For Immediate Release

Monday, June 18, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Hull Elementary School Students Complete 5K as Part of Girls on the Run Program

HULL — Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School girls completed a special 5K earlier this month as part of a program designed to foster self-respect and healthy lifestyles.

On Saturday, June 9, 25 girls in grades three through five participated in the Girls on the Run 5K at Hopkinton High School, joining more than 600 runners who participated in the event.

Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident in their everyday lives through an experience-based curriculum that integrates running.

During the 10-week program implemented at the Jacobs School, 27 girls took time out of their regular schedules to meet with coaches Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning before school and in the afternoons after school. They focused on activities that would build self-awareness, teamwork, goal-setting and healthy relationships. Students would then participate in physical activities to help build endurance for the 5K.

“Girls on the Run was fun,” said third grade student Grace Kiley. “I learned a lot about myself and how I can be true to myself.”

The Girls on the Run program also incorporated a community service project, which Jacobs students decided would focus on raising money to support homeless individuals.

On June 7, the girls held a bake sale during the annual Jacobs Elementary School spring concert and raised $423, which they donated to Wellspring Multi-Service Center.

Physical education teacher Keryn Leonard led the Girls on the Run program at the Jacobs School, with assistance from Principal Christine Cappadona, school psychologist Lauren Snowdale, reading specialist Mary Ellen Moran, technology specialist Kerrie Ryan and special education teacher Elizabeth Sypek.

“We’re so proud of all the girls who partook in the Girls on the Run program,” Principal Cappadona said. “The creative curriculum allowed students to really build their self-confidence while strengthening peer relationships, increasing physical stamina and raising money for a cause they support.”

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