Ark City Second-Grader Leads District in Heart Association Fundraising
Eight-year-old Rylee Catron raised $652 at Jefferson Elementary, honoring family members who have battled heart problems
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — An 8-year-old Jefferson Elementary student led all Arkansas City elementary schools in fundraising this year for the American Heart Association (AHA), a nonprofit dedicated to fighting heart problems and stroke, collecting $652 in a single month. Across all six elementary schools, the districtwide campaign raised more than $13,700.
Rylee Catron, a second-grader, has participated in the annual fundraiser for three consecutive years. The cause is personal for her family, which has dealt with heart problems across multiple generations. Her father was diagnosed with heart problems at age 20, and her nephew was born with a heart condition. Her grandfather, who also struggled with heart problems, donated to the AHA for more than 30 years before his passing. Rylee has continued the tradition in his memory.
Rylee's mother, Lacy Catron, said her daughter's motivation comes from a simple but powerful place. "She said that she gets to be able to play and run outside and enjoy getting to play outside, and she wants every little kid, every child to have that opportunity," Catron said.
Six Arkansas City elementary schools — Adams, C4, Frances Willard, IXL, Jefferson and Roosevelt — took part in this year's campaign, raising a combined $13,723 compared to $12,479 in 2025. The schools celebrated Tuesday night with a wrap-up party that brought students together for jump rope, exercise and a Pizza Ranch event for top fundraisers.
Rylee was recognized as the top individual fundraiser across the entire district. As for what keeps her going, Catron said her daughter's answer is simple: "She just wants to be able to give other kids opportunities."
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