Long-time Girls on the Run of Snohomish County (GOTRSnoCo) volunteer coaches at Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary School have been recognized by Girls on the Run International with their Remarkable Volunteer Award, a national volunteer recognition program that acknowledges the inspirational impact volunteers have on their community. Heather Ferrel, Maureen Mejia, Langlie Morgan, Nikki Porter and Manetta Pfrimmer were amongst the small group of individuals selected from Girls on the Run councils across the country. Four of the volunteers were presented with the award at a recent school assembly which included an honor song performed by students.
After previously volunteering as a coach in Florida, Ferrel took on the role of site liaison and coordinated with Girls on the Run of Snohomish County to start a team at Quil Ceda Elementary in 2017. She quickly recruited five other school staff members to coach with her and they have gone above and beyond every season, reaching more than 130 students with the program. Two of the original team coaches, Manetta Pfrimmer and Kyla Raser, have since moved to other schools and started Girls on the Run teams at those sites.
“We love coaching Girls on the Run! It is an amazing program that has helped grow both students and staff at QCT! It is truly inspiring watching girls go from shy and silent to leading morning assembly messages in a matter of weeks,” shared Ferrel. “Our girls learn strategies that help them maneuver both social and academic situations. Because of the Girls on the Run program, girls have continued on to become leaders in middle and high school; growing their self-confidence and making a greater impact in our community.”
Not only did these volunteers add teams to include more participants, they rallied the school community so that the girls not only get the full financial assistance and free running shoes provided by GOTRSnoCo, but they also get a complete workout outfit for practice and a backpack to keep their GOTR clothes in during the week. These volunteers continually go the extra mile when it comes to understanding and providing what the participants and families need — from the lead-up to the season, to helping get girls registered, all the way through organizing transportation to the 5K. They do what it takes to ensure the right communication, environment, and support is provided for everyone involved.
“We consider them coach legends and truly value their insights, resourcefulness, enthusiasm and downright spunk. We love to support them and feel that they are a constant reminder of limitless potential,” GOTRSnoCo Program Director Leah Bernstein explained. “Heather, Manetta, Langlie, Maureen and Nikki are remarkable in many ways, and their enthusiasm and positivity is inspiring to all of us at Girls on the Run!”
Girls on the Run relies on volunteers like these individuals to facilitate the program for girls in 3rd through 8th grades in Snohomish County. We are currently seeking volunteers for our 10-week Spring 2023 season, held March-June. No experience is necessary to volunteer and coach training, program curriculum, supplies and coach support are provided. Read more about: starting a team at your school or community site or becoming a coach today.