POLSON — They weren’t at a track meet, but on Wednesday, March 7, Linderman Elementary students hopped, skipped and jumped for an hour and a half at their annual Jump for the Heart event, the culmination of both a jumping unit and a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

Linderman’s gym was filled with 75 students and a handful of adults jumping rope, playing hopscotch and hurdling, keeping their hearts in shape while celebrating another successful year of fundraising.

This year, by asking friends and family for donations, Linderman students raised $5,035 in only three weeks.

“This event has been very successful,” Linderman P.E. teacher Micki Stanley said. “Our school district has raised $100,955 since 1996.”

Each grade had a station at which they could stay active and have fun, with a short break each half hour. During the breaks, students who raised the most money, as well as students drawn at random, won prizes before moving onto the next station.

“It is a really fun way to end the unit,” Stanley said.

The event has been running since the ‘90s and has always been a hit for students, according to Stanley.

“In 1996, our school nurse Millie Nesladek and a few parents joined me in running the event,” Stanley said. “We have had as many as 132 students take part.”

Stanley acknowledged that the community has been a major factor in the success of the event. Beyond people giving their time and money, several area businesses donated prizes for the students and rewards for their participation.

“Our community has been very supportive,” Stanley said.

While individuals and businesses have been key for the students’ success, it’s those students who have been critical in helping raise over $100,000 for the American Heart Association.

They’re not just jumping for the heart. Students are jumping for joy as well.