Jump Rope for Heart: A Tradition of Health and Giving at St. John Paul II CES

May 12, 2025

On Wednesday (May 7, 2025), students at St. John Paul II Catholic Elementary School in Lindsay put down their pencils and picked up skipping ropes for the annual Jump Rope for Heart initiative.

Since the kick-off assembly in April, students have been engaged in learning about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Through videos and information shared, students learned that heart disease and stroke can affect anyone – regardless of age.

The school set a goal of raising $1,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and just this week, exceeded that target.

Joseph DeVuono is a teacher and long-time organizer of Jump Rope for Heart at St. John Paul II CES.

“It always makes me very happy to see children involved in activities outside the classroom, especially those related to exercise,” DeVuono said. “In my over 25 years with PVNC Catholic, I’ve had the chance to coach many teams and run different events that get kids active. Being physically healthy is so very important for so many reasons and seeing the student shave fun sums it all up.  A big reason why I got into teaching!”

Since coming to the school in 1999, DeVuono has run the event almost every year – with the school raising more than $29,600 since 2006 for the cause.

“It’s great to help the Heart and Stroke Foundation and to support those with heart disease and stroke,” said Isaiah Marren, Grade 5 student.

“It’s a good thing to do to raise money for those who need it,” added Hayley Fader, Grade 5 student. “To beat our goal is great!”

“This is an amazing charity to help those with heart disease and stroke,” said Addison Bibeau, Grade 4 student. “It’s also pretty sweet to do this today and be out of class too!”

Students that raised money to certain levels had the chance to win or receive gift cards.

There were also prizes including soccer balls and skipping ropes.

A small percentage of money raised goes back to the school in gift cards to purchase athletic equipment.

Several schools within the Board are holding Jump Rope for Heart events over the next few weeks.