CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 19, 2025— The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, is celebrating Lowcountry schools and students for their exceptional fundraising in the 2024-25 Kids Heart Challenge. Jennie Moore Elementary School earned the title of Top School in South Carolina, raising nearly $42,000, while Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary School student Miles Moore repeated as the state’s top individual fundraiser, contributing more than $4,000.

For nearly 50 years, the American Heart Association has been working with educators in elementary, middle, and high schools across the nation to help educate students about healthy living. The

Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ are service-learning-based fundraising programs that give students the opportunity to feel good, while doing good. It’s a way for students to better their life — all while changing someone else’s. Students, families, and staff also learn valuable life skills, including how to make smart food choices, the importance of avoiding vaping/tobacco and the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR.

The Lowcountry area schools and students in the Top 25 in South Carolina are:

Lowcountry Area Top Schools

 

1. Jennie Moore Elementary School, $41,948

2. Ashley Hall School, $37,484

6. Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary School, $23,464

8. Howe Hall AIMS, $19,143

9. St. Andrew’s School of Math and Science, $18,930

11. Blessed Sacrament School, $17,435

19. Michael C. Riley Early Childhood and Elementary School, $12,351

22. Knightsville Elementary School, $11,590

 

Lowcountry Area Top Students

1. Miles Moore, Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary School, $4,244

4. Brenden Cox, Manning Early Childhood Center, $3,196

6. Lily Collins, Okatie Elementary School, $2,463

7. Maxx Chaplin, Liberty Steam Charter School, $2,341

8. James Ratcliff, Blessed Sacrament School, $2,215

9. Lily Roth, Ashley Hall School, $2,065

12. Jacob Bodner, Flowertown Elementary School, $1,784

14. Quinn Orton, Jennie Moore Elementary School, $1,546

20. Alex Vargas, Hilton Head Island Elementary School, $1,400

22. Emma Smith, Step of Faith Christian Academy, $1,283

 

“We are incredibly proud to recognize these schools and students as top Kids Heart Challenge participants,” said Rachel Stanley, development director for school engagement, American Heart Association. “By prioritizing heart health and physical activity, they are setting a powerful example for students, families, and the entire community. Their dedication underscores the importance of instilling healthy habits in young people, ensuring longer, healthier lives for all.”

“The Kids Heart Challenge program inspires and grows our students understanding of wellness in a fun and innovative way,” said Jennifer Dawson, physical education teacher, Jennie Moore Elementary School. “Pairing that excitement with raising funds for children with special hearts, it allows our students to grow their commitment to wellness beyond just themselves. It brings health to a new level allowing them to be a part of the solution by making funding research possible.”

To learn more about Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge or to enroll your school to participate, visit www.heart.org/getstarted. To learn more about local American Heart Association events, visit www.heart.org/SouthCarolina or contact CharlestonSC@heart.org.

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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:

Jessica Rodgers: Jessica.rodgers@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org