September 19, 2024
Mountain View Elementary School has been named one of five schools nationwide to receive a $10,000 grant from the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) for a Physical Education (P.E.) classroom makeover. The school earned the grant by participating in the Hands-Only CPR challenge as part of the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. In a surprising twist, the school also received an additional $5,000 worth of equipment from the Las Vegas Raiders, along with a scheduled Raiders Junior Training Camp.
The announcement was made during a school assembly, attended by representatives from the Elko County School District, American Heart Association, Elko City Mayor Reece Keener, Assemblyman John Ellison, and a representative from Assemblyman Bert Gurr's office. Students were surprised with the exciting news.
Each student who completed the challenge earned Mountain View an entry into the drawing for the gym makeover, with 78 students completing the challenge.
Jeannie Baumann, Mountain View’s P.E. teacher, led the school’s Kids Heart Challenge efforts. "I’m so grateful for this opportunity. It’s incredibly generous of the Raiders to help encourage our students to be heart-healthy," she said. Ms. Baumann plans to use the grant to build a rock wall in the auxiliary gym, enhancing the school’s fitness facilities.
Principal Cynthia Etchemendy added, "Our students are thrilled! Ms. Baumann has worked hard to earn this, and she deserves all the recognition."
NFL Senior Vice President Anna Isaacson said, "Our partnership with the American Heart Association is focused on promoting health and wellness. We’re proud to spearhead CPR education and equip communities to save lives."
This initiative reflects the school’s commitment to fostering heart health and fitness among students, reinforcing both local and national efforts to provide life-saving education in schools.