Wantagh Middle School Students Jump, Shoot And Save

Wantagh Middle School students participated in the school’s annual Hoops for Heart event to raise money for the American Heart Association through participation in physical education classes’ shooting contests. The students raised more than $7, 500 this year, ranking them among the top fundraising schools on Long Island. During the last 18 years, Wantagh Middle School has raised a total of $150,000 for the American Heart Association for medical research and educational programs to fight heart disease and stroke.

Eighth grader Julia Wilkinson was the top fundraiser having collected $720. Class winners from grades 6-8 included Amanda Amato, Andrew Amato, Bobby Ambrosino, Cole Belling, Riley Brady, Ava Cammarata, Amanda Ciaramella, Thomas Cupelli, Allison Davis, Matt Delaney, Kyle Dowden, Kristina Fuchs, Lauren Goldberg, Shaun Joyce, Grace Massari, Steven Mendolia, Timothy Migliaro, Lara Palazzolo, Jake Pettas, Louis Pizzileo, Michael Rathgaber, Sarah Rende, Michael Rodin, Julianna Rose, Shannon Sullivan, Jack Tartaglione, Madison Taylor, Nick Teresky, Hannah Watson, Ryan Whitaker, and Julia Wilkinson. All of the class winners then competed to become school champions, with Lauren Goldberg and Nick Teresky named female and male winners.

During the campaign, students learned about the lifelong health benefits of physical activity, importance of heart health and real-life lessons about volunteering, helping others, leadership and how their actions can help save lives. “Hoops for Heart is a great way to bring students together for a great cause, physical activity and community service” physical education teacher Eileen Keener said.

Photo Caption: Wantagh Middle School raised $7,500 for the American Heart Association during the Hoops for Heart campaign.

Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District