Carroll County, MD School Principal Glen Messier Honored for Promoting Youth Heart Health
BALTIMORE, September 11, 2024 — Principal Glen Messier of Linton Springs Elementary School in Carroll County received the prestigious Opening Doors Award from the American Heart Association in recognition of his exceptional dedication to promoting youth heart health through the organization’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. The award was presented during the virtual Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge awards ceremony on September 10, 2024, where school leaders, volunteers, and supporters from across the country gathered to celebrate those who excelled in fundraising, innovation, and leadership within the programs.
In his acceptance speech, Messier expressed his belief in the importance of teaching students from a young age how to maintain healthy hearts and brains. He emphasized the significance of creating a community of heart heroes and supporting children with special heart conditions, noting that instilling lifelong skills and promoting heart- and brain-healthy habits among students and staff is a powerful way to foster overall wellness.
The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs, both grounded in scientific research, aim to encourage regular physical activity among children to improve their chances of leading healthy lives as adults. With over 10 million students participating annually in approximately 20,000 schools nationwide, these service-learning initiatives focus on enhancing students’ overall health while fostering empathy and compassion for others. Through engaging lesson plans and interactive technology, students not only stay active and have fun but also learn essential lifesaving skills like Hands-Only CPR.
Larry L. Johnson, chairman of the American Heart Association’s Greater Maryland division Board of Directors, commended Messier for his unwavering commitment to expanding participation in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs. Johnson highlighted the vital role that schools play in laying the foundation for healthy living in future generations and expressed pride in the impact these programs are having on students, schools, and educators throughout Greater Maryland.
The Open Door Award, presented annually to a volunteer who has helped recruit new participants to the Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge programs, recognizes individuals like Messier who go above and beyond to support the American Heart Association’s mission. Messier, nominated by local AHA staff for the national award, has been a driving force behind the success of these programs since 2017, raising over $70,000 at Linton Springs Elementary School through his leadership and dedication.
Samantha Studholme, an AHA School Engagement Director, praised Messier’s exceptional contributions to the programs, citing his role as the treasurer of the Maryland Association of Principals as instrumental in expanding the initiatives statewide. Studholme noted that Messier’s efforts have not only elevated the American Heart Association’s mission but also set a standard of excellence for educators nationwide by leveraging his influence to bring new schools on board and drive the programs to new heights.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 25% of children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 meet the recommended daily physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes or more. The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs address this issue by encouraging regular physical activity among students, laying the groundwork for a healthier adulthood.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its Centennial year in 2024, the organization remains committed to promoting equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with various organizations and powered by millions of volunteers, the AHA continues to fund innovative research, advocate for public health, and provide lifesaving resources to those in need. Looking ahead to its second century of impact, the AHA’s vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
For more information about the American Heart Association’s youth-based programs, visit www.heart.org/getstarted.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For a century, the Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information, advocating for public health, funding innovative research, and sharing lifesaving resources. As the AHA enters its second century of bold discovery and impact, its vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
For Media Inquiries:
Wayne Carter: wayne.carter@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org