Upper Adams Intermediate School (UAIS) recently held an eight-week Sole Sisters program, designed for fourth through sixth grade girls. Meeting every Tuesday after school until 5:00 p.m., the program combined physical activity with meaningful information about challenges young girls encounter.
The primary goal was to build stamina and confidence as the girls trained to run two miles. Alongside the running practice, each session focused on important life topics such as bullying, gossiping, nutrition, body image, hygiene, and self-care. The girls who participated in the program gleaned skills such has how to show gratitude, limit screen time, how to be a helpful citizen, and more. Through guided conversations and activities, participants gained tools to help handle today’s issues in positive and healthy ways.
UAIS teachers generously volunteered their time by staying after school to serve as coaches. The teachers included: Mrs. Deardorff, Mrs. Wilkinson, Mrs. Yargar-Reed, Mrs. Saunders, Mrs. Hertzog, Ms. Bennett, Mrs. Karn, Mrs. Stephanie Althoff.
The teachers supported the program by leading runs, facilitating discussions, and cheering the girls on as they progressed each week.
Kay Hollabaugh, a community supporter, donated her time as well. She served as a positive role-model running alongside the girls. At the end of each session, She also provided apples to the girls as a healthy snack. Kay commented, “I love it! I’ve been a runner my entire life. It’s a small thing to do for the girls.” She added, “some of the girls start off saying I don’t like to run and they’re able to master the two miles by the end. They push themselves to do something they’ve never dreamed to be able to do.”
Participants in the program not only improved their endurance but also grew in self-confidence and camaraderie.
Sole Sister members were thrilled to be invited to participate in the recent BHS Homecoming parade held on Oct. 3, 2025. They donned pink Sole Sister tees.
Parents of the girls were invited to the culminating activity in which the girls ran 2 miles on Oct. 21, 2025, the final afternoon of the program. The help motivate the girls, BHS cross country runners and coach Juanita Gardner ran as well.
Sole Sister organizer, Ashly Wilkinson, provided Kay Hollabaugh with donated books to fill the Little Library at Hollabaugh’s Bros. Market. Hollabaugh recently retired from the market and was touched to receive additional books to keep the Little Library stocked.
Sole Sisters created an atmosphere where girls connect, move their bodies, and learn valuable life lessons. The program helps shape the lives of the girls who participate. Many thanks goes to the numerous volunteers. Kudos to UAIS for offering this wonderful program. Way to go to all the girls who completed this program!
Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in occupational therapy and volunteers with local organizations.