On Wednesday, Feb. 28 students at Yates took part in a Jump Rope for Heart event at Union College. Other than jumping rope, students participated in many activities, such as basketball and Frisbee. Several "heart healthy" stations were set up in the Union College fieldhouse and at each one students worked with students from the college, learning different ways to stay healthy. They also ate sugarless, healthy snacks such as pretzels, cheerios and ice water.

For the last three years students at Yates have taken part in the event, which is a fund-raiser held by the National Heart Association. However, this is the first year the school has partnered with Union. Although students did not have to fund-raise in order to take part, many students did collect donations/pledges from friends and family members.

Yates Principal Valarie Scott has volunteered with the National Heart Association for the last 20 years and she has brought this passion to the school. Other than being lots of fun, the event promotes smart choices and skills early on in life.

Feb. 28 was also Sugarless Wednesday, a day celebrated by the state Dental Association and encourages schools and teachers to restrict all non-essential sugars.