Third through fifth grade girls at Waverly Park Elementary School were given the opportunity to join the Girls on the Run after-school program this year. Girls on the Run is a nationally known physical activity-based, positive youth development program that helps teach life skills to girls in grades 3-8. During this 10-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections and encourage community service while they prepare for the end-of-season celebratory 5K event. Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. 

This year’s volunteer coaches, Mrs. Rubin, Ms. Mastropolo and Mrs. Greenfeld led their Waverly team of 13 girls through a curriculum that included dynamic discussions, activities and fun running games. The program culminated with the girls positively impacting their community through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

On June 1 at Hofstra University, Waverly’s team and coaches gathered with more than 950 girls, spectators, volunteers and community members for the Girls on the Run Long Island Spring 5K event. All the girls crossed the finish line proud and smiling!