The American Lung Association has recognized two students at Pearl River Central Upper and Lower Elementaries for raising the most money during a recent fundraiser.

PRC Lower Elementary student Trey Holston and Upper Elementary student Liliana Caves each raised $150 during the annual fundraiser, according to a press release from the American Lung Association.

PRC Lower Elementary Assistant Principal Jennifer Teal said for more than 10 years, both schools have hosted the fundraiser, which also includes an informational assembly for the students.

Teal said Amy Ellis, director of health promotions for the American Lung Association, comes every year to speak to the students about the dangers of smoking, what a cigarette contains, what tobacco is, why it is addictive and also how much money the habit costs the average person.

After the assembly, Ellis gave the students envelopes and encouraged them to donate or seek donations. Teal said no donation is considered too small.

A few weeks later, Ellis returned and hosted a field day for both schools that included relay races, potato sack races and a tug-a-war competition, Teal said. She said the student who raised the most from the school was recognized at the field day.

Each student who raises at least $20 receives a t-shirt from the American Lung Association, Teal said.

This year, both schools raised more than $2,500 for the organization, according to the press release.

“We’re very thankful to our community for supporting us,” Teal said.

The field day and assembly are part of the American Lung Association’s student education program, Superkids.

“Through SuperKids, students learn the importance of taking care of their lungs and supporting projects that help people in their community,” Ellis said in a press release. “The donations raised by these students will help to continue vital lung disease programs and research.”