29 Streams students complete Girls on the Run 5K

June 6, 2023

Twenty-nine Streams Elementary students recently completed the Girls on the Run Magee Spring 5K. The celebratory event, held May 21, 2023, at the Waterfront in Homestead, marks the end of the 10-week program.

“Each season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K,” program organizers said. “This closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence through completion and is a joyful moment program participants always remember!”

Girls on the Run is a national program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. The program combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting lessons and workouts. The goal of the program is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development.

The Streams program was coached by fourth grade teacher Carolyn Fortson and librarian Stephanie Kellner. Serving as assistant coaches were Rachel Devenney, Anne DiDesiderio, Kasey Exacustides, Leslie Smirniw, Rebecca Smith and Leia Warden.

“These types of programs are so important because they empower girls and build their confidence in all aspects of their well-being,” Mrs. Fortson said. “Girls on the Run helps girls develop social, emotional, and physical skills and healthy habits for life.”

Throughout the 10-week program, students met after school for 90 minutes each Monday and Wednesday. Lessons centered around Identity (self-care, self-awareness, knowing self), Connectedness (selecting healthy relationships and keeping them healthy) and Empowerment (celebrating and sharing our strengths). While training for a 5K by running laps around the school, girls would reflect on these themes with activities such as writing the qualities of a good friend on a poster board each lap, or acting out scenarios where they could make healthy choices.

“We hope the girls learned to be confident in who they are and what they can do,” Mrs. Fortson said. “We hope they built lasting friendships and life-long social, emotional and physical skills.”