Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Saturday, March 26, 2011

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Nearly 30 girls from Picadome Elementary recently completed a 5K race -- one of their goals in GEMS (Girls Empowered and Motivated to Succeed.)

At Picadome Elementary, a self-esteem and fitness program is burnishing nearly 30 little GEMS into confident young women.

These third, fourth and fifth-graders constantly encourage one another as each develops the strength to stand up for what’s right, walk away from poor choices and run 5K races.

Ebonee Brown, director of the school’s Family Resource Center, launched GEMS (Girls Empowered and Motivated to Succeed) this semester. The club meets after school on Mondays and Thursdays for 12 weeks.

“We cater it to the issues we have going on with the girls here at school,” Brown said, citing such discussion topics as healthy diets, bullies and tolerance. “When you have that small group – with the cohesiveness of the girls – we feel like the topic is driven home.”

Brown hopes GEMS will help her girls make a successful transition to middle school.

One key component is preparing for 5K races, which involves setting goals and committing to do the work – both as individuals and as a team.

Fourth-grade teacher Allison Wilson coaches the youngsters, who run two miles each session mostly on nearby neighborhood streets. On rainy days, the girls stay in the gym, where relay races, dodge ball and other games keep them active for more than an hour.

“Sometimes they don’t even realize they’re training,” said Wilson, who helps the girls pace themselves based on their abilities and stamina.

Effort and celebration

The Picadome GEMS recently completed Lexington’s inaugural Race to Read 5K, a milestone accomplishment noted at school and at home.

“My daughter got to know the thrill of crossing a finish line after putting in hard work and dedication,” said parent Tricia SirLouis, whose child met the challenge to try something she felt was out of her reach. “I wanted her to experience what it is like to make a 12-week commitment and see it through. I wanted her to know that she is capable of doing ‘really hard things.’”

“She also got to learn the value of teamwork,” SirLouis said. “She could encourage and keep pace with other girls who were struggling to keep running, and she would slow down and walk with her friend who suffers from asthma.”

After all, GEMS is not about winning the race – it’s about mutual support along the way.

“We cheer each other on even if we’re in last place,” explained fifth-grader Claire Howell. “It helps you stay positive, and it really does help emotionally and physically.”

Ripple effects

Overall, the older girls have stepped up as leaders to motivate the younger students. And the entire effort has inspired the adults around them as parents take up jogging, families head to the gym together and teachers work out more intently.

Coach Wilson also noted how GEMS fosters a bond among the girls, many of whom have become close friends through the after-school club.

“Some of our really shy girls have come out of their shells,” she added, while others are now more at ease with their developing bodies and more outspoken in class.

Meanwhile, she and Brown have become trusted adults in the students' lives.

“They come to us and talk about things now because they know we’re here for them,” said Wilson, who is often greeted in the hallway with smiles and hugs.

Parents have also noticed the program's positive effects.

When SirLouis picks up the three girls in her carpool, they’re a tired bunch of flushed-face gigglers who still have the energy to joke and groove to the radio on the way home.

“My daughter seems much more confident and self-assured," SirLouis said. "She is tackling bigger projects at school and is reading much more challenging books. Most importantly, she has a new definition for ‘really hard.’”

Race to Read 5K

Picadome’s GEMS participated in Lexington’s Race to Read 5K on March 19, picking up such group awards as Most Team Spirit and Most Creative Costume. Also, many of the girls were among the top finishers in their age group.

10-and-younger division:

• First place: Elliott Ford, third grade.
• Second place: Noel Bowyer, fourth grade.
• Third place: Mallory Crouch, third grade.

11-to-16 age group:

• Second place: Megan Huynh, fifth grade.
• Third place: Lexi Lawson, fifth grade.

Next up: GEMS runners are training for a 5K in Georgetown in May.

Contact at Picadome: Ebonee Brown, (859) 381-3570