When Bluffton Elementary School physical education (PE) teacher Ryan Dunlap challenged students to learn about heart health, raise funds for the American Heart Association and earn PE equipment, he gave them just two weeks.

The financial goal set was $6,000. The amount raised was a whopping $9,629.31.

Perhaps the reward offered was deliciously tempting: to plop a whipped cream pie in Mr. Dunlap’s face. That was the privilege earned by 2nd grader Scarlet Vastano for raising $530.99. 

On March 14 Scarlett gave Mr. Dunlap a whipped cream facial while classmates from Mrs. Sykes’s class cheered her on.

Bluffton Elementary School stats for the Kids Heart Challenge:

140 students registered

15 completed “Finn’s Mission,” named for a Virginia 1st grader who has had 18 heart surgeries so far, including 2 open heart surgeries.

76 students commended for being kind

44 students commended for being active

12 additional states invited to join the challenge

For more information on the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge, visit www.heart.org.