WAYNESBORO – Girls on the Run, a transformative youth development program, has taken root in Waynesboro’s elementary schools this fall, inspiring girls to build confidence, kindness and decision-making skills. Waynesboro is proud to be part of the Central Virginia and Blue Ridge District of the Girls on the Run program, and its growth can be attributed to the passionate endeavors of local educators and parents.
Chelsey Campbell, who hosted a Girls on the Run team at William Perry Elementary School during the spring semester of 2023, initiated the expansion of the program to each of Waynesboro’s four elementary schools. Building on the momentum Chelsey had generated and leveraging her network among teachers and fellow parents, the program officially launched in all four schools in the first week of September.
Across all four elementary schools, the program has seen significant participation, with 14 coaches, comprising teachers and support staff from Waynesboro Public Schools (WPS). Approximately 76 girls are participating in the program, with around 18 of them sponsored, allowing them to participate without a program fee.
The Waynesboro coaches attended a coach training session at St. Anne’s Belfield in Charlottesville in late August, where they made up more than a quarter of the attendees, emphasizing the division's commitment to the Girls on the Run program.
Waynesboro City is the only division to have all of their schools participate in the same season. The girls will participate in the regional 5K at the culmination of the program.
The 5k race is scheduled for Sunday, November 12, in Charlottesville at St. Anne’s Belfield.
About Girls On the Run Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that offers a youth development program for girls in 3rd to 8th grade. The program creatively integrates running and physical activity with valuable life lessons, building girls’ self-esteem and inspiring them to live healthy, confident lives. To learn more, visit: https://www.girlsontheruncenva...