Community Corner

Somerset Elementary Raises $7,000 for American Heart Association in Memory of Teacher's Husband

Ed Helgessen, the husband of a Somerset 1st grade teacher and father of a third-grade student, passed away in December. The school dedicated its fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association to Helgessen.

The following is a press release from Somerset Height.

For the ninth year, Somerset Elementary in School District 197 participated in the Jump Rope for Heart event to raise money for the American Heart Association. But this year, it was more personal: Students and staff dedicated the nearly $7,000 they raised in memory of Ed Helgesen, who passed away after a heart attack in December 2012. Helgesen was the husband of Somerset 1st grade teacher Carol Helgesen and father of Somerset 3rd grader Megan.

Tracy Westman, Somerset's physical education teacher and Jump Rope for Heart coordinator, talked with the students about not only the importance of physical health and exercise, but also about being "Heart Heroes" — helping others and being kind.

"Ed Helgesen was a great example of a Heart Hero,” Westman said. “We’re proud to honor Mr. Helgesen and dedicate this year’s event to him and his family.”

During the Feb. 14 event, students in grades Kindergarten through 4th participated in physical activities using jump ropes, hula hoops, mini trampolines, bouncy balls and more, but also took time to think about Mr. Helgesen and other Heart Heroes. Students posted cards with the names of their Heart Heroes by Mr. Helgesen’s photo and also signed their names on the 2012-13 Jump Rope for Heart banner that will hang in the gymnasium for years to come.

Learn more about Jump Rope for Heart online at www.heart.org/jump.


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