‘Girls on the Run’ helps young women build positive self-esteem

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Several schools are participating in a program called Girls on the Run, which helps girls build confidence, develop healthy habits and learn important social-emotional skills while working toward a 5K. 

Sydney Shavenore, school counselor at Hyde Elementary, said the program gives girls an opportunity to grow both mentally and physically as they prepare for the race. 

“We do that at the end of the season so they learn self-esteem and empowerment and learning how set goals work and working towards those as well,” Shavenore said.  

Girls are selected based on whether school staff believes they could benefit from the program. Organizers try to include students from both fourth and fifth grades. 

Shavenore said building confidence at this age is especially important because girls can begin to lose their self-esteem as they get older.  

“Girls start to lose their self-esteem and confidence, and having them learn those skills in how to keep going and pushing themselves is very helpful to them,” she said.  

The program takes place every fall, giving a new group of girls the opportunity to participate each season. 

For sixth grader McKinley Ziolkowski, running is one of the things she enjoys most about the program. She said it has helped her stay positive and encourage others to do the same.  

“I encourage younger girls to be positive also. I am excited about the 5K run on Saturday. I have done it before; it is really fun, and it encourages you to run more,” she said.  

She said she has learned that she can finish a 5K, even if she cannot run the entire distance. Instead, she has found a pace that works for her, which has motivated her to keep running. 

Fifth grader Adelynn Campbell said the program has also helped her build confidence and make new friends.  

“I love running and playing with my friends and I have actually made some friends with those fourth graders,” she said.  

She said the program is a great way to get in shape, build friendships and get to know teachers better. 

Although Campbell is a little nervous about the upcoming race, she said practicing throughout the season has helped her feel more prepared to take on the challenge. 

This year's 5K will take place on Halloween, giving the girls a chance to put their hard work into action and see how far they have come throughout the season. 

The girls do not have to run the entire race. Instead, they are encouraged to find their own pace, keep moving and support one another along the way. 

The race begins at 9 a.m. and will bring together girls from across the Kansas City area to celebrate their progress, confidence and accomplishments.