Kids Heart Challenge at JFK Elementary: Pie in the Face

from the Brewster schools

FK Elementary School once again participated in the Kids Heart Challenge, raising $12,378 for the American Heart Association. In the process, students also learned about their hearts and how to keep them healthy.

“Raising $12,378 for the American Heart Association is an amazing accomplishment, and shows that even the youngest children in the district can have a great impact in supporting research and giving assistance to those with heart conditions, said Principal Dr. Frank Zamperlin, “Never underestimate the power of 5 to 7 year olds!"

To reward their efforts, the top fundraisers got to pie the JFK physical education teachers in the face.

Physical education teachers Jennifer Purcell and Eric Buzzetto, along with student teacher Thomas Kress, each got multiple pies in the face. But they kept smiling.

“It was a great way to thank the students and staff and have fun,” said Purcell.

"It was so much fun!" said Enzo Locatelli.

When asked why they did it, students were unanimous: to help others in need.

“I just wanted to help kids who have sick hearts,” said Grace Curley.

“That’s simple,” said Jack Pavelitch, “to help others.”

Matthew Stephens said he wanted raised the money "for people with sick hearts."

Fynn Fuentes, who got funds from family and members of his dad's firehouse said, "I want to save people's lives."

Logan Pavletich who loved the obstacle course and rope climbing in the gymnasium said he and his brother Jack and their family “wanted to help others.”

The top Fundraisers at JFK school included: second graders Matthew Stephens ($1062.02) and Jack Pavelitch ($769.42); first graders Fynn Fuentes ($1480.86) and Enzo Locatelli ($376.74); and kindergarteners Logan Pavletich ($845.17) and Grace Curley ($717.40).

This isn’t the first year that JFK has raised money; over the past nine years the school has raised a whopping $156,540.19.

Cara Donohoe from the American Heart Association was there to cheer on JFK, "the staff and students put their heart into this cause and make it really special. It's just incredible that they raised $12,378 this year."