ROYAL CITY - For the seventh year in a row, students at Red Rock Elementary gave up an evening for the Jump Rope for Heart program, and they set a donations record.

Red Rock Elementary PE teacher Brent Whitaker has been encouraging students to participate since 2008. He is passionate about the program because it helps youngsters learn about service and working for a greater cause, and it encourages them toward healthy habits.

"The last two years, the Royal Parent Teacher Organization has stepped in and helped organize the event, and it's been a big success," counselor Nicole Schwartz said.

This was Red Rock's biggest year yet for Jump Rope for Heart. There were 213 Red Rock 2nd-5th graders who raised $8,564 for the American Heart Association.

"That's almost $2,000 more than they have ever raised in the past," Schwartz said.

There were 157 students who came to the event, which was held after school on April 2 in the Royal High School gym. The Royal PTO organized the evening, with students rotating through several fitness stations, exercising for those affected by heart disease.

Stations included jump roping, hula hoops, trampolines, steps, basketball and other fun things, as well as a station with healthy snacks.

Schwartz called the students heroes, saying, "It takes Heart to be a Hero."