How likely are you to take advice from a peer rather than an authority figure? Houston Hearts, a 100-member student leadership group dedicated to heart health, is more than just a club — it’s a movement committed to promoting health, safety, and wellness across the Germantown district.

Founded by Andrew Martin, the Health Director of the Germantown Municipal School District, Houston Hearts emerged from his desire to stay engaged with students after being promoted from his former physical education position. The club not only coordinates and leads health and safety training on CPR and AED certifications, but over the past year and a half, it has expanded to cover all aspects of health, including yoga classes and nutrition workshops. This initiative empowers students to lead by example and inspire their peers to embrace healthier lifestyles.

Houston Hearts’ student ambassadors, recruited from the district’s six schools, have ensured that all district buildings are certified compliant with Project Adam Heart Safe, a rigorous protocol that sets a high standard for readiness in the event of a cardiac emergency.

“I think it’s important because I don’t think there’s an age limit when someone can step up and save a life,” Andrew explains. Last year, an ambassador remembered the Heimlich maneuver from training and saved a classmate from choking at lunch.

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As students began finding more ways to promote healthy messages, Houston Hearts expanded its activities. The group now participates in several Germantown community fitness events, such as the Germantown 5K Color Run, where they lead warm-ups and provide pacing tips. They also conduct yoga and meditation sessions before school and visit middle school PE classes to lead drills in basketball, dance, cheer, pickleball, gymnastics, and more, under adult supervision.

“The kids meet with me to present what they want to teach. As a former PE teacher, I help coordinate, coach, and supervise these trips,” says Andrew.

“It’s crucial for kids to stay actively engaged. Research shows that an active brain retains academic information better, leading to better overall health,” he adds. “We aim to develop active learners for life. By having high school students demonstrate various physical activities to their younger peers, we show that health isn’t one-size-fits-all, encouraging broader participation.”

Recently, Houston Hearts introduced the Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC), which conducts workshops on topics ranging from proper handwashing to healthy school snack ideas.

“We’re integrating all these health concepts into peer-to-peer education,” Andrew explains. “The most rewarding part is seeing students take the lead and charge on something they recognize as important.”

IG: houstonheartsclub
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By Shlomit Ovadia