Cobb County students raised $1 million for the American Heart Association during the 2025-26 school year, making the 105,738-student district the first in the country to reach that threshold through the organization's school fundraising programs.

The milestone, announced Thursday, Aug. 20, also extends Cobb's streak to five consecutive years as the top-fundraising school district in the nation. The money came through the Kids Heart Challenge at elementary schools and the American Heart Challenge at middle and high schools, programs that teach students physical activity, healthy habits and Hands-Only CPR.

Students across all of Cobb's 112 schools contributed, including East Cobb campuses in the Walton, Pope, Lassiter and Wheeler clusters.

"Becoming the first district in the nation to raise one million dollars for the American Heart Association is an extraordinary achievement," Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said. "Just as importantly, our students are learning lessons about wellness, compassion, leadership, and service that will stay with them for a lifetime."

Ragsdale called the district "five-time National Champions" for its consecutive top finishes.

The achievement caps more than four decades of partnership between Cobb schools and the American Heart Association. Last school year, the district raised more than $970,000 with over 13,000 students participating, according to the district. This year's effort pushed past the seven-figure mark for the first time anywhere in the country.

Melissa Rivera, development director of school engagement for the American Heart Association in Atlanta, said no other district has reached $1 million. She called the result a testament to Cobb families' and educators' commitment to heart health.

Funds support the association's research, community outreach and programs for children and adults affected by heart disease and stroke.

The next Cobb County Board of Education meeting is Thursday, Sept. 17, with a work session at 2 p.m. and the board meeting at 7 p.m. Both are open for public comment.