William Tell Elementary students jump for a cause

William Tell Elementary School student Shane Braunecker drew a crowd while jumping rope Thursday during the school’s Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser for the American Heart Association. The fourth-grader jumped for 5 minutes, 27 seconds before tiring. Sponsored as a way to promote physical activity, heart-healthy living and community service, the annual event filled the school’s gym after classes wrapped up for the day. (Click photo to enlarge and right arrow to see another.)

Rope jumpers compete in contests for various grades. There were also heats of jumping rope on one leg. William Tell kids raised $3,766 for the Heart Association with 106 students taking part, as well as staff and parent volunteers.