It’s not every day that we get a chance to make a difference. Whether big or small, it’s an opportunity we must cherish. And right now we have that opportunity right in front of us.

Heart Disease affects millions of Americans and impacts all of us either directly or indirectly. Members of Juanita High School has partnered with the American Heart Association to raise awareness for heart disease and promote healthy habits in the Juanita community.

Juanita’s leadership class created specific spirit days to promote healthy habits with help from local the local Safeway’s donations. Safeway donated waters and healthy snacks to promote good eating and hydration.

Juanita also advertised exercise zones throughout the school and designated a nap time to ensure that the entire school was getting the right amount of sleep. American Heart Association shirts were also sold with 100 percent of the proceeds going to heart disease research as well as dedicating a quad basketball night where Juanita students wore all red.

Juanita student Emma Berthon spoke at halftime explaining her experience with heart surgery. Juanita’s boys’ and girls’ varsity teams both ended up winning as well as a boys JV win. Juanita really showed their Rebel Heart by raising more than $1,000 for the American Heart Association.

Nick Peterson, Jared Holden, Jason Mclean and Andre Berthon, Kirkland