By Stephanie Vaccaro, Staff Writer
Powerful, resilient, strong these are the qualities that a new girls club aims to develop in its members at John Witherspoon Middle School.
Teachers Amy Wargo and Kelly Riely, who have been preparing to launch PRS Girls for three years, will host the first meeting Monday.
”This club will provide an opportunity for girls to feel empowered by each other,” said Ms. Riely. “It will create an internal support system in the middle school between all grade levels which will extend eventually to the elementary and high school. Our hope is that it will provide a smooth transition from elementary to middle school and middle to high school, easing the fear of the unknown based on the relationships forged in the club.”
”The activities will be interactive using media, digital technology and hands-on projects,” Ms. Riely said of the club that will meet twice monthly. “Girls will work together to tackle issues common to preteen and teenage girls for example: bullying, health and nutrition, technology, substance abuse, stress, media pressures through engaging workshops to build self-esteem.”
They have received numerous applications and inquiries from parents and students since the first posting in January, Ms. Riely said.
”We have an eclectic group of girls from sixth to eighth grade who will make up the first class. The girls come from various backgrounds, but share the same concerns regarding health, relationships, managing stress and navigating through the digital age.
”We are looking forward to working with these young ladies and providing a safe haven and opportunity for them to express their concerns and learn from each other,” Ms. Riely said.
Service will also be a component of participation. The girls will work closely with the Do Something Club, which is a service-driven club, Ms. Riely said.
”We will have the girls closely involved with a future talent show in May for Derek DiGregorio, a student with ataxia telangiectasia, a genetic disease which makes everyday life very difficult.”
Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare, childhood neurological disorder that causes degeneration in the part of the brain that controls motor movements and speech, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Applications for the club are still being accepted.

