HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — As Thanksgiving approaches, a group of fifth grade students at Millridge Elementary School in Highland Heights has more than the holiday to be grateful for. They're also celebrating their newfound leadership skills and dedication to service, fostered through "Girls on the Run."
Girls on the Run is a national program, implemented at Mayfield City Schools' Millridge Elementary, that helps build confidence in young ladies through interactive lessons and physical activities. The 25-member team at the kindergarten through fifth grade school helped organize a mile-long Turkey Trot on Tuesday for the 550 students on campus.
It was not only a fitness activity, but also a platform to showcase the young leaders' hard work and enthusiasm.
"We get to be the leaders and, like, we get to make some of the decisions," 11-year-old Julia Stocum said.
For Julia and her teammates, the experience was more than running; it was about coming together to create something meaningful for their peers.
"I'm happy because all of these kids are here and we get to come run with them, and it's really fun," she added.
A program that builds confidence and community
As part of Girls on the Run, the Millridge runners spent eight weeks preparing to participate in a 5K run with trained coaches, while also engaging in lessons twice a week.
"They learn about self-esteem, body image, how to take care of themselves, and be healthy," said school counselor Melissa Gamiere, who also serves as one of the Girls on the Run coaches.
For 10-year-old Lola Rodgers, the program has fostered a connection between encouragement and leadership.
"It helps me motivate other kids and stuff because the teachers motivated us, and they want us to motivate the other kids too," Lola shared.
A message of possibility
The Turkey Trot wasn't the only achievement of the day. The Girls on the Run team also spearheaded a community service project, collecting more than 1,000 baby items for the Cleveland Kindness Group to support families in need.
"They have just excelled at the opportunity to lead at our school," Gamiere said. "Our girls eight weeks ago didn't know that they could run a 5K and create a Turkey Trot for a whole school, and they did it! I just want everybody to remember that anything is possible!"