More than 100 students participated in Germantown Elementary School 's Jump Rope For Heart program today. Physical Education teacher Jeff Burdette handed out door prizes while students, from 2^nd through 5^th grade, took turns jumping. Germantown Elementary School has been participating in the program for the past 17 years, donating more than $56,000 to benefit the American Heart Association.

"Last year we raised $5,500 and that was our best. I hope to exceed that with this year's level of participation," said physical education teacher Jeff Burdette

The enthusiasm was high as the children were excited to jump rope with a team effort.

"We wanted to do this to help other kids and have fun. Not all kids can jump rope so we wanted to share our hearts with them,"
said students Sophia Photinakis and Amy Lu.

Principal Amy Bryant has been with Germantown Elementary for eight years and said this is one of the most anticipated events for the year.

"This time of year, given the current economic conditions, we still see kids and parents that have something to give. Mr. Burdette makes Jump Rope For Heart fun and worth the effort for the kids to give back to the community." Parents were also in attendance to see their children jump rope or offer encouragement.

Principal Amy Bryant, has been with Germantown Elementary for eight years and said this is one of the most anticipated events for the year. "This time of year, given the current economic conditions, we still see kids and parents that have something to give. Mr. Burdette makes Jump Rope For Heart fun and worth the effort for the kids to give back to the community." 

The school is accepting donations for the program throughout the weekend.