Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio is thrilled to announce that Alexa Feicks, a senior at Bay Village High School, has been awarded our annual Emily Havranek Memorial Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding leadership skills and commitment to mentoring youth in her community.
The $1,000 scholarship celebrates Junior Coaches who exemplify the Girls on the Run mission, vision and values. Alexa's work with Girls on the Run NEO has impacted the lives of dozens of girls over the course of her 3 seasons as a Junior Coach, helping them build confidence and develop their own leadership skills.
"Alexa exemplifies everything our scholarship stands for," said Kenzie Smith, Program Manager at Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio. "Her ability to connect with younger students and inspire them to dream big has made a real difference in our community. We couldn't be prouder to support her college journey."
As a GOTR alum herself, “Alexa stood out for her enthusiasm and leadership,” says GOTR Coach (and mom!) Hope Feicks. “As a Junior Coach, she draws upon her past lessons to connect with current participants. She joyfully leads warm-ups, facilitates lessons, and acts as a positive role model. Her energy, kindness, and authenticity light up every practice—her Star Power truly shines.”
“When I applied to be a Junior Coach for my local Girls on the Run program,” says Alexa, “my only goal was to assist my mom who was also a coach. I had no idea of the impact that spending three hours a week at an elementary school would have on my life.”
Despite feeling nervous, Alexa quickly bonded with the girls on her team. Throughout each season, she found herself deeply connected with the girls, who often asked her for advice when dealing with difficult situations at school or with friends.
“Through coaching, I have become more compassionate, seeing beyond the surface of their problems and guiding them with a caring heart,” she added. “Overall, Junior Coaching showed me the impact I can make through kindness and just how much young girls can teach you. Each Girls on the Run tool I have added to my toolbox will be vital in my next stage of life.”
Alexa was also recently awarded the Student of Integrity Award from the Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland. You can read more about that here: Bay High School student recognized for integrity and leadership - cleveland.com
Alexa plans to attend Purdue University this fall, where she’ll study biomedical engineering with the goal of one day designing prosthetic devices for children with physical disabilities.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship program is funded by generous donations made in the name of Emily Havranek. The scholarship is awarded annually to a high school senior who has served as a Junior Coach for Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio. If you’d like to learn more about the Emily Havranek Memorial Scholarship Fund or to make a donation, please visit https://www.gotrnortheastohio.org/havranek-scholarship.