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The Glendora Elementary School student recently proved how tremendous he can be by raising $650 for his school's participation in "Jump Rope for Heart" Friday.
Of course, like any superhero, little Kenny Super doesn't see his actions as special. It's just something he knew he had to do.
"He did it for his grandmother. My mom had a heart attack a few years ago," Super's mother Donna said.
That personal event inspired Kenny Super to don his cape and to call upon his super friends for financial assistance. When commended for his extraordinary efforts, he rests his head against mom and nods his way.
It's Kenny Super's way of accepting gratitude and praise. After all, Superman himself would have done the same thing.
"It's all about the thought," teacher Brent Dempsey said of Kenny Super's effort. "We don't encourage them to go door-to-door and ask for money."
Dempsey is Glendora School's physical education instructor. He's been coordinating its participation in "Jump Rope for Heart" for the past two years.
"Jump Rope for Heart" is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the American Heart Association. It's purpose is to raise money for heart and stem cell research.
Last year, Glendora Elementary School raised over $1,600. By 10 a.m. on Friday, it reached $1,700, according to Dempsey.
He attributes such a response to the community's will to give.
"This community is such a close-knit community," Dempsey said. "The community really cares."
About 280 students from Glendora, including Kenny Super, took part in "Jump Rope for Heart" Friday. In 30-minute increments, each grade level moved from station to station in the school's gymnasium.
Aside from using the standard jump rope, students also jumped within an elastic band, above a long jump rope and over mini hurdles and Hoola-hoops.
"As long as they're jumping, it counts," Dempsey said.
Music filled the gym as the students jumped. When each song ended, they swapped stations. At the conclusion of each class period, students collectively yelled "thank you" on Dempsey's count of three.
"Jump for Heart" marks a great cause for students to get involved in, Dempsey indicated. He assessed its overall meaning.
"I really enjoy the interaction with the kids when their parents are around," Dempsey said.
According to www.americanheart.org, "Jump Rope for Heart "promotes the value of physical activity to elementary school children while showing them they can contribute to their community's welfare.
Schools interested in participating in "Jump Rope for Heart" can do so by logging onto www.americanheart.org or by calling the American Heart Association at 1-800-AHA-USA-1 (1-800-242-8721).
