According to Chautauqua Lake Central School officials, Girls on the Run works through a combination of interactive lessons, team-building activities and running based challenges to help participants develop a positive sense of self while encouraging each girl to recognize her own “bold heart.”

The program took place over the course of eight weeks, where participating students met twice weekly after school, training for the culminating 5K race along with other everyday challenges students might encounter. The girls learned about friendship, healthy conflict, self-advocacy, and making choices that support both personal growth and the well-being of others, and were coached by teachers Abigail Della Chiesa, Kathy Machemer, Megan Grace, and Kate Michalski. The coaching team expressed how proud they were of their team’s growth, confidence and willingness to encourage one another.

“The Girls on the Run program is outstanding — the curriculum encourages discovering your inner strength in a meaningful way, and our team did exactly that,” Della Chiesa said. “The girls learned to set goals and build confidence, all while cheering each other on. Coaching the group this year has been an absolute joy.”

The girls on the team were seen to be cheering for their teammates, showing perseverance during training, and proving that effort and heart matter just as much as results. Machemer noted this especially for one specific student, Aria Mulkins.

Chautauqua Lake Central School elementary girls participated in the nationwide Girls on the Run Program. Submitted photos

“I coached her last year and during basketball and I’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in her over the past two years,” Machemer said. “When she ran the race this year, she was so positive, encouraging everyone on her team to keep up the good work and do their best.”

For Mulkins herself, the program has been transformative.

“I have participated in the program for the past two seasons,” Mulkins said. “I love the experience and being able to make new friendships in the program with all the activities that it provides. It has helped me build my confidence in school and sports.”

The Chautauqua Lake girls’ season ended on November 8 with the Girls on the Run 5K in Delaware Park in Buffalo. Participants ran alongside hundreds of girls from across the region, and team members expressed how much fun both the 5K and overall program was for them.

“It was super fun because we got to run with our friends a lot and we got to do the 5K which was fun,” participant Peyton Hitchcock said.

Supported at the 5K by family members and volunteer running buddies, the Chautauqua Lake team finished their race with pride, determination, and smiles, describing the event as exciting, challenging and uplifting. They noted the moment as being one that allowed them to see how far they have come since the beginning of the season.

“It was really fun and I would do it again,” participant Sophia McChesney said.

Another participant, Lillian Brown, agreed with McChensney. She added that the experience has allowed her to improve as well.

“Girls on the Run has been so much fun because the coaches are really nice and I liked running on the track,” Brown said. “I got really fast at running.”

The Girls on the Run program at Chautauqua Lake Central School continues to provide students the opportunity to strengthen themselves as individuals while also building a sense of community and connection. Students described it as a positive experience that brings them back year after year.

“Girls on the Run was really fun and I did it for two years in a row because of how fun it was,” participant Rylee Rosage said.

Chautauqua Lake Elementary Principal, Megan Lundgren, said the Girls on the Run program at Chautauqua Lake is a program that has an impact on students and one that the district appreciates.

“For some students, this experience unlocks a new passion, allowing them to experience joy, accomplishment and comradery,” Lundgren said. “The culminating 5K in Buffalo is an amazing event, and one that students leave feeling so proud and fulfilled. We greatly appreciate all of the program volunteers, along with our staff that remain dedicated to this program.”