Thursday, June 19, 2014

Girls on the Run

Barth's Girls on the Run after the race at Wissahickon High School.



Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Barth Elementary School

How many third and fourth grade girls do you know who would spend 12 weeks training so they could run in a 3.1 mile race?

At Barth Elementary School, the count is 22 students who took part in the “Girls On The Run” program.

GOTR is designed to allow every girl to recognize her inner strength. 

The Girls On The Run curriculum inspires girls to define their lives on their own terms. 

Barth's Ariana Torres is having fun on the run.
Throughout the season, the girls make new friends, build their confidence, and celebrate all that makes them unique.

High school guidance counselor Sarah Blaum, who is one of the program organizer, said, “The girls are learning to work together to help and support each other, to listen to their own bodies, and to listen to their coaches but most importantly to believe in themselves.”

“The 12 week program has three purposes which include life skill lessons, community service projects, and training for the 5K race,” said Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford.

The program was supported through generous donations by grant funding from different sources that included the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, First Presbyterian Church, and Chester County Running Store. 

Blaum said, “Our parents have been so supportive in helping with transportation issues for the girls after practice. This truly has been a collaborative effort of GOTR staff, community members, Pottstown School District staff, parents, and students.”

One parent noted the positive difference that participation in the program has provided when she said, “I’m so amazed with this awesome program. I have never seen my daughter so ambitious about something. She strives for perfection in almost everything she does and this program is teaching her so much it’s beautiful to see.”

On a sunny spring day in May the 22 girls, along with their coaches and volunteers, participated in the 3.1 mile race held at Wissahickon High School. The event, which attracted over 1800 participants from across Montgomery and Delaware counties, was the final chapter in the girls’ journey. 

The lessons the girls learned helped them not only complete the race but realize their potential as leaders in the classroom and the community.

Barth Elementary School was the scene of an afterschool celebration attended by all of the girls, their coaches, family members, and supporters. The girls received certificates and a personalized school bag with a journal and pictures of each of them participating in the program.

Oxenford said, “This program has enabled these young ladies to realize the potential they have to be successful through individual effort and teamwork. I am proud of them and appreciate the many volunteer coaches who helped to make this program a success.”

Volunteer coaches included: Sarah Blaum – PHS; Sarah Paul –Barth; Rachel Pollock – Barth; Mary Anderson – Barth; Jennifer Burkholder – Barth; Matthea Mazzie – Barth; Ashley Lanyon – Barth volunteer; Megan Walsh – Barth volunteer; Helen Bowers – PHS; and Melissa Schubert – PHS.

Participants included: Amber Adamski, Gianna Allen, Jenia Brown, Khaia Burgess, Mia Caballero-Vega, Josie Chladek, Hannah Jane Daniels, Margaret DiPietro, Lily Fetterman, Sanai Greene-Brinkley, Jazmin Gulick, Brianna Higgins, Makenzie Johnson, Aniyah Jones, Chasey Jules, Kylee Kennon, Jocelyn Malauulu, Mackenzie Moser, Kira Rodriguez, Ariana Torres, Chakae Tinson, and Oralee Wilson.

1 comment:

  1. Great job, girls! Congratulations to all of you!

    ReplyDelete