Schools

Congrats to Karen Bass, American Heart Association's Principal of the Year

The Mary Bryant Elementary School principal was selected from 40,000 school leaders nationwide for her fundraising efforts.

Raising money for the American Heart Association was only natural for Karen Bass, who has lost several close family members to strokes and heart disease.

Since Bryant opened almost nine years ago, the school has raised $196,166 for the association through the Jump Rope For Heart program -- much of it because of Bass' devotion to the cause.

"I understand how important it is to have this research in place because it has affected me so greatly throughout my years," Bass said during her award acceptance.

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 The American Heart Association rewarded Bass for her work by giving her their Principal of the Year Award. The award was presented to Bass Wednesday morning during an elementary principal's council meeting.

Jennifer Waite, the association's senior youth market director, nominated Bass for the award because she has been instrumental in growing the Jump Rope For Heart program at her school.

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Jump Rope For Heart pairs sponsors with schools and awards students for how many hours they jump rope. The funds are donated to the American Heart Association.

Under Bass' lead, Bryant students and volunteers have jumped rope for hundreds of hours raising $196,166.

"We as a district have a commitment to being involved in our community," said Hillsborough Superintendent MaryEllen Elia, who was on hand for Wednesday's award presentation.

More than a hundred school principals from around Hillsborough County stood and applauded Bass as she made her way to the front to accept her plaque.

See Bass accept her award and talk about her personal loss due to heart disease in the video.


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