Wisconsin school recognized as nationwide leader for promoting physical and mental well-being
BALDWIN, Wis. (June 24, 2025) — Greenfield Elementary has been named one of the top schools in the nation by the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, for its outstanding participation in the Kids Heart Challenge™. This accolade underscores the school's commitment to fostering health and well-being among students while successfully raising crucial funds to support the Association’s lifesaving mission. Of the more than 15,000 schools that participate in Kids Heart Challenge nationwide, Greenfield Elementary has been named top fundraising school in the country.
The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge™ is a fundraising, service-learning program that provides lessons, tools and activities to support mental and physical well-being for students, families and staff. The program has nearly 50 years of proven success rooted in scientific research which shows that kids who are regularly active feel better, improve their mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression [1].
“We are incredibly proud to recognize a Wisconsin school as a top Kids Heart Challenge participant” said Brooke Bosacker, Development Director at American Heart Association. “Today we celebrate Greenfield Elementary for their dedication, compassion and their belief in making a difference.”
We love Kids Heart Challenge because it gives us an opportunity to unify our students to fight for a cause,” said Jon Curtis, physical education teacher at Greenfield Elementary. “Kids' Heart Challenge is our rallying point. It's where we can become a unified team to fight for something really special. We enter each campaign like it's Greenfield vs. the world.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans [2] only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations. In addition to improved physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include better grades, school attendance and classroom behavior.
This year, Greenfield had more than 508 students raise $100,100 funds to support the mission of the American Heart Association. Physical education teachers Amy Wolske and Jon Curtis lead the program. Funds raised by Kids Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach programs, paving the way for breakthroughs and advancements that improve health outcomes and create healthier communities.
Schools interested in participating in the Kids Heart Challenge can register online at Heart.org/getstarted.
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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, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Travis Sloan: Travis.Sloan@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] Department of Health and Human Services, 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, page 14. Available for download here: https://health.gov/paguidelines/default.aspx
[2] Department of Health and Human Services, 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, page 14. Available for download here: https://health.gov/paguidelines/default.aspx
