Girls on the Run (pdf)

“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.”