By Emma Johns

BRIGHTON — Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School joined thousands of schools across the country Feb. 14 in two national fundraising events aimed to help raise heart health awareness.

The Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart events – co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance – engaged students to improve their own health and help raise money for children with heart-health issues.

Through the fundraisers, which took place at the Brighton Gym, PECS students raised $6,988 for Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart.

Student Aubee Billie raised more than $1,000 and was named this year’s top fundraiser.

“This is a good cause to support and I enjoy the Hoops for Hearts event,” said sixth-grader Luzana Venzor. “I feel it is important to lead a healthy life and keep your heart healthy.”

The event featured dancing and hula hooping to celebrate the successful fundraising efforts of the students and taught them the value of community service and the importance of giving back to the community.

“I like to get involved to help support kids with bad hearts and help people learn how to live healthy,” student Kaleb Doctor said.

Congratulations to the winners:

Elementary Jump Rope for Heart: Dance Event Winner, Chaka Smith; Long Jump, Delonce Carrillo; Single Short Rope, Jacie White; Long Jump Rope, Jagger Gaucin; Obstacle Run, Landon Goodwin.

Middle School Hoops for Heart: 3-Point Contest, Silas Madrigal; Jump Shot, Bakari Micco and Chandler Pearce; Free Throw, Ridge Bailey; Half-Court Contest, Caillou Smith; Three-on-Three, Ridge Baily, Riley Smith and Lucas Osceola.