Hoops for Heart raises $1,400

Ya gotta have heart!
Many Johnston High School students had that and much, much, much more for one of the many annual storied traditions that are held on Cherry Hill.
First off, it’s a Rite of February unlike any other, as countless proud Panthers raise money to participate in the annual “Hoops for Heart” that benefits the American Heart Association.
Likewise, February is American Heart Month throughout the country and locally JHS has been a leader when it comes to the actual program and raising money each year.
On Wednesday morning – which was Valentine’s Day – JHS’ valuable and well-organized Students against Dangerous Decisions (SADD) displayed countless heartfelt acts while participating in various games inside the Edward DeSimone Gymnasium and scooting all over the Robert A. Smith Memorial Court for inside of three hours.
“Today was filled with all sorts of healthy activities,” said Greg Russo, a popular and longtime JHS faculty member who serves as SADD’s advisor. “Our students raised at least $20 per person to participate and once again displayed extraordinary school spirit and unlimited Panther Pride.”
JHS physical education teachers Ms. Quantemeyer, Mr. Acciardo, Mr. Battista and Mr. Leonard organized the games that included traditional basketball, jump rope, badminton and volleyball.
“We also had some group activities including musical chairs, hot potato and chicken in the hen house,” Russo explained. “Prizes were awarded to the various winners in the different challenges and those awards were once again donated by the American Heart Association and Rhode Island Blood Center.”
Russo also credited SADD officers President Raylin Santos, Vice President Alessandra Pesare and Secretary Jian Mitsoulis with directing all phases of the 2024 Hoops for Heart.
As has always been the case through the years, the day – as Russo related, “was a huge success with our students raising over $1,400 to commemorate the American Heart Association on Valentines Day.”