Propelled to Run
Donation protected
Last year, we started an all girls running team at our school, with the end goal of running the Pittsburgh Marathon 5k . Six girls signed up in grades 5-6, and on race day four girls competed in the 5k race (2 were unable to due to non-running related injuries- they were really disappointed). The girls were so proud of themselves for accomplishing something many people they know have never done before!
Our school is located on the Northside of Pittsburgh and we serve students in grade k-7. Over 80% of our students qualify for Free and Reduced lunch, and because we do not have organized team sports, many have never been a part of a team before.
As the principal of the building, and an avid runner myself, I feel it is important to expose our young ladies to experiences they may never think to have on their own.
This year we have extended the team to reach grades 4-7 and have quadrupled our roster! We have 25 girls signed up to run this May. Three teachers, myself, and another princpal all volunteer our time to coach the girls afterschool and have registered for the race to be able to run with them as well. It has truly been the best way to end a long day to run with the girls and watch them cheer each other on. The younger students stand around the gym and give high fives to the older girls as they run past and the older girls take their turn doing the same for the younger girls.
Though parents have contributed $25 per child, we still need more money to pay for the rest of the race registration, t-shirts for the girls, snacks and water for practice, and lastly food for our pre race pasta dinner when we invite the whole family to come to the school to eat, celebrate, and make signs for their girls for the race the next day! Every little bit counts, so we appreciate anything you can give. I think some of the most important qualities we can instill in our young girls is to have self esteem, a positive body image, and gratitude (don't be surprised if you get a thank you note from the team), and this team is proving to help with all three.
Thank you from the Northside!
Our school is located on the Northside of Pittsburgh and we serve students in grade k-7. Over 80% of our students qualify for Free and Reduced lunch, and because we do not have organized team sports, many have never been a part of a team before.
As the principal of the building, and an avid runner myself, I feel it is important to expose our young ladies to experiences they may never think to have on their own.
This year we have extended the team to reach grades 4-7 and have quadrupled our roster! We have 25 girls signed up to run this May. Three teachers, myself, and another princpal all volunteer our time to coach the girls afterschool and have registered for the race to be able to run with them as well. It has truly been the best way to end a long day to run with the girls and watch them cheer each other on. The younger students stand around the gym and give high fives to the older girls as they run past and the older girls take their turn doing the same for the younger girls.
Though parents have contributed $25 per child, we still need more money to pay for the rest of the race registration, t-shirts for the girls, snacks and water for practice, and lastly food for our pre race pasta dinner when we invite the whole family to come to the school to eat, celebrate, and make signs for their girls for the race the next day! Every little bit counts, so we appreciate anything you can give. I think some of the most important qualities we can instill in our young girls is to have self esteem, a positive body image, and gratitude (don't be surprised if you get a thank you note from the team), and this team is proving to help with all three.
Thank you from the Northside!
Organizer
Sarah Lordi
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA
