Inter-Lakes elementary students complete school beautification project

MEREDITH—Fifteen enthusiastic Girls on the Run students at Inter-Lakes Elementary School (ILES) turned their passion for teamwork and service into a colorful school beautification project.

At the ready with gloves and shovels, the team kept their spirits high despite the weather as they filled raised beds with soil, planted wildflowers, crafted garden labels for every grade level, and created a brand‑new sensory garden space. As a final touch, the girls added popsicle sticks written with uplifting messages to sprinkle kindness and encouragement across the garden beds.

ILES greenhouse coordinator and first grade teacher Kim Bannon and staff praised the students for preparing the school gardens with such enthusiasm - a colorful reminder of how teamwork and kindness can grow together. The project reflects one of the core goals of Girls on the Run — helping girls develop confidence, character, connection, and compassion through service and teamwork.

The Girls on the Run program encourages movement, service and fun by combining physical activity with important life lessons. In addition to this service project the team has been training for an upcoming 5k race at the end of May in Concord under the guidance of coaches and ILES Teachers Kat DeCamp and Mary Beaudoin.