville was named the top fundraiser for a school in New York State new to the annual Jump Rope for Heart event. The school, which raised $10,650, was also named the top fundraiser for schools of its size in New York.
Glenmont, a perennial Hoops for Heart national powerhouse, collected four awards, including being the top fundraising school in New York State with $28,562 and winning the Hoops for Heart Per Capita Award as the top school with an enrollment of 250 to 500. Glenmont was also the second highest fundraising school in the Northeast and fourth in the nation.
Only one Heart-Healthy School Award is given out in the United States annually. Hamagrael earned the award for its steadfast and proactive commitment to the health of all staff members and students, according to Masline, who cited the formation of the school's Healthy Kids Committee in his nomination letter.
That committee's work led to a variety of fitness related activities and educational programs such as the use of American Heart Association educational materials, a student "Fit Club" designed to get students who do not participate in intramurals to embrace an active lifestyle; a Parent Nutrition Committee; and a school-wide Healthy Steps program. Hamagrael also participates annually in the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser, raising $11,082 this past year.
Hamagrael Principal David Ksanznak thanked the American Heart Association and Mr. Masline for their tremendous support, as well as PE teachers Mr. Berschwinger and Mrs. Kate Charvat.
"I am particularly proud because this is a school-wide award," Mr. Ksanznak said. "That means we have been recognized as a team - this award belongs to every student, every staff member, every parent, every PTA member, every member of the school community."