Some jumped rope alone on Saturday. Others, with two friends holding each end of a colorful rope. The especially adventurous calculated the timing of the up-and-down motion of the rope... and hopped in to join their jumping friends without missing a beat.

It was the school's annual Jump Rope for Heart event, which raises funds for heart disease and stroke research, and supports the American Heart Association’s public and professional education programs.

"Consistently, our students raise $8,000 to $10,000 per year," said Minot Forest physical education teacher Deanna Semple, noting that retired gym teacher John Clark started the fundraising event approximately 20 years ago, and still attends each one.

More than 80 students participated in this year's event.

Semple said that students who have completed their Minot Forest years tell her that Jump Rope for Heart is one of the things they most remember.

The event is so memorable, in fact, that some return to participate.

"Older siblings come back with younger siblings," Semple said with a smile.

Students bustled around a gymnasium and the cafeteria, jumping and sharing laughs.

They were very busy, but asked if they were having a good time, a group of students voiced a resounding "YES!"

Semple thanked the volunteers who assisted in the event, as well as the donors that offered supplies. Dunkin Donuts in West Wareham donated doughnuts, Ocean Spray donated juice, Walmart donated paper goods and snacks, and Coca Cola donated bottles of water. It was a good thing, because the jumpers worked up appetites!

"We keep 'em fed and hydrated!" said Semple.