Kole Denny’s Heart Health Research

Kole Denny, a senior at Watauga High School, shares her passion for heart health research and how Watauga High School can make a positive impact. Photo Credits: Andrew Larsen, The Powderhorn

Andrew Larsen, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

Senior Kole Denny has had a passion for medicine for as long as she can remember. The child of a nurse and a cardiologist, Denny has been exposed to the field throughout her entire life, extensively researching and writing about medicine and health in her free time.

“My stepdad and mom are heavily involved in the medical field being both a doctor and nurse respectively,” said Denny. “That has given me the chance to watch open heart surgery and receive some degree of knowledge about the medical field.”

Following an event where a student had sudden cardiac arrest last spring, Denny was inspired to take action. 

“While the response times were good and the student ended up surviving, it could have been better. It could have been more organized, and there could have been less delay,” said Denny. “Our entire school was affected by it, and I want to help our school and other schools improve response times and increase student survivability by 80%.”

Through Denny’s passion for cardiology, she became motivated to take action towards the problem. Denny collaborated with a friend and they both agreed to pour time and effort into the subject. 

“My research partner and I have compiled a bunch of the most recent literature on the subject,” said Denny. “We’re also producing a survey to see the needs of what schools have and what they don’t. So the reason for compiling the literature is to see and prove that there is a problem, that this is necessary, and that there is an actual reason to be doing this project.”

While Denny was trying to prove the need for further action, she found several roadblocks. Although Denny faced issues surrounding the subject, she persevered. 

“The big problem is that only 13 states have it be illegal to not have AEDs [Automatic External Defibrillators] in schools, and only 4 of those states provide actual funding,” said Denny. “So the issue is making sure there can be an incentive for schools to do it is difficult when funding is hard to come up with.”

Through experience and research Denny began to set goals for herself. She aims to achieve these goals, despite how difficult her work can be.

“Part of our project is actually lobbying for this bill to be done, and we’re also working with organizations such as Project Adam and the American Heart Association to help circumvent the funding issue,” said Denny. “But we also are planning fundraisers in the future for schools that may suffer more financial issues.”

While Denny is passionate about the overall issue, she hopes to make a direct impact on Watauga High School. Denny’s efforts aim to improve the high school’s resources and response times to future incidents. 

“The big end goal is to provide equipment, proper training, and education on the issue of sudden cardiac arrest in both athletes and regular students,” said Denny. “A lot with general information on cardiac arrest, which can affect anyone, especially older teachers, but athletes are at substantial risk, specifically male athletes. If it ever happens again, we could have proper response times and remain calm.” 

While all individuals may not be aware of the issue, Denny emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness about the topic. 

“Be educated. Talk to your student representatives. Go to Student Council. Inform coaches,” said Denny. “Students should educate themselves on this important issue and help educate their peers, making our school a safer environment.”