Five students in Washington to champion health and well-being as Youth Heart Ambassadors

SEATTLE, Sept. 2, 2025 — With youth facing growing physical and mental health challenges nationwide[1], the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has selected three students from across Washington to serve as local Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year. These students are joining two other Washington youth, nine-year-old Charlotte Littleton of Tacoma, Wash. and 10-year-old Lucy Irvin of Arlington, Wash. who have been selected for a national Youth Heart Ambassador role.

All students are volunteering alongside youth from across the country to support the Heart Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, to inspire their peers to build lifelong healthy habits and learn lifesaving education, all while helping others. Youth were nominated nationwide for the role, which recognizes students who have a personal connection to heart disease or stroke, either through their own diagnosis, a loved one’s experience or a passion for wellness. The local Washington Youth Heart Ambassadors include:

Hazel Hupp, age 9, Washington Elementary in Wenatchee, Wash. Hazel Hupp was born with a congenital heart defect called Coarctation of Aorta, which means the main artery in the heart is narrow or constricted. Doctors discovered the defect through a heart murmur and Hupp underwent her first heart procedure before she was one week old. Two procedures followed a few months later and open-heart surgery for a full repair was conducted when she was seven months old. Today Hupp enjoys an active life and loves to play softball, ice skating and golf. Hupp just signed up for a junior PGA league and is excited to take golf lessons from the professionals and improve her game.

Sooahn Yang, age 17, Skyline High School in Sammamish, Wash. Sooahn Yang is serving as an American Heart Challenge Youth Heart Ambassador for a second year. Yang was inspired to help through a personal connection to heart disease and stroke, watching firsthand as her grandmother battled to recover after stroke. Last year, Yang held a fundraising auction for the American Heart Challenge and conducted activities to raise awareness of heart healthy recipes focused on Asian Heritage diets. This school year, Yang looks forward to continuing her work to raise awareness about heart and brain health so other families can take steps to reduce their risk. 

Wesley Carl, age 9, Sunnyside Elemenary in Pullman, Wash. Wesley Carl was born with a congenital heart defect called Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) which means he had a hole in the wall that separates the two chambers of the heart. Initially, only a heart murmur was detected, but after a visit to the emergency room, further testing revealed the ASD. Carl’s medical team recommended open heart surgery to repair the hole which he underwent in 2023. Today he’s doing well and is inspired to share his story to support other kids with special hearts and let them know that there are many dreams you can pursue even while living with a heart condition. His dream is to become a professional athlete, specifically the quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. 

“It’s inspiring to see these students step up as leaders for youth health,” said Chad Brown, volunteer chairperson, board of directors, American Heart Association - Washington. “Over the next year, they will champion heart health and stroke awareness among their peers, while learning the power of philanthropy through fundraising for the American Heart Association. Their passion and commitment remind us that even the youngest voices can make a powerful impact.” 

Backed by science, the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge teach students how to care for their hearts, minds and bodies through age-appropriate lessons and activities in more than 20,000 schools across the country. These programs encourage students to get active, build confidence and support the Heart Association’s work to fund lifesaving research and education around heart disease and stroke prevention, cardiac emergency preparedness and more. 

Schools can register now to take part in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs for the 2025-26 school year. Nominations for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. To learn more or apply to become a future Youth Heart Ambassador, visit heart.org/youthambassador.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.

For Media Inquiries:

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org

Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org