Illinois students to champion health and well-being as local Youth Heart Ambassadors

CHICAGO, IL – Dec. 17,  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 six students across Illinois as Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year. These students ranging from elementary through middle school will serve alongside other youth volunteers 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.

• Benjamin Dawes, 9, La Grange Park, IL
• Dolce Drummer, 8, Plainfield, IL
• Alice Ivy Cinco, 7, Arlington Heights, IL
• Declan McNellis, 8, New Lenox, IL
• David Skelley, 10, Homer Glen, IL
• Elias Tarkowski, 11, Glenview, IL

“It’s inspiring to see a student from our community step up as a leader for youth health,” said Jen Rogers, region vice president of development, school engagement at the American Heart Association. “All of these students bring an important voice to this mission, and we’re excited to see the difference they will make in their communities.”

As a Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2025-26 school year, Benjamin, Dolce, Alice, Declan, David and Elias will raise awareness about the impact of heart disease and stroke, advocate for healthy habits and lifesaving skills like Hands-Only CPR and encourage support for the Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

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.

For Media Inquiries:
Jorie Goins; Jorie.Goins@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org