Harford Co. Public Schools: Students raise over $270,000 for American Heart Association
On June 25, it was announced that students and staff across Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) came together to support heart health education and lifesaving research by participating in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge. With 12 schools participating in the 2024–2025 school year, HCPS raised an impressive $270,252, an increase of more than $55,000 over the 2023-2024 school year.
Students registered online, shared heart-healthy messages, and raised funds to help combat heart disease and stroke. Nearly 3,900 students registered for the challenge and more than 750 families took part in Finn’s Mission, an initiative designed to teach Hands-Only CPR and the warning signs of stroke.
“I’m so proud to partner with these amazing schools each year,” said Kate Poole, Senior Development Director, School Engagement for the American Heart Association. “Schools within Harford County Public Schools consistently demonstrate the importance of community support and engagement. Together, we are helping children build healthy habits, while also equipping families with lifesaving knowledge that creates stronger, more resilient communities.”
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Three HCPS schools were ranked among the top 20 fundraising schools in Maryland:
- Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School – $65,263 raised (Ranked #1 in Maryland and #10 nationally)
- Hickory Elementary School – $44,641 raised (Ranked #2 in Maryland and #40 nationally)
- Fallston Middle School – $41,287 raised (Ranked #3 in Maryland and #2 middle school in the nation)
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Additional HCPS schools in Maryland’s Top 20 in funds raised included:
- Forest Lakes Elementary School (#10),
- Emmorton Elementary School (#13),
- Patterson Mill Middle School (#17), and
- Churchville Elementary School (#18).
“We are incredibly proud of our students, staff, and families for their generosity and continued commitment to this effort,” said Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson. “Supporting the American Heart Association not only benefits our community today but also prepares students to act in moments of crisis that could one day save a life. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and compassion embody the values we celebrate in Harford County Public Schools.”
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Below is a breakdown of each participating school’s impact:
| School | Funds Raised | Registered Students | Finn’s Mission Participants |
| Homestead-Wakefield Elementary | $65,263 | 584 | 204 |
| Hickory Elementary | $44,641 | 433 | 138 |
| Fallston Middle School | $41,287 | 1,079 | 116 |
| Forest Lakes Elementary | $25,393 | 232 | 36 |
| Emmorton Elementary | $23,768 | 202 | 56 |
| Patterson Mill Middle School | $19,563 | 419 | 54 |
| Churchville Elementary | $19,010 | 179 | 51 |
| Joppatowne Elementary | $14,356 | 253 | 49 |
| Red Pump Elementary | $9,429 | 146 | 33 |
| Old Post Road Elementary | $4,675 | 80 | 16 |
| Darlington Elementary | $1,706 | 25 | 4 |
| Fallston High School | $1,161 | 320 | 1 |
For more information about the American Heart Association and how to get involved in the Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge, visit www.heart.org.
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(Source: Harford County Public Schools)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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