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Health: Students Taking Their Lessons To Heart

DEPTFORD, N.J., (CBS) -- The fight against heart disease turned into a special event for students in one South Jersey elementary school on Wednesday.

The children at Shady Lane Elementary School in Deptford were given a school project that included heart healthy activities and a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

The project was in honor of their two teachers who both lost their fathers suddenly to heart disease.

"It was quite a nice surprise for both of us," said special education teacher Erika Annin.

The students' goal was to raise $5,000 through donations from family and friends.

"I really like to help raise money, save hearts," said Brian Crothers who is in the 4th grade.

Second grader Isaac Wadusky raised $310.

"It teaches them how to be good people, how to be giving people," said Principal Jackie Scerbo.

Principal Scerbo got a little choked up when she thinks about her teachers and the students who gathered donations.

"A lot of kids here don't have a whole lot and they just give and give and give all they can," said Scerbo.

The students learned at the assembly that they doubled their goal and ended up raising $10,000.

"The kids are young and them learning this important lesson now is going to help them have a really healthy lifestyle when they grow up," said special education teacher Michele Grahame who lost her dad to heart disease.

The American Heart Association will be getting a $10,000 contribution from Shady Lane, where students now know all about being heart healthy.

"Because your heart is the most important muscle in your body and it keeps us going every single day," said fifth grader Halle Pina.

Before the school day ended, the kids were rewarded for their fundraising efforts.

The students who raised the most money were allowed to duct tape Principal Scerbo to the wall all for a good cause and lots of fun.

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