Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is an international nonprofit that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. It was founded in North Carolina in 1996, and the group teaches life skills through interactive lessons and running games. Vestavia Hills Elementary-West is the first Vestavia school to start its own Girls on the Run team.

Girls on the Run is aimed toward third- through eighth-grade girls. West’s fall team was under the direction of third-grade teachers Lisa Kearney and Emmy White, who volunteered their time while working alongside community volunteer Emily Farmer. The 13 third-graders met twice a week for more than an hour. Each meeting included a lesson, strengthening and stretching exercises, and a running workout. Each semester-long session culminates in a celebratory 5K run.

The girls also coordinated a service project. West’s Girls on the Run team created a fundraiser benefitting the victims of super typhoon Haiyan. Team members invited West students to participate in Wacky Hair Day on Friday, Nov. 22. For the chance to wear “wacky hair,” students donated $1. The total funds raised went to the Red Cross for Philippines relief efforts. More than $1,100 was raised.

West is looking forward to hosting a spring Girls on the Run team.

 -Submitted by Alice Elmore