SHINGLEHOUSE — The recent Jump Rope for Heart event held at Oswayo Valley Elementary School in Shinglehouse raised $5,100 for the American Heart Association.

The Oswayo Valley Elementary gymnasium was a symphony of sounds from the rhythm of pounding feet and swishing ropes to the sound of children laughing and counting jumps. The school has been observing the association’s Jump Rope for Heart event since 2004, raising $43,000 over the past 12 years.

April Mashensic, physical education teacher, incorporates the program into her curriculum promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles. All students pre-K through grade 5 participate in the jumping, but only grades 3, 4 and 5 are the Heart Heroes: a name given to those who voluntarily raise funds for the American Heart Association. This year’s total of $5,100 was the highest collection for a single year since the program began, organizers said.

This year’s challenge by the American Heart Association was to join the Zoo Crew with token key chains being awarded to those raising funds. Each chain had an animal that expressed helpful hints such as “Avoid Sugary Beverages,” “Eat More Vegetables” and “Be More Physically Active.” A celebration party was held after school on Friday at Good Times in Olean, N.Y.

The cost of the rewards event was underwritten by the Elementary Parent Teacher Organization.

The project is ideal for elementary students. Students learn about heart health, inexpensive exercise options and how funding can be raised for the worthwhile research conducted through the American Heart Association. Students also become ambassadors for the cause as they speak about the benefits to those who support them.