Sole Sisters brings friendship, unity to girls across the district

CCPS Sole Sisters joined girls from seven schools for a 5K at RDC.

More than 65 girls from seven schools gathered for the Sole Sisters 5K, marking the culmination of six weeks of teamwork, encouragement, and personal growth.

The running club, in its second year, has become so much more for girls across CCPS.

"The benefit is girl empowerment," said Ros Gay, Strode Station Family Resource Coordinator. “It’s an activity where the girls lift each other up and challenge themselves to accomplish any goal.”

Throughout the six-week program, participants built friendships, developed healthy habits, and gained confidence while preparing for the 5K event.

“Sole Sisters gives our girls an opportunity to build confidence, friendships, and healthy habits through running and teamwork,” said McKenna Jackson, RDC counselor. "It creates a supportive environment where girls encourage one another, set goals, and learn that they are capable of more than they may have believed."

Baker FRC Coordinator Casey Davis said she watched students who once barely knew each other grow into a close-knit team.

“It's a supportive community where you can grow in confidence, support your peers, and discover the leader inside of you,” she said.

This year's club concluded with district-wide 5K and celebration at the RDC track that brought together students, families, staff, and community supporters.

When the girls finished the 5K, it didn't mark the end of their shared experience.

“Sole Sisters had such a positive impact on our students at Justice," said Justice Elementary FRC Coordinator Brittney Combs. "I have girls stating that they are making new friends and choosing healthy exercises to participate in in order to be even stronger and faster next year."

During the 5K, dozens of parents and supporters lined the outskirts of the track to cheer on the girls.

"The energy, encouragement, and sense of accomplishment at the finish line showed how meaningful the program has been for everyone involved," Ms. Jackson said. "I am proud of all the participants and grateful for the support from our YSC, which helped make the event such a positive experience for our students."

Seeing girls of all ages and CCPS schools cheering for each other and jumping in celebration at the finish line left no doubt about the program's impact.

"Watching all the girls from each school set a goal and work hard to complete it while their families and friends cheered them on was so powerful," Ms. Combs said. "These girls are the definition of girl power!”

Shoutout to our FRYSC coordinators for leading this tremendous program. We are so proud of these Committed Collaborators and Empowered Leaders!