North Hills’ Highcliff Elementary named first Heart Safe School in Allegheny County

Highcliff Elementary School was officially designated a Heart Safe School through Project ADAM on April 3, 2025.

Highcliff Elementary School in the North Hills School District has become the first school in Allegheny County to earn the Heart Safe School designation through Project ADAM, a national program aimed at preventing sudden cardiac death in youth.

This recognition reflects Highcliff’s commitment to cardiac emergency preparedness, achieved through partnerships with Ross/West View EMS, the American Heart Association and UPMC Children’s Hospital. Under the leadership of School Nurse Amanda Lemon and Principal Kristy Bilderback, staff participated in CPR/AED training and emergency drills to meet Project ADAM’s rigorous standards.

Nurse Lemon was personally inspired by her son, Sebastian, who has a heart condition and serves as a National Youth Ambassador for the American Heart Association. His advocacy helped bring heart health education programs like the Kid’s Heart Challenge back to the school.

More than 20 Highcliff staff members are now CPR and AED certified, and the school successfully completed a cardiac emergency drill with a response time under one minute. Officials from Project ADAM and UPMC Children’s Hospital were present to witness the drill on April 3, when the school received its official designation.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Mannarino praised the staff’s dedication. Plans are underway to expand the initiative district-wide next year.