Live Elementary students, coaches highlight Girls on the Run program at Dover Area SD board meeting

At the Dover Area School District board meeting, students and coaches from Live Elementary showcased the Girls on the Run program and described how it supports social‑emotional learning and physical activity. "Girls on the Run is focused on teaching us important life lessons," fifth‑grader Vivian Trimmer told the board, describing lessons on confidence, advocacy and assertiveness.

Coach Riley Ronk, who teaches health and physical education at Live Elementary, said the program has grown: "Our numbers have almost doubled this year from last year," and the team ran a 5K at York College. Josie Markle described the training approach: "When we are first starting out, we wanna start with a small distance, and at each practice, we run a little farther to vote it for the 5K."

Parents also praised the program. Parent Brianna Markle said she ran as a "5K buddy" with her daughter and called the program a confidence‑building experience; Jessica Hurlbert said Girls on the Run pushed her child out of her comfort zone and built friendships across grades.

Board members thanked the coaches and students. President Conley called the presentation "a bright spot. It's a great way to start a meeting out," and several directors asked whether the program could expand to other elementary schools. Director McKinney noted a new middle‑school track program and encouraged students to remain involved in running as a lifelong activity.

The presentation included examples of classroom carryover, community projects such as bulb planting and posters for breast‑cancer awareness, and schoolwide videos produced by student teams. Board members said they would consider whether Girls on the Run can be supported districtwide and applauded the volunteer coaches and families who run and support the program.

The board moved on to its financial report after the presentation; no formal action was taken on Girls on the Run at the meeting.