Girls on the Run takes off at Dayton Consolidated School, empowering young girls through movement and mentorship

Dayton Consolidated School has joined the national movement to empower young girls with the launch of its first Girls on the Run program this spring.

Led by PE and STEM teacher Jill Keimach and librarian/Ed Tech Wyeth Spike, the program kicked off April 1 and will run through June 1, culminating in a celebratory 5K run.

The nationwide nonprofit, which combines physical activity with life skill development, is designed to build confidence, foster leadership, and encourage emotional resilience in girls from third to fifth grade. With a curriculum that integrates running, goal setting, and social-emotional learning, the program’s impact is already evident—even just weeks into its inaugural season.

“Goal setting and perseverance are two major factors of this program,” said Keimach. “We’re teaching young girls the power and importance of sticking with it, even when things get hard.”

Each practice begins with the girls setting lap goals, with every quarter-mile completed tracked by colorful wristbands handed out by the coaches. Whether they hit their goal or fall short, the girls are reminded of the importance of growth: “I may have missed my goal today, and that is okay,” they recite in unison—knowing they’ll have another chance to try again.

Spike emphasizes the long-term lessons embedded in these activities.

“To be a resilient human, it’s important to know how far our bodies can take us,” she said. The program teaches strategies like self-reflection, asking for help, and knowing when to take a break. “Instead of blaming the world around us, we help the girls look inward and ask, ‘What can I do differently?’”

Creating a safe, inclusive space has been central to the coaches' mission. Practices are filled with laughter, support, and moments of real connection—like the daily “Energy Awards,” where girls recognize each other for acts of kindness, strength, or encouragement. One participant honored a teammate for “always doing challenging things with a smile,” while another gave her award to a peer who “always lifts everyone else up around her.”

Though the team is limited to 15 girls this year, the coaches already see potential for growth. The school tried to launch the program previously, but COVID interrupted their plans. This year is Dayton’s first season, and it’s just the beginning.

The program operates on a sliding scale tuition model, with costs ranging from $20 to $150 based on family income, making it accessible to all. Materials, journals, and motivational resources are provided, and Girls on the Run even offers summer camps, like one coming up in July.

Each girl in the program receives her own journal—an essential part of the Girls on the Run curriculum. These journals are more than just notebooks; they’re safe spaces for the girls to reflect, set personal goals, and explore the emotional and social lessons woven into each practice.

Before lacing up their sneakers, the girls are encouraged to write down what they hope to accomplish that day, whether it’s a specific number of laps, a mindset shift, or a team-focused intention. The act of writing helps them visualize their goals and stay grounded in their personal journey.

Each practice ends with the girls giving out ‘Energy Awards,’ recognizing a teammate for their positivity or perseverance. PHOTO BY CALLY GUDROE

Throughout the eight-week program, the journals serve as a consistent reminder of how far they’ve come—not just in distance, but in confidence and self-awareness. Prompts in the journal guide them through themes like perseverance, self-respect and empathy. For many of the girls, it becomes a treasured space where they learn to connect with themselves, acknowledge their strengths, and recognize areas for growth.

As for how the community can support, Spike said that while the coaches are teachers, anyone can volunteer.

“You don’t have to be an educator to coach,” she said. “And businesses can become sponsors, which really helps keep the program going.”

In a short time, the girls at Dayton have already begun to shine, with some running up to 2.5 miles in a session and others setting—and smashing—personal time goals. But for Keimach and Spike, the true success lies in something bigger.

“We want them to see what’s attainable—not just in running, but in life,” said Spike. “When they realize what they’re capable of, that’s when the real transformation begins.”

Over 2 million girls across the country have participated in Girls on the Run, and the number continues to grow. To get involved, volunteer, or learn more about supporting this transformative nationwide program, visit girlsontherun.org.

Cally Gudroe is a freshman at University of New England.