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BIDDEFORD, Maine

HWOS students inspire holistic wellness on Biddeford Girls on the Run team

Five Health, Wellness and Occupational Studies students coached Biddeford Intermediate School's Girls on the Run team as part of
Five Health, Wellness and Occupational Studies students coached Biddeford Intermediate School's Girls on the Run team as part of a spring internship. L-R: Jenna Roberge, Katie LaMarre, Haley Lawlor, Assistant Clinical Professor Bethany Fortier, Stephanie Snow and Alexa Hughes

As part of a spring internship course taught by Assistant Clinical Professor Collyn J. Baeder, M.P.H., five Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies (HWOS) students served as coaches on Biddeford Intermediate School’s team of Girls on the Run, a national, nonprofit learning program that uses running to inspire and motivate preteen girls, fostering self-respect, confidence and healthy lifestyles.

The HWOS coaches, under the direction of lead coach and HWOS Assistant Clinical Professor Bethany Fortier, M.P.H., met with the girls twice per week at the Biddeford Intermediate School, serving as positive role models and leading them in activities designed to promote positive youth development, social and emotional wellness, and lifelong, holistic well-being. With a mix of physical activity, self-discovery and team building, weekly lessons culminated with a Community Impact Project and Celebratory 5K.

Inspired by the theme of “random acts of kindness,” the team’s Community Impact Project entailed disseminating positive and encouraging messaging and artwork throughout the Biddeford Intermediary School community. The season concluded in early June with the 5K as well as a team celebration, which brought together more than 56 GOTR teams from throughout Maine to collectively celebrate the girls' accomplishments. 

The experience left lasting impressions not only on the Biddeford community but on the HWOS students as well. “Working with girls on the run this season was more than I could have ever imagined,” said LaMarre. “Seeing the growth in the girls was incredible." 

Lawlor praised the program, stating, “This curriculum gives girls the tools they need to walk, run, skip, or hop through life with a positive attitude and a smile."

Snow concurred, noting that the girls were not the only ones to benefit. "Whether you're participating in GOTR as a runner, coach, volunteer or cheerleader, you are guaranteed to walk away with a sense of accomplishment and pride,” she said. 

Fortier and Baeder are hoping to offer the internship experience again in the upcoming fall semester for another GOTR team.

To learn more about the Westbrook College of Health Professions, visit www.une.edu/wchp

 

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions