Two students from United Independent School District Ruiz Elementary School have earned top honors in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge after raising thousands of dollars for heart health awareness and research.

Third-grade students Jose Vaquera and Axl Aguilar placed 2nd and 3rd in South Texas in the American Heart Association’s 2026 Kids Heart Challenge fundraising campaign. Out of 246 participating schools across the South Texas border region, the two Ruiz Elementary students stood out for their dedication and compassion.

Jose Vaquera raised an impressive $3,587, earning the title of the No. 2 fundraiser in South Texas, while Axl Aguilar raised $3,086, securing the No. 3 spot.

The students were recognized during Ruiz Elementary’s annual Awards Day celebration, where they were honored in front of the entire school alongside parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches. Ten Ruiz Elementary students were recognized overall for participating in the Kids Heart Challenge, but Jose and Axl went above and beyond, prompting a special visit. 

Brandi Nelson, Senior Development Director for School Engagement with the American Heart Association, traveled from Harlingen to Laredo specifically to present special awards and medals to the students.

“It’s a proud moment not only for Ruiz Elementary, but for United ISD as well,” Nelson said. “Together, their efforts will directly support the American Heart Association’s mission to fund lifesaving research, education, and community programs that promote heart health for children and families.”

Nelson said the Kids Heart Challenge, formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart, has been helping communities for nearly 49 years.

“Heart disease is still the number one killer of all Americans,” Nelson said. “We can’t do our work and help people with sick hearts without the support of communities like Laredo.”

According to Nelson, the program teaches students the warning signs of stroke, Hands-Only CPR, and healthy lifestyle habits while also funding medical research and local community education programs.

Jose and Axl are not only top fundraisers, but also close friends who worked hard to help families affected by heart disease.

“This is a heart medal for the Kids Heart Challenge with the American Heart Association,” Jose said during the ceremony. “I got that by helping kids with special hearts so they can have healthy hearts all around the world.”

When asked how he felt about helping others, Axl shared the personal connection behind his mission.

“I feel good,” Axl said. “It runs in my family, so we’re happy to do it and honor members of my family that have had heart conditions.”

For Axl’s family, the cause is deeply personal. His mother, Melissa Aguilar, said their family has experienced several heartbreaking losses due to heart disease and stroke.

“We can save more lives to make the community better and safer,” Axl added.

Jose’s family also received overwhelming support from the community throughout the fundraiser.

“I want to make the world healthy and safe to have a great community here in Laredo, South Texas, and around the world,” Jose said.

Ruiz Elementary Principal Monica Zepeda said the success of the campaign reflects the strong partnership between parents, students, teachers, and the community.

Zepeda added that Ruiz Elementary families are heavily involved in supporting community causes, including the American Cancer Society.

“Our parents are very active and very supportive,” Zepeda said. “We work together for causes that help others, whether it’s Relay for Life, Pie the Principal, or the American Heart Association.”

Ruiz Elementary’s Awards Day also celebrated student success in academics, reading, attendance, athletics, and leadership, highlighting a school year filled with growth and achievement.