Long-time Girls on the Run of Snohomish County (GOTRSnoCo) volunteers, Kathleen Quirk and Karyn Roseburg have each 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. Quirk and Roseburg were amongst the small group of individuals selected from Girls on the Run councils across the country.
Kathleen Quirk was honored with this year’s Remarkable Council Supporter award. Quirk first became involved with Girls on the Run in fall 2015 as a 5K Buddy, running alongside a program participant during the annual end-of-season 5K event. She has since been engaged with nearly every volunteer role within the organization and always brings her enthusiasm - and oftentimes another volunteer or two! She has coached Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole, the organization’s middle school program, has helped with coach training, raised funds to support GOTRSnoCo as a SoleMate, volunteered on multiple committees and has been on the Board of Directors since 2017, including serving as Board Chair from 2021-2023. Her passion for the Girls on the Run programs and empowering girls is truly inspiring.
Karyn Roseburg, a teacher at Westgate Elementary in Edmonds, received the 2024 Remarkable Coach award. In 2018, when Roseburg’s daughter was in 4th grade at the same school, she volunteered to start a team and coach the Girls on the Run program. She has served as the site liaison and coach every year since, recruiting other teachers and community members to help coach and encouraged students to participate in the after-school program. She has also volunteered as a summer camp coach at Camp GOTR. Roseburg volunteers at the nonprofit’s annual fundraising event, the Sneaker Soiree, helps with coach training and recruitment and has always been a proud ambassador of the program. This past spring, she helped mentor her daughter, then a sophomore in high school, as a Jr. Coach for the Westgate Elementary team.
“Kathleen and Karyn exemplify the Girls on the Run spirit. They both go above and beyond to inspire girls in our community and to lift up other coaches, board members, and community members”, shared Megan Wolfe, Girls on the Run of Snohomish County Executive Director. “They have had an incredible impact on our organization and we are lucky to benefit from their passion, energy, and time. They are truly remarkable volunteers!"
Girls on the Run relies on volunteers like these individuals to start teams and facilitate the program for girls in 3rd through 8th grades across Snohomish County. The non-profit organization needs approximately 250 volunteers for their 8-week Spring 2025 season, with a goal of reaching 850 kids. No running or coach experience is necessary to volunteer and coach training, program curriculum, supplies and coach support are provided. For more information about starting a team at your school or community site or becoming a coach, visit www.GirlsontheRunSnoCo.org.
Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires girls and gender-expansive youth in 3rd through 8th grade to be joyful, healthy and confident. The 8-week program incorporates physical activity to teach critical life skills and provide social-emotional learning, including personal development, making meaningful connections with others as well as contributing to the community. The season culminates with a Celebration 5K event with Girls on the Run participants from across Snohomish County.