At Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin, we are continually inspired by the incredible young women who carry the lessons of Girls on the Run into their schools, communities, and futures. Today, we are proud to spotlight Ava Petri, one of our 2026 Girls on the Run SCWI Alumni Scholarship recipients.

Ava participated in Girls on the Run from 3rd through 5th grade at St. Dennis School and later returned to the program as a Junior Coach during the Spring 2025 season. Her journey reflects the lasting impact of the Girls on the Run experience and the power of empowering girls to recognize their strengths, use their voices, and lead with confidence.

When Ava first joined Girls on the Run as a third grader, she was still discovering her interests and passions. Through the program, she found much more than a love for running—she found a supportive community that encouraged confidence, optimism, and positive self-image.

“I remember looking forward to going to GOTR practice every day after school because I knew that I would leave feeling empowered and energized both physically and mentally,” Ava shared.

As someone who described herself as introverted, Ava says her coaches and teammates helped her feel comfortable sharing her thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. Over time, that support helped her grow into a more confident version of herself.

One of the lessons that stayed with Ava most was learning that success is not about being the fastest runner. Instead, Girls on the Run taught her the importance of kindness, teamwork, self-confidence, and celebrating what makes each person unique.

“Learning to celebrate what makes me and those around me unique rather than judging others for being different was just one of many valuable lessons that GOTR taught me,” she said.

The impact of Girls on the Run extended far beyond elementary school for Ava. She credits the program with helping spark her passion for feminism, equality, and female empowerment.

Before participating in GOTR, Ava says she did not fully understand how gender expectations and stereotypes can impact girls. Through the program, she learned the importance of embracing who she is and advocating for others to do the same.

Today, Ava serves as an officer for her high school’s Feminist Empowerment League, a student organization focused on education, advocacy, and gender equality for people of all genders.

“GOTR formed my basic understanding that girls sometimes face hardships and struggle with identity,” Ava explained, “but that I can’t let those who are trying to ‘dim my light’ stop me from being a light for others.”

As Ava prepares for her next chapter after graduation, she plans to continue using her voice to advocate for equality and stand up for what is right—living out the Girls on the Run core values every step of the way.

Since our first season in 2005, Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin has empowered thousands of girls through a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running with social-emotional learning.

Now, many of our early participants are young women navigating adulthood with the confidence, compassion, and life skills they developed through Girls on the Run.

The Girls on the Run Alumni Scholarship recognizes and celebrates former program participants who continue to bring the organization’s core values to life. Scholarship recipients are named “Sara Scholars” in honor of Sara Pickard, the first Executive Director of Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin, whose passion for investing in the women of tomorrow helped shape this meaningful opportunity.

Each year, two $2,500 scholarships are awarded to past Girls on the Run or Girls on Track/Heart & Sole participants to support their post-secondary education.