Chesterfield County Public Schools -

Ettrick wins service award

Active in Chesterfield County Public Schools for almost two decades, Girls on the Run is a nonprofit that puts life skills at the heart of its research-based programs. Trained volunteers lead lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships and expressing empathy. The goal is to inspire girls to recognize their inner strength, increase their physical activity and imagine their possibilities.

This year for the first time, Girls on the Run of Greater Richmond awarded the Jody Enoch “She S.O.A.R.s” Award in memory of the woman who launched the program in Chesterfield County Public Schools. S.O.A.R.s (Shine with strength and Optimism, Aspire to Rise) encourages school teams to undertake community projects focused on sharing kindness, enjoying nature and celebrating others.

Ettrick Elementary won the inaugural award with a project to support Special Olympians in the Little Feet Meet. Ettrick Elementary’s Girls on the Run worked together to design and make encouraging posters, then hang them outside the classrooms of Ettrick students going to the Little Feet Meet. This collaborative work of the Ettrick team is a real-life example of “She S.O.A.R.s” Award in action.