SADD members make hearts smile

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The American Heart Association recently benefitted from the energy of 105 Johnston High School students.

For three hours inside the Edward L. DiSimone Gymnasium last Thursday, members of the group Students Against Dangerous Decisions, or SADD, scooted around the Robert “Bob” Smith Memorial Court playing games such as badminton, volleyball, basketball and more as part of their annual Hoops for Heart event.

It was all part of an ongoing, heart-warming program SADD faculty advisor Greg Russo started some 17 year ago to raise money for the American Heart Association.

“We call it Hoops for Heart,” said Russo, a veteran chemistry teacher. “The students always do a great job.”

After all the games were played and students turned in their pledge sheets, this edition of Hoops for Heart raised a total of $2,400.

“Our students love this event,” Russo said. “Obviously, the heart association loves it, too.”

Before Hoops for Heart begins, students set out to each raise $25 to participate in the event.

“Some kids go over the $25 mark; it’s a great display of our students caring about little children like Finley, the Heart Hero, who is pictured on the registration form,” Russo said.

The event’s proceeds benefit children like Finley, a 3-year-old named Finn who has had 14 surgeries. Doctors discovered that he problems with his tiny heart that required those surgeries when his mother was pregnant. Now, Finn and his mother travel to schools to inspire kids to take care of their own hearts.

Although Fiinn wasn’t in Johnston for the event, his message – as well as that of the AHA’s Kids Heart Challenge – reached deep into the Johnston High School community and inspired students. 

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