Whiz Kid: Girls on the Run of Puget Sound

Thanks to Mercer Island resident (and grandmother of participating student) Rosita Romero for nominating students 3rd-5th grade from , and Elementary schools participating in Girls On the Run of Puget Sound for this week's Whiz Kid column.

Girls on the Run of Puget Sound is a non-profit organization whose mission is to use the power of running to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Their running season began this week and culminates with a 5K run around Seattle's Seward Park on Girls on Saturday, May 21st at 10:00 a.m.

    •    Whiz Kid's Name: Elementary School Students Participating in Girls on the Run of Puget Sound

    •    Whiz Kid's Age or Age Range: 3rd-5th grade

    •    Whiz Kid's School:  , and

    •    Whiz Kid's Accomplishment:  These young girls have made a commitment to respect their bodies and themselves by coming together twice a week in a postive and empowering activity.

    •    Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Elsbeth Ruder, head coach of Girls on the Run at Island Park Elementary gives us the scoop:

"My experience last year with Girls on the Run was awesome.  It was great to see the girls who were shy and uncertain at the start of the season grow into girls who were confident and willing to challenge themselves by the end.  They learned about important topics, created team bonds with new friends, and successfully completed a huge task. It was great to be a part of."

By participating in Girls on the Run of Puget Sound, the girls will learn from a: "curriculum based, experiential learning program that utilizes "the power of running to provide 3rd-5th grade girls the tools to celebrate their bodies, honor their voices, recognize their gifts and activate their power!"