The
Bluffton Blufft n Sun January 21, 2026 • Volume 29, Issue 2 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
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Bluffton student named Youth Heart Ambassador for 2026 By Sasha Sweeney Editor
A fifth-grade student at Okatie Elementary School has been selected to represent the American Heart Association as a Youth Heart Ambassador for 2026. Lily Collins will serve alongside other youth volunteers nationwide, supporting the Heart Association’s school-based Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs. The initiatives encourage students to develop lifelong healthy habits and learn lifesaving skills such as Hands-Only CPR. Youth Heart Ambassadors are nominated from across the country and are recognized for a personal connection to heart disease or stroke, whether through their own experiences, a family member’s health journey or a demonstrated commitment to wellness. This year, three students from South Carolina were selected, along with 190 nationwide. Lily’s interest in heart health is influenced by her family’s experiences. Her mother, Vanessa Collins, works in cardiology, and Lily has also watched both her mother and her grandmother manage heart-related health challenges. During the 2024–25 school year, Lily ranked sixth among South Carolina students participating in
the Kids Heart Challenge, raising nearly $2,500. “It’s inspiring to see a student from our community step up as a leader for youth health,” said Rachel Stanley, school engagement director for the American Heart Association. “Lily has already made a tremendous impact through her fundraising efforts. She brings an important voice to this mission, and we’re excited to see the difference she’ll make as a Youth Heart Ambassador.” As part of her role, Lily will help raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, promote healthy lifestyles and encourage the use of lifesaving skills such as Hands-Only CPR. “I am inspired by my Nana, my mom and her coworkers,” Lily said. “I am humble and grateful that I am able to represent the American Heart Association.” According to the organization, the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge reach more than 20,000 schools nationwide, offering age-appropriate lessons focused on heart health, physical activity and overall well-being. The programs also support funding for research and education related to heart disease and stroke prevention and cardiac emergency preparedness. Lily and Okatie Elementary
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Bluffton invites students to submit 24A designs School kicked off their Kids Heart Challenge program on Jan. 7. Schools interested in participating in the Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge programs can register online. Nominations for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. Additional information is available at heart.org/ youthambassador.
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