Girls on the Run (GOTR) has been a successful program at all three elementary schools in Gorham for several years. This year, dozens of Gorham girls participated.

GOTR is a ten week national program for girls in Grades 3-5. Coached by volunteers, the girls spend the season building confidence and other life skills through dynamic lessons and physical activity. Throughout the program girls build self esteem and character and learn to care for, and make connections with, others.

“Being a GOTR volunteer is a very rewarding experience. I enjoy getting to know new girls and love knowing that we are teaching them some great life skills, all while having fun and getting some exercise,” says Jaimie Fraley, who joined Rolande Paolino, Delainey Kein and Anna Sedenka, as the coaches at Great Falls School.

The participants ran their final 5K for GOTR the first week of November. The weather was beautiful, and the girls did an amazing job. Usually the GOTR season ends in a huge 5K at Pineland Farms for all of the nearby schools. However, this year, the 5K runs were based at the schools, and parents, staff and other volunteers came out to cheer and encourage each girl to do their best.

Coaches for the Fall session at Village School were Nikki Pratt, Amanda McDermott, Lisa McDermott and Zip Weeman.

“As a coach, it was great to see the girls encourage and support each other. As a mom, it was great to see the laughs and friendships,” remarks Miss Nikki, one of the Village School GOTR coaches.

Coach Grady, a fourth grade teacher and GOTR volunteer said, “Narragansett girls completed their celebratory 5K on November 9. All of the girls were showing off their star power.” The other coaches at Narragansett School are Miles Douglass and Marie Whitney.

There were over 20 sites hosting GOTR this Fall, including the three Gorham elementary schools. Spring registration is open now and the season begins April 4. For more information, check out girlsontherunmaine.org.