BUFFALO, N.Y. — Girls on the Run teaches girls things like confidence, self-love, and teamwork. Those qualities were on full display at a recent photoshoot for the track program in Orchard Park.
"Girls on the Run is a curriculum-based program that helps girls find their inner self esteem," Program Director Meghan Cavanaugh said. "Their self esteem, body image. It's just really supporting girls in that time when they're feeling like they might need a little extra confidence and support."
The team from BPS 45 International School is one of 95 local schools participating this season.
They'll soon be some of the new faces of the program.
"We have a new curriculum coming out and the theme is Better Together, so we thought let's bring these girls together and do a little photoshoot. Have a really fun day for them," Cavanaugh said.
The photos taken at Patti Looney Photography Studio in Orchard Park will be used at the organization's upcoming spring luncheon and other campaigns.
"It's a great opportunity. We get to have fun, hang out with each other, and have a little break from school," Fifth Grader Dianna Habetzion said.
Over the next couple of months, the girls will train to run a 5k at the end of the season with teams from the rest of the schools.
"I like doing it because I get to hang out with my friends," Fifth Grader Adamaris Camacho said. "I get to run faster every single year."
Along the way, they work on other lessons, too.
"They try to get everybody together and work on positivity," Fifth Grader Leomie Mboboshi said.
"Be kind and respect others and learn to not stick with your friends and meet new people," Camacho said.
"Don't spread negativity, you just gotta have fun," Habetzion added.
The International School coaches say the field trip was a payoff for the team's hard work so far.
"I think this is amazing for them," Coach Kerry Calvert said. "I think that they're proud of themselves and this gives them an opportunity to show their pride."
"There's a lot of bad things going on in the world and so many of our kids come from places that see so much bad," Coach and School Counselor Lisa Witkin said. "They can come to school and they can do this and have so much fun."
The Girls on the Run Spring 5K is open to the public and is coming up on Sunday, June 2nd.
Register and learn more here.