Heart & Hustle: Canutillo Elementary students among top fundraisers for Kids Heart Challenge

When it comes to making a difference, Canutillo Elementary students Sophia Gutierrez and Jaime Julian Palacios are at the heart of the matter. 

With big hearts and even bigger determination, these young changemakers have achieved an incredible milestone in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, standing out not just in their school, but across all of El Paso.

Gutierrez, who is a kindergartner, emerged as the number two top fundraiser in all of El Paso, raising an astounding $1,005.35. Right behind her, with just as much heart and hustle, is third grader Palacios, who proudly secured the number eight spot in the region by collecting $706.74 in donations.

“We are incredibly proud of Sophia and Jaime,” Canutillo Elementary School Principal Andrea Esparza said. “Their commitment to helping others and their drive to make a difference at such a young age is inspiring. They’ve shown us what leadership, compassion and what some Eagle pride looks like in action.”

The American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge program is a service-learning initiative that encourages students to learn about heart health and raise funds for the organization’s mission to fight heart disease and stroke while also learning valuable life skills. 

More than just a fundraiser, it’s an opportunity for kids to be active, practice kindness and become advocates for healthy living — values that Gutierrez and Palacios embraced with open hearts and arms.

Their success didn’t happen overnight. Both students dedicated themselves to spreading the word, engaging family and friends and sharing why heart health matters. From creating heartfelt pitches to proudly sporting their fundraising gear, they became true ambassadors for the cause.

Thanks to their efforts and the support of the Canutillo Elementary community, the campus made a meaningful contribution to the national fight against heart disease, while also planting seeds of leadership and empathy in the next generation. 

One thing is clear, the future of Canutillo is in good hands and good hearts.