When Lakewood Falls Elementary School announced plans to launch the Lady Lions Running Club in the spring, the staff thought a few students might sign-up.
But to everyone’s surprise, 33 girls joined the club.
The Lady Lions Running Club meets before school on Mondays and Thursdays.
The goal of the club is to create a sense of empowerment, inclusivity, and physical well-being among the fourth and fifth graders.
“We think it is important to encourage girls to participate in sports at a young age and the club promotes the idea that girls can excel in any field that they choose,” said Lakewood Falls physical education and health teacher Diana Budds.
Budds and second-grade teacher Kara Finlon coach the running club.
“The friendship that the girls have formed through the club can have a lasting impact on their social development,” Budds said.
Lakewood Falls will start a boys running club in the fall and the Lady Lions Running Club again in the spring.