For the first time in more than 40 years,...
Read More
McNair Elementary Girls On The Run Team Wins First Place for Service Project
The McNair Elementary Girls on the Run (GOTR) team in the Hazelwood School District recently won first place for the Bill & Amy Koman Award for Excellence in Community Service.
Girls on the Run St. Louis presented the award to the McNair team in recognition of their efforts to raise $600 to buy teddy bears for the Hazelwood Police Department. The police department keeps the bears in the trunks of squad cars to share with children to help comfort them during traumatic situations.
“Officers keep a teddy bear in the trunk to give to children who have been in an accident and help comfort the child at the scene,” said Jenna Waldhoff, speech pathologist and head coach for the McNair GOTR team. “The girls raised money by asking neighbors, family, and community members to pledge money for their practice 5K race.”
The McNair team participated in the GOTR race Nov. 15 in downtown St. Louis.
“We are excited and extremely proud of our team,” said Jennifer Roper, McNair principal. “The GOTR program is an excellent way for our young ladies to learn the importance of physical activity but also take on a leadership role in bettering our community.”
Each semester, the Koman Award, presented by GOTR St. Louis, is given to the teams that best demonstrate creativity, teamwork and shared commitment in planning and executing their community service project.
Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program (PA-PYD) designed to develop and enhance girls’ social, psychological and physical competencies to successfully navigate life experiences.
