By Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Andrew Lewis Middle School Heart & Sole Running Club is comprised of 15 girls in 6th, 7th and 8th grade and three coaches—Cynthia Bowen, Marcia Patton and Carla Rutrough. It has been meeting twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school since September. The 10-week program concludes this Saturday with a regional 5K at Hollins University.
The program offers “fun evidence-based programs that inspire all girls to build their confidence, kindness and decision-making skills. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health.”
The school’s first middle school team was formed in the spring of 2020 but did not get to compete that season due to COVID-19. “Our team is the only middle school team in the region and the first at ALMS to compete a season,” Bowen said. “One of the goals of the season is to conceive and complete a community impact project. Our team decided to fold fir trees out of catalogs and spray paint them for holiday decorations. The trees we made will be donated to residents at Salem Health and Rehab.”
Courtesy photo.
