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 emerging earlier in life. By recognizing and supporting students who actively promote heart health, the American Heart Association amplifies peer-to-peer influence that can shift behaviors and attitudes toward healthier lifestyles.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond financial support for individual students. It signals a proactive approach to addressing the growing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among youth, leveraging the credibility and social networks of student leaders to create cultural change. Research indicates that peer influence plays a significant role in adolescent health behaviors, making these scholarship recipients potentially powerful agents of change within their schools and communities. The program also creates a pipeline of future healthcare professionals and advocates who have firsthand experience with heart health promotion.
This initiative matters because it tackles cardiovascular disease prevention at a developmental stage when lifelong habits are formed, potentially reducing future healthcare burdens. With cardiovascular disease remaining a leading cause of death in the United States, early intervention through youth engagement represents a cost-effective strategy with long-term benefits. The scholarship program reinforces the connection between education, community service, and health outcomes, demonstrating how academic institutions can partner with health organizations to address public health challenges. By investing in young leaders today, the American Heart Association cultivates the next generation of health advocates who can continue this important work throughout their lives.
