American Heart Association Awards Scholarships to Student Leaders Promoting Cardiovascular Health

The American Heart Association has awarded five $1,000 scholarships to high school students across the United States who are leading efforts to promote heart health in their communities. This initiative comes at a critical time, as research shows that many young Americans develop cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or Type 2 diabetes by age 18, according to an American Heart Association scientific statement published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The scholarship recipients were selected through the Association's school-based program, the American Heart Challenge, which engages middle and high school students in service-learning activities that make a difference. Students are recommended by their school's program advisers and chosen based on their commitment to improving both their own health and the health of their communities. Lee A. Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association, stated, "These outstanding student leaders model healthy choices and inspire their peers to do the same. They aren't just the future of health; they're helping shape it today."

The 2024-25 scholarship recipients include Addison Gralund from Central City, Iowa, a congenital heart defect survivor who plans to become a cardiologist; Ashley LoMonaco from Wayne, New Jersey, who advocates for heart health inspired by her grandfather with heart disease and will attend Dartmouth College; Jack Waranavage from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, an athlete who promotes heart-healthy lifestyles and will pursue his degree and athletic career at Muhlenberg College; Jameson Calvery from Fairhope, Alabama, who developed a passion for physical and mental health after experiencing heart issues post-COVID-19 and will attend Florida State University for biomedical engineering; and Zoey Bloomquist from Corpus Christi, Texas, another congenital heart defect survivor who will use her scholarship for tuition at Texas A&M University - Kingsville.

This scholarship program represents a strategic investment in the next generation of health leaders at a time when cardiovascular health among youth is increasingly concerning. The American Heart Challenge program itself supports the Association's work around CPR education, improving physical and mental health, advancing scientific research, and fighting heart disease and stroke. Schools interested in implementing the program can find information at www.heart.org/getstarted.

The importance of this initiative extends beyond financial support for individual students. By recognizing and empowering young leaders who are actively working to reverse negative health trends, the American Heart Association is addressing cardiovascular risk factors at their developmental stage. These students serve as role models within their peer groups, creating ripple effects that can lead to broader community health improvements and potentially reduce future healthcare burdens associated with heart disease and stroke.