Pennington School kindergartener Hailee Carter's big heart raises big bucks for AHA

Hailee Carter put her whole heart into it!

The Pennington School kindergartener was celebrated in the gym Friday morning after raising an eye-popping $4,411 for the American Heart Association, powering her school to a total of $6,137.17 during the nationwide Kids Heart Challenge.

Coach Mike McGovern presented Hailee with the Heart of Gold Top Student Medal and a certificate recognizing her heartfelt achievement after she skipped, jumped, crawled and raced through an obstacle course with her fellow students.

Between activities, children stopped to check their pulses, counting their heartbeats as part of an engaging lesson about how exercise keeps the heart strong. The event blended fun and fitness with an important message about lifelong heart-healthy habits and community service.

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland stopped by to personally congratulate Hailee, who beamed with pride as she held up her certificate proving that she has a heart of gold.

The Kids Heart Challenge, held at schools across the country, teaches students lifesaving skills and healthy habits while raising funds to support children with congenital heart defects and other heart conditions.

Pennington’s event was one of several held throughout the district during American Heart Month, including at Lincoln, Grimes and Hamilton schools.