RACINE, WI — Helping others in need has long been a passion for Racine youngster Amelia Albrecht – and in just a short amount of time, she’s certainly made a significant impact.
In fact, that impact now goes above and beyond the call.
Albrecht, a sixth grader at Starbuck International K-8 School in Racine and the daughter of Matt and Katie, was selected at the start of the current school year as an American Heart Association Local Youth Heart Ambassador.
The selection is part of the Association’s long-standing Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs, which teach students how to improve their overall health while making a positive impact on others.
Through both programs, according to an American Heart Association press release, students participate in engaging curriculums and interactive challenges to get active, have fun and raise essential funds for congenital heart defects, nutrition security, CPR training, mental well-being and more.
And for Amelia, being chosen as an ambassador for the Kids Heart Challenge is quite the honor.
“It means a lot to me,” she said in an email. “I love fundraising and helping people in need. I love making a positive impact in other people’s lives. I love it all. The activities are so fun, I love to learn, and fundraising is a great way to help others!”
Prior to being named a Youth Heart Ambassador, Amelia also was recognized as a Kids Heart Challenge All-Star as a top fund-raiser for the 2023-24 school year as a student at Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary School.
Needless to say, both her parents couldn’t be more excited for their daughter’s efforts.
“Matt and I are so very proud that Amelia has found a passion to help others and has fun doing it,” Katie Albrecht said in an email. “We have seen her determination to help and raise money for others. At a personal level, she works on eating healthy, drinking lots of water and exercising.”
How Amelia will share the message
As a Local Youth Heart Ambassador, which is a one-year commitment, Amelia will assist the Association to help advance its mission of being a “relentless force for healthier lives for all,” the press release states.
The position gives youths a voice to encourage, advocate and emphasize the need to raise critical funding in their local community as they share the impact cardiovascular disease has had on their life.
American Heart Association Senior School Development Director Lisa Schweitzer said that Amelia is the perfect choice to fill the ambassador role.
“Amelia is such a gentle, kind, caring soul,” Schweitzer said. “Her main purpose for participation is simply that she wants to help others. I admire her determination to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I am excited to have her as an ambassador as she moves into middle school. Amelia is an excellent role model for our youth and our community.”
It’s that willingness to do what she can to spread awareness that really speaks to Amelia’s dedication, her mother said.
“It makes us feel proud that Amelia chooses to take action to help spread awareness on such a serious issue that effects not only our loved ones, but so many other Americans.”
Amelia said she would love to see more of her fellow students taking part in the program that she loves and continues to enjoy.
“If you want to help others and have a fun time doing it, the Kids Heart Challenge is the best way to do it,” she said. “If you are thinking about signing up this year, do it! Get involved in the school activities. Don’t be afraid to ask for a donation. Be the voice or helping hand for others that can’t do it on their own.”
Great advice from someone who knows.
Schools interested in learning more about the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs are encouraged to visit AHA website for more information. To learn more about the Youth Heart Ambassadors, visit www.heart.org/youthambassadors.
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