With youth facing growing physical and mental health challenges nationwide, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has selected two students from Washington to serve as National Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2026-27 school year.

As Youth Heart Ambassadors, each student will raise awareness about the impact of heart disease and stroke, advocate for healthy habits and lifesaving skills like Hands-Only CPR and encourage support for the Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The 2026-27 National Youth Heart Ambassadors from Washington include:

Mackenzie Kingshott, 10th grade, Mount Vernon Christian High School in Mount Vernon, Wash. Mackenzie “Kenzie” Kingshott is serving as a national Youth Heart Ambassador after overcoming a heart condition called supraventricular tachycardia(SVT), which causes episodes of an abnormally fast heartbeat. Her symptoms first appeared at age six while playing basketball, and after years of recurring episodes and monitoring, she was diagnosed with SVT at age 13 following a severe incident during a volleyball game. Kenzie underwent a successful cardiac procedure and has not experienced an episode since. Today, she focuses on building her cardiovascular endurance through basketball, regular exercise and healthy eating. Passionate about helping others, Kenzie hopes to become a cardiac surgeon one day and encourages students to support lifesaving CPR education and cardiovascular research through American Heart Association’s school programs.

Eloise Darling, 3rd grade, Lake Tapps Elementary School in Lake Tapps, Wash.Eloise Darling is serving as a national Youth Heart Ambassador and sharing her story to support other children with special hearts. The youngest of seven siblings, Eloise was diagnosed at age three with four heart defects, including atrial septal defect(ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), mitral valve regurgitation and a cleft tricuspid valve. Shortly after her diagnosis, she underwent open-heart surgery to repair her heart. Today, Eloise can run, play and stay active far longer than before her surgery. She is proud of her scar because it represents her strength as a heart warrior and she hopes her story will help other children feel brave during their own health journeys. Inspired by the nurses who cared for her, Eloise dreams of becoming a nurse when she grows up so she can care for others the way nurses helped her.

Youth were nominated nationwide for the role, which recognizes students who have a personal connection to heart disease or stroke, either through their own diagnosis, a loved one’s experience or a passion for wellness. Kenzie and Eloise will serve alongside 13 other youth volunteers from across the country to support the Heart Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, to inspire their peers to build lifelong healthy habits and learn lifesaving education, all while helping others.

“It’s inspiring to see these students step up as leaders for youth health,” said Chad Brown, board chair for the American Heart Association – Washington. “Over the next year, they will champion heart health and stroke awareness among their peers, while learning the power of philanthropy through fundraising for the American Heart Association. Their passion and commitment remind us that even the youngest voices can make a powerful impact.”

Backed by science, the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge teach students how to care for their hearts, minds and bodies through age-appropriate lessons and activities in more than 20,000 schools across the country. These programs encourage students to get active, build confidence and support the Heart Association’s work to fund lifesaving research and education around heart disease and stroke prevention, cardiac emergency preparedness and more.

Schools can register now to take part in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs for the 2026-27 school year.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us

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