photo of Sammy Jo Barnes and Sophia Bares, who are goofing around as part of the Girls on the Run program at the South Butler Primary School. Hope Hull, the primary center teacher who leads the program, asked older girls at the high school and middle school to mentor the younger girls this year. The running-based program is meant to empower young girls as they prepare for middle school and life.

JEFFERSON TWP — In addition to running and learning lessons on self confidence and empowerment, the South Butler Girls on the Run club will now enjoy female mentors from the Knoch High School and Middle School.

The mentors will serve as role models for the 56 members of the Girls on the Run club, who are in grades 3 to 5, said Girls on the Run leader Hope Hull. Hull is a third-grade teacher at the South Butler Primary Center.

Club members can come to the older mentors with problems or issues they face in life and in school.

The mentors will participate in the Girls on the Run 5K on May 20 at Hartwood Acres in Hampton Township, Allegheny County as well as the club's annual community service project on May 17. The project will see the girls along with their mentors making dog and cat toys for the residents of the Butler County Humane Society.

The 5K is open to the public.

Read the full story in Sunday's Butler Eagle.