LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART

72 sophomore girls prepared to offer 'healthy' assistance

The American Heart Association's Sweethearts program in Arkansas ushered in its 20th year with a welcome reception Tuesday for new sweethearts and their parents. The event took place at the Country Club of Little Rock.

Hosting were program founders Eileen and Dr. Ricardo Sotomora and their daughter, 2009 Sweetheart Charli Sotomora. This year's class of Sweethearts includes 72 Arkansas high school sophomores who will take part in educational and social programs and activities related to the promotion of heart health for eight months during the school year. Eleven of the Sweethearts are legacies, following in the footsteps of older sisters who served as Sweethearts in previous years.

Participants were given program notebooks prior to their introduction. Heart Ball chairman Tammy Quick presided over the evening's agenda, which was carried out by Sweetheart chairman Valerie Kellam and co-chairmen Melisa Smock Clouette, Laura Stover and Laurie Worsham. Participation in the program's various forthcoming activities -- hospital tours, volunteering opportunities, a sleepover, a Mother-Daughter Luncheon -- was urged by Sweetheart alumni, each of whom dressed the part for the particular program they were advocating.

The girls will be presented at the association's 23rd annual Heart Ball next year. Nearly 1,000 women have participated since the program's inception, according to online information.

High Profile on 08/21/2016

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