The American Heart Association has awarded $1,000 scholarships to five high school students across the United States through its school-based American Heart Challenge program. The scholarships recognize students who demonstrate exceptional leadership in improving their own health and inspiring healthier communities. This initiative comes as a scientific statement from the Association highlights that many young Americans develop cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or Type 2 diabetes by age 18, as noted in a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
The five recipients were recommended by their school's American Heart Challenge advisers and selected for their commitment to heart health advocacy. Among them is Addison Gralund, a senior from Central City High School in Iowa, who is a congenital heart defect survivor and plans to become a cardiologist. Ashley LoMonaco, a senior at DePaul Catholic High School in New Jersey, was inspired by her grandfather's heart disease and will attend Dartmouth College to continue spreading heart health awareness. Jack Waranavage, an athlete from Crest High School in Pennsylvania, uses his platform to encourage heart-healthy living and will pursue a degree and athletic career at Muhlenberg College. Jameson Calvery from Saint Michael Catholic High School in Alabama developed a passion for physical and mental health after experiencing heart issues post-COVID-19; he plans to study biomedical engineering at Florida State University. Zoey Bloomquist, a junior at Veterans Memorial High School in Texas and a congenital heart defect survivor, will use her scholarship for tuition at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Lee A. Shapiro, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of these student leaders, stating they model healthy choices and inspire peers. The American Heart Challenge engages middle and high school students in service-learning activities that raise awareness and funds for CPR education, physical and mental health, and scientific research. For schools interested in participating, more information is available at www.heart.org/getstarted.
These scholarships underscore the Association's investment in the next generation to reverse troubling trends in youth cardiovascular health. By supporting student leaders, the initiative aims to foster a culture of health that can have lasting impacts on communities nationwide.
