Girls Only Leadership Development (GOLD) Night at Jefferson Hills Intermediate School is a shimmering success

This year, girls in grades three through five had the opportunity to experience Girls Only Leadership Development (GOLD) Night on Thursday, November 14, 2019! Approximately 160 girls at Jefferson Hills Intermediate School participated in a variety of fun and educational sessions designed to foster positive relationships, build confidence, and boost self-esteem. Each participant received a special “We Shimmer Like Gold” shirt and rotated through a series of three activities to reinforce the district’s core values of respect, integrity and empathy and build valuable leadership skills.

Girls skyped with Ashley Savage, a 19 year-old author, and read her book aloud entitled, “I Want to Be a Lot,” participated in team-building juggling exercises where they realized they can accomplish so much more if they respect each other and work together toward a common goal, and last but not least, created their own healthy snack which was appropriately named “Kindness Trail Mix” where each ingredient represented an admirable trait.

The district would like to thank Jessica Short and Jodi Merwin for spearheading this event, Dr. McCauley and the PHMS GOLD Night Committee for their expertise and guidance, Erikka Kuhse and the Thomas Jefferson High School and Pleasant Hills Middle School Students for their assistance, and the many women including the JHIS teachers and staff members who graciously donated their time, money, and supplies to help make this event possible. It was a wonderful evening of positivity, inspiration and leadership, and they look forward to seeing what their future female leaders accomplish.