On December 14, Whittier Narrows Park in South El Monte played host to the inspiring Girls on the Run Los Angeles 5K, an event that not only celebrates the power and potential of young girls but also brought together community members to support a transformative cause. Among the enthusiastic supporters were the dedicated members of the El Monte High School Key Club, who showcased their commitment to service and community involvement.

El Monte High School, known for nurturing young leaders and fostering a culture of giving back, saw its Key Club members step up in a significant way during the event. Key Club, an international, student-led organization provides its members with opportunities to perform service, build character, and develop leadership skills. At the Girls on the Run 5K, they were integral in ensuring the event ran smoothly and the participants felt supported throughout the race.

The students arrived early at the park, ready to lend their hands and spirits to the cause. They were involved in a variety of key roles including setting up water stations and ensuring there were plenty of orange slices to keep the runners hydrated and energized. Their participation didn’t just stop there; they also had the honor of placing medals around the necks of the proud finishers, a moment of personal interaction that highlighted the day’s theme of empowerment and mutual support.

The involvement of El Monte High School’s Key Club in the Girls on the Run event is a brilliant reflection of the positive impact that young people can make in their communities. It also serves as a testament to the values that both the school and the club instill in their students: leadership, empathy, and active engagement in community betterment.

Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that designs programming to strengthen third to eighth grade girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills to successfully navigate life experiences. The culmination of the season’s lessons is a 5K event like the one held at Whittier Narrows Park, which symbolizes future challenges and obstacles the girls may face and prepares them to tackle these with confidence and grace.

For the community of El Monte and surrounding areas, the participation of local students in such events not only brings pride but also reinforces the close-knit fabric of the community. Events like these highlight the importance of volunteerism and are a reminder of how collective efforts can propel meaningful change.

The students of El Monte High School’s Key Club came away from the event with not just the satisfaction of having contributed to a successful event, but also the firsthand experience of the positive impact they can create. Their actions at the Girls on the Run Los Angeles 5K are a beacon of hope and encouragement, demonstrating that the path towards communal strength and harmony often starts with young hearts and hands working together. Way to go, Lions!