The American Heart Association has awarded $1,000 scholarships to five high school students nationwide who demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting heart health within their communities. This initiative addresses concerning research showing that many young Americans develop cardiovascular risk factors like obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or Type 2 diabetes by age 18, according to a scientific statement published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Lee A. Shapiro, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of these student leaders, stating they model healthy choices and inspire their peers while helping shape the future of health today. The scholarship recipients were selected based on recommendations from their school's American Heart Challenge program advisers and their demonstrated commitment to improving both personal and community health.
The 2024-25 scholarship recipients include Addison Gralund from Central City, Iowa, a congenital heart defect survivor pursuing cardiology; Ashley LoMonaco from Wayne, New Jersey, an advocate inspired by her grandfather's heart disease who plans to attend Dartmouth College; Jack Waranavage from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, an athlete using his platform to promote heart-healthy lifestyles while attending Muhlenberg College; Jameson Calvery from Fairhope, Alabama, who developed a passion for health after experiencing heart issues post-COVID-19 and will study biomedical engineering at Florida State University; 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.
The American Heart Challenge program engages middle and high school students in service-learning activities that raise awareness and funds supporting CPR education, physical and mental health improvement, scientific research advancement, and other initiatives combating heart disease and stroke. More information about the program is available at https://heart.org/getstarted. This scholarship program represents a strategic investment in youth leadership at a critical time when cardiovascular risk factors are increasingly affecting younger populations. By recognizing and supporting students who are already making health impacts in their communities, the American Heart Association amplifies peer-to-peer influence that research suggests is particularly effective among adolescents.
The initiative's importance extends beyond financial support for individual students to address systemic public health challenges. With cardiovascular disease remaining a leading cause of death in the United States, early intervention through youth education and empowerment represents a proactive approach to prevention. The scholarship recipients' diverse backgrounds and personal connections to heart health issues demonstrate how lived experiences can translate into effective community leadership. These students serve as relatable role models who can communicate health messages in ways that resonate with their peers, potentially influencing behaviors during formative years when lifelong habits are established.
This scholarship program aligns with broader efforts to combat health disparities by supporting students from various geographic regions and personal circumstances. The inclusion of students who have personally experienced heart conditions or witnessed them in family members adds authenticity to their advocacy work. As these scholarship recipients pursue higher education in health-related fields, they represent a pipeline of future professionals who bring both academic knowledge and personal commitment to cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association's investment in these young leaders acknowledges that meaningful health improvement requires engagement across generations and communities, with youth playing an essential role in shaping healthier futures.
