Students, teachers raise money for American Heart Month

BONNE TERRE – North County High School students and teachers promoted American Heart Month last month and raised money at the same time.

The North County High School Student Council raised $700 for the American Heart Association last month.

Becky Banks, a history and special education teacher, had asked Doug Karsch, Student Council sponsor and science instructor, if the student group would be interested in sponsoring an American Heart fundraiser.

“I saw it on TV and thought it would be a good thing to do,” she said. Banks has congestive heart failure and her husband’s family has also had heart problems.

For a donation, teachers were able to wear jeans any day of the month. On Wednesdays, students could wear hats for a donation.

Barb Reyering, youth market director for the American Heart Association, was excited a local high school was getting involved with the American Heart Association. She praised Banks for having the idea.

It’s not their only involvement.

On Sept. 21, North County High School will host a Red Out Walk to Tackle Heart Disease, competing against Farmington students. The event is sponsored by Mineral Area Regional Medical Center and Parkland Health Center.

The public is invited to participate. Reyering said it is more about awareness and prevention than raising money.

Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One of every three deaths is from heart attack or stroke. These conditions are also a leading cause of disability, preventing people from working and enjoying every-day activities.

Reyering said almost all of the money raised for the American Heart Association in the area stays in the area.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.