After this type of performance, it's rather evident Palmerton Area School District elementary students will literally jump through hoops to succeed.

Kim Gear, youth market director for the American Heart Association of Northeast PA, attended Tuesday's school board meeting to bestow recognition upon Ryan Heller, physical education instructor at S.S. Palmer Elementary School/Parkside Education Center.Gear said that of the 139 schools that participate in the American Heart Association's Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart programs, Palmer/Parkside was the top school, with $12,550 raised.Gear presented Heller with a plaque.After the meeting, Heller said it was the students in kindergarten through sixth grade who made the achievement possible.Heller said that while he was glad to be acknowledged and did his best to promote the event, it's the students who earned the acclaim."It was nice to be recognized by the American Heart Association," Heller said. "But the real credit should go to the kids, because they're the ones who raised the money.The American Heart Association Jump RopeFor Heart and HoopsFor Heart are national education and fundraising events sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.These events engage elementary and middle school students to jump rope or play basketball, while empowering them to improve their own health and help other kids with heart health issues.The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest, largest voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke.Founded by six cardiologists in 1924, the organization now includes more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters who work tirelessly to eliminate these diseases.Its mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.Superintendent's reportAs part of his report, Superintendent Scot Engler said that as of Aug. 31, the district's student enrollment was 1,960 students.That figure is up 20 students from last year's ending student enrollment of 1,940.Also as part of his report, Engler heaped praise on the condition of the S.S. Palmer gymnasium."It's truly impressive," Engler said. "They do a remarkable job."