Drummond Elementary School student Phoenix Schiess was recognized by the American Heart Association after placing among the state’s top 15 fund-raisers during the 2025–26 school year. In his first year participating in the program, Phoenix raised a total of $2,275.27, which earned him designation as a Kids Heart Challenge All-Star. He is the son of Jacob and Alicia, of Barnes, Wisconsin, and is entering second grade this fall.
According to Phoenix’s mother, Alicia, he came home from school excited to sign up for the Kids Heart Challenge and immediately wanted to help. She said he told his parents he wanted to help other kids and adults have healthy hearts so they could continue doing the activities they love.
Alicia reported that Phoenix performed one somersault for every dollar he raised, a personal tally that matched his final fundraising total of $2,275.27. The release highlights his enthusiasm and first-year achievement without additional details on the specific fundraising methods he used.
The Kids Heart Challenge (KHC) is a service learning–based fundraising program run by the American Heart Association that engages students, families and school staff. The program combines education with fundraising to encourage healthy behaviors and community involvement.
KHC curriculum and activities emphasize several lifelong health skills, including:
The program aims to help elementary students and their families learn how to keep their heart, body and brain healthy while supporting children with special hearts to live longer, healthier lives.
Lisa Hoffman, American Heart Association Region Vice President, Development, School Engagement, is quoted in the release expressing gratitude for the efforts of Kids Heart Challenge participants and volunteers. Hoffman highlighted participants’ passion, excitement and ongoing commitment to driving the AHA mission forward, and noted the program’s reliance on those contributions.
Funds raised through the Kids Heart Challenge are used to support community wellness initiatives and to fund research aimed at improving cardiovascular health for all. The release frames student fundraising as a way for young people to be part of the solution by contributing to research and programs that advance heart health.
The release includes several American Heart Association statistics on youth cardiovascular and related health measures:
These statistics were presented in the release to underscore the relevance of school-based education and fundraising efforts that support prevention, awareness and lifesaving skills.
The release directs readers seeking information about the Kids Heart Challenge to visit www.heart.org/getstarted. No additional enrollment or event details were provided in the source beyond that referral.
The American Heart Association describes itself in the release as an organization committed to longer, healthier lives and equitable health in all communities. It states a history of providing health information for more than a century, supporting volunteers globally, funding research, advocating for public health, and delivering resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. The release also includes contact information and references for media and public inquiries as provided by the association.