Girls on the Run (pdf)

<strong>Girls</strong> on the Run,
Where Young Soles Soar
By Lianne Markus
HOPE, NJ - It seems that modern-day communication is a technological rite-of-passage, and
undoubtedly printed words from friends are a source of self esteem. Faceless texting, Facebook
friend count, twitter hash tags - all modern-day modes of acceptance that, for some, define where
you fit in. It's an inevitable place of importance among students that is founded on the proverbial
“I was the last one to be picked for the team” adage.
With this stretch of human connection considered, “<strong>Girls</strong> on the Run”, a national program that
sets forth to use the power of running to make a difference, has been brought to Hope Township
School, Hope, NJ, with a message of connection that defies texted impressions. How you ask?
Well, it seems the answer lies simply in where soles meet.
“We are here to encourage the self-worth of each participant,” said Stacey Brown, Principal at
Hope Township School, Hope, NJ. “We encourage the ideals of us all being superstars with an
incredible source of strength brought on by togetherness.”
In an effort to develop self-esteem, Brown says that <strong>Girls</strong> on the Run is a perfect avenue to push
girls to their greatest potential and show each child that they can do anything they set out to do.
“It’s a program that builds on one’s strengths and encourages each child to set reasonable goals,”
said Brown. “More importantly, it is a program that allows girls to truly understand the power
behind the encouragement of others and the power of friendship and teamwork.”
<strong>Girls</strong> on the Run is a nationally supported, after-school program that prepares girls for a lifetime
of self-respect and healthy living. The educational curriculum creatively incorporates training for
a 5K marathon with lessons that develop essential life skills for girls in grades K-8. With
interactive activities such as running, playing games, and discussing important issues -
participants experience the joy of simply being themselves. Furthermore, the lessons are
designed to enhance the social, mental, physical, and emotional health of girls.
Jenn Encin, co-advisor to Hope Township School’s program along with staff member Justine
Hemberger, remarks that the most difficult part of their work is seeing students that they know of
remarkable talent held captive to stereotype and restrained potential. However, in just a few
short weeks of the program, they have seen individual leaps in confidence and life-long
friendships born within the grade 3 - 5 participants. “There are girls who, in the end, will not
only will run this, but will, more importantly, acknowledge their incredible selves with the
support of newfound friends. l’m so proud to be a part of <strong>Girls</strong> on the Run.”
A renewal of girl-power isn’t the only outcome of <strong>Girls</strong> on the Run. This program also allows
children of young age to acknowledge and accept themselves for who they are while furthering
their place in life with a goal that promotes their inner passions and desires.

“We are largely about acknowledging strengths while admitting to weaknesses as nothing more
than an obstacle. Then, together and as one, we develop goals that were once thought of as
‘impossible’ and then understand them as attainable,” says Encin.
A typical <strong>Girls</strong> on the Run day starts with a huddled mantra before breaking out into a warm-up
of fitness ability for the inevitable New Jersey 5k run in Flemington, NJ, on May 31.
Discussions of every-day dilemmas, personal achievements, interpersonal struggles, or
individual physical hopes for the day’s expectations begin the weekly meeting. Then, after
stretching minds and bodies and a hoot and holler of determination, the girls set out to run/walk
the 5k around the school grounds (which, at one time, was a daunting journey for most). Within
the hour and a half of push, girls, who just weeks prior thought it near impossible to reach the
finish line or to have befriended a seemingly unlikely classmate, barrel through the
inconceivable.
“I can’t wait to go to <strong>Girls</strong> on the Run,” said Anzhela Page, a fourth grader at Hope who says
that she likes being a part of the ‘team’. “I always wanted to be a part of something like this.
It’s a lot of fun, and I feel better about myself.” Page, along with 15 other girls from the school
have similar remarks as they run and chant with glorious smile, “I’m a superstar; Reach for the
stars; I can do anything I set my mind to!”
For Hope Township Principal Brown, this program is one that is here for the long run as she sees
this after-school activity as one that will not only allow each participant to personally grow, but
more importantly, one that will build on individual qualities that will become essential life
skills. “Hope is fortunate to have the small-school features and atmosphere which ultimately
allow for individual academic and personal development. <strong>Girls</strong> on the Run is a way for us to go
beyond the typical school day in order to develop each child’s greatest potential. From this, each
child will have have a solid foundation for their future.”