A pair of fourth grade teachers at Prine Elementary School lace up their sneakers every single day to make a difference in the lives of students.
Now, Brigette Carlock and Michele Wagstaff are being recognized for making an impact as part of a nationally known non-profit organization.
Girls on the Run, GOTR for short, is an internationally known non-profit organization that strengthens girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills.
On Tuesday, the regional program manager from GOTR took the megaphone from Coaches “Caring Carlock” and “Wacky Wagstaff” ahead of their annual fall practice 5K.
Dressed head-to-toe in bright accessories and star-covered tutus, the Prine Elementary “GOTR Girls” stood shoulder-to-shoulder waiting to hear what she had to say.
(L-to-R: Brigette Carlock, Trisha Harrell, Michele Wagstaff, and Lindsey Becker from Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay)
“We are beyond ecstatic to have them as part of our GOTR family,” said Lindsey Becker. “I can not tell you how much we are proud of you and so happy that you are part of our organization.”
The coaches humbly accepted the glass star trophy which reads, “Remarkable Volunteer Awards.”
More than 100 councils from across the U.S. and Canada nominated 300 applicants for the awards. Our own Manatee County educators were two of only 15 to receive one.
It’s no surprise the pair, who found friendship in their passion for running, kick-started a new program in Manatee County that’s already inspiring other schools to take notice.
A school in Lakewood Ranch, Willis Elementary, now has a GOTR team, with hopefully more to come.
The after-school program is typically held during the fall and spring semesters, two days per week, but the lessons continue to glide into the classroom to build teamwork, confidence and care.
This month, the GOTR team at Prine Elementary participated in a Community Impact Project called “R-U-N: Recovery Unites Neighbors”.
Coaches and GOTR girls collected hundreds of items to help classmates and their families move forward on a brighter path following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
At the end of each season, Prine’s team runs 3.1 miles at school before attending the Girls on the Run 5K Celebration in Tampa.
After the coaches were recognized for their volunteerism and service on Tuesday afternoon, family members, staff, and students stood along the sidewalk to cheer on the girls.
There were also bubbles and colored powder along the course.
As the runners crossed the crêpe paper finish line, their smiles stretched far and wide - a direct result of their pride and accomplishments.
Keep Sparkling - Delightful Destinee, Radioactive Roy’Ale, Amazing Alauni, Valorous Victoria, Adorable Amy, Super Sonia, Colorful Claudia, Generous Gia, Caring Camile, Magical Madison, Logical Lorelei, Confident Charlotte, Adventurous Aria, Tough Tulip and Fantastic Faith!
