National award honors Corpus Christi student for championing heart and brain health
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Dec. 11, 2025 — One in every five American children and teens is obese; that’s up 35% from 2000, as severe childhood obesity rates have nearly doubled in that time. In recognition of her efforts to improve health and well-being in Corpus Christi, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, honored local student Riley Jimenez with the Young Heart Leadership Award during a virtual awards ceremony on Nov. 20.
Riley Jimenez was one of nine award recipients from across the country recognized during the ceremony, which is held annually to honor outstanding participants in the Association’s nationwide in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. Riley was born with a congenital heart defect and believes it is important for other kids to learn about the importance of heart health because health is a gift. The event was attended by volunteers and students from across the United States and celebrated top individuals and schools for their contributions to advancing the Association’s lifesaving work.
“At a time when too many young people are facing serious health challenges, the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge give students and schools a way to take action,” said Rajan Ahuja, board chair of the American Heart Association – Corpus Christi and chief executive officer at Texegy. “By actively promoting heart health and well-being, Riley Jimenez is inspiring healthier habits and helping create lasting change that reaches beyond the classroom and into the community.”
Award recipients participated in either Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge during the 2024-25 school year and were nominated by Association staff.
The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are grounded in science and designed to improve physical and emotional well-being, support academic success and help students feel confident in their ability to make a difference. Reaching more than 10 million students in approximately 20,000 U.S. schools each year, participants and their families learn how to eat smart, manage stress, avoid tobacco and vaping, recognize warning signs of a heart attack and stroke and more. Students are also introduced to Hands-Only CPR, a lifesaving skill that school-aged children can learn and, by age 12, effectively use if they witness a sudden cardiac arrest.
Learn more about the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge and how to get involved at heart.org/jointhechallenge.
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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
Reyna Caraveo: reyna.caraveo@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
