Two Jackson Senior High School students to champion health and well-being as Youth Heart Ambassadors

Student leaders join nationwide effort to support heart health, stroke awareness and Hands-Only CPR education in schools

JACKSON, MO, August 26, 2025 — With youth facing growing physical and mental health challenges nationwide [1], the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has selected Kate Lipke, a senior, and Jimmy Williams, a junior at Jackson Senior High School in Jackson, MO, as national and local Youth Heart Ambassadors, respectively, for the 2025–2026 school year. They will serve alongside other youth volunteers across the country to support the Heart Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, to inspire their peers to build lifelong healthy habits and learn lifesaving education, all while helping others.

Youth were nominated nationwide for the role, which recognizes students who have a personal connection to heart disease or stroke, either through their own diagnosis, a loved one’s experience or a passion for wellness.

“It’s inspiring to see students like Kate and Jimmy lead the way in youth health,” said Sheri Donahue, school engagement director at the American Heart Association, Missouri. “We’re excited to see the impact they’ll have in the Jackson community.”

As Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year, Kate and Jimmy will raise awareness about the impact of heart disease and stroke, advocate for healthy habits and lifesaving skills like Hands-Only CPR and encourage support for the Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Kate had three open-heart surgeries due to having a heart that’s smaller on one side. She focuses on what she can do, despite the limitations her condition causes, and uses her voice to inspire others. “Living with heart disease hasn’t stopped me from living a healthy lifestyle”, said Kate. “I’m excited to work alongside the American Heart Association as a National Youth Ambassador to inspire other kids and teens to live heart-healthy lives.”

Jimmy was diagnosed with pediatric cardiomyopathy at age 10, which ultimately led to a heart transplant. He believes it’s essential to understand the importance of heart health from a young age and to take care of your heart and body.  “Being an American Heart Association volunteer has shown me how powerful it is to help others,” Jimmy said. “It’s inspired me to share hope and support wherever I can.”

Backed by science, the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge teach students how to care for their hearts, minds and bodies through age-appropriate lessons and activities in more than 20,000 schools across the country. These programs encourage students to get active, build confidence and support the Heart Association’s work to fund lifesaving research and education around heart disease and stroke prevention, cardiac emergency preparedness and more.

Schools can register now to take part in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs for the 2025-26 school year. Nominations for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. To learn more or apply to become a future Youth Heart Ambassador, visit heart.org/youthambassador. 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Madelyn Alexander: [email protected]

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org