Girls On The Run At Kruse

Orland Park IL

02 June, 2021

11:58 AM

Description

ORLAND PARK, IL — After clubs had been held virtually due to COVID-19, students at Kruse were ready to hit the ground running with in-person clubs. Following a successful in-person season, the Girls on the Run club held a capstone event on May 20. Members of the club wore matching shirts, some paired with brightly colored tutus. The girls huddled together for a group cheer before they took off on their last run of the season. Family and friends holding signs lined the final stretch to the finish, and the girls crossed the finish line of their one mile run among cheers and applause. Each girl was paired with a "running buddy" from the Kruse staff who accompanied them on the run and offered extra motivation throughout the run. After everyone had crossed the finish line, each student was recognized individually and received a medal and certificate. The club began meeting at the beginning of April and practiced two times each week. Lisa LaMorte and Gena Carpentier, sponsors of the club, stressed that the club isn't just about running. The girls also learn about self-confidence and team building. "I think Girls on the Run is so important because it emphasizes acceptance and the importance of a positive self-image," said LaMorte. "In addition to getting outside and being active, the girls are learning life skills and how to become effective members of the community at each meeting." Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that is "dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams." At the end of the year, members of the club at Kruse would usually attend a large-scale 5K Run with girls from schools across the state. LaMorte has been volunteer with the Girls on the Run organization for about five years. When she began teaching at Kruse, she brought the club back after its previous sponsor left the school. "At the larger event, attendees would dress up in tutus and music would be playing as the girls ran," LaMorte said. "Since that event couldn't be held because of the pandemic, we wanted to offer our girls something as similar as possible to end their season here at Kruse." Another Kruse club, Compassion in Action (CIA) made some of the signs that were held at the finish line. To offer an extra boost of confidence prior to the final run, students of the CIA club also made a good luck cards for each runner. Community Consolidated School District 146 is comprised of Central Middle School, Fierke Education Center, Fulton School, Kruse Education Center, and Memorial School. Students from Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Oak Forest attend District 146 schools.