POTSDAM -- A group of Lawrence Avenue Elementary students are participating in a pilot program of Girls on the Run this spring.

Girls on the Run is primarily a school-hosted, after-school, physical activity-based program designed to enhance girls’ social, psychological, and physical competencies to successfully navigate life experiences.

"The Girls on the Run program is teaching our girls not only how to make healthy eating and exercise choices, but also how to make friends, build self-confidence, and to believe in themselves," said volunteer coach and district teacher Joanna Cross. "Watching the girls motivate each other and build each other up has been super rewarding to me.”

Fifteen PCS students are planned to join the 8-week program which uses running and other physical activities as a platform for promoting holistic health outcomes for girls in grades 3-5. The mission of Girls on the Run is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. It is accompanied by a vision and core values that accentuate empowering girls to achieve their goals, stand up for themselves and others, and develop healthy relationship connections.

Volunteer coaches lead participants through learning modules focused on healthy choices; positive self-talk; balance of work, life, and play; empathy; social connection; making, being, and choosing friends; strength; gratitude; cooperation; and communication.

To celebrate the girls' achievement and bring the community together a 5k run/walk, the Stoner Skedaddle, is planned for June 12 at 9 a.m. behind Lawrence Avenue Elementary. Proceeds from the race will assist future participants with the cost of registration to ensure all interested girls may participate.

Food vendors, face painting, and music will be offered.

For event details, registration, or to donate to future program offerings, visit www.runsignup.com/stonerskedaddle

Register by June 2 to guarantee a race t-shirt.