Jeter-Watson Elementary recognized these students for their big roles in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. Front row, from left, Mason Cugler and Maddy Lewis. Middle row, from left, Braylon Godfrey, Cohen Martin, Josiah “Jo-Jo” Jordan, Dylan Hoke and Brett Andrews. Back row, from left, Tiffany Gillispie, who coordinated the program, and Trevor Broce, who assisted her. (AHPS Photo)

Students Show Big Hearts, Raise Money for Heart Health   Covington, VA (April 28, 2026) - Students at Jeter-Watson Elementary School recently participated in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, a schoolwide initiative focused on heart health education, physical activity and community service. Through a series of interactive activities and challenges, students learned how to build healthy habits, practice kindness and raise awareness about heart health while supporting families affected by heart disease. JWES students and families raised a total of $2,234. School officials recognized several students for outstanding fundraising efforts. Students who raised more than $100 include Josiah “Jo-Jo” Jordan, Mason Cugler, Maddy Lewis, Cohen Martin and Braylon Godfrey. Special recognition was given to Jordan, a fifth grader, the school’s top fundraiser, who raised $770. Jordan has participated in the Kids Heart Challenge since Pre-K and raised funds this year in honor of Donovan Givens and in memory of Paul Hoover. Students who completed Finn’s Heart Mission, a special challenge encouraging families to learn hands-only CPR and stroke warning signs, included Brett Andrews, Martin, Dylan Hoke, Lewis and Cugler. Through the mission, students learned about physical activity, healthy choices, helping others and supporting children with heart conditions. “Kids Heart Challenge gives our students a meaningful way to learn about heart health while making a real impact for others,” said Tiffany Gillispie, third-grade teacher and school coordinator. “Watching their enthusiasm, compassion and commitment grow throughout this program is truly rewarding.” School leaders praised the efforts of staff who helped coordinate the program. Gillispie led the initiative, while Trevor Broce, long-term substitute teacher, supported the program by developing engaging activities during physical education classes. Principal Cynthia Morgan and Assistant Principal DeeAnn Tickner were also recognized for their ongoing support of student participation and wellness initiatives. JWES representatives said the program’s success reflects the strong support of students, families and staff working together to promote health and community service. “Seeing our students take part in an effort that builds both healthy habits and compassion for others is something we are incredibly proud of,” Morgan said.  Josiah “Jo-Jo” Jordan, a fifth grader at Jeter-Watson Elementary School, was the school’s top fundraiser in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, raising $770 for heart health education and research. (AHPS Photo)

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