MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and members of the West Virginia University (WVU) gymnastics team today made a stop in Morgantown to visit with fifth grade girls at North Elementary School as part of Senator Capito’s West Virginia Girls Rise Up program. This marks the second Girls Rise Up event Senator Capito and WVU Gymnastics have hosted together and the 17th event since the program’s launch in 2015.
“Empowering the next generation of female leaders right here in West Virginia is something that is so important to me, which is why I created the Girls Rise Up program,” Senator Capito said. “I was excited to partner once again with the strong and talented gymnasts at WVU to introduce the program to students at North Elementary. And what better time to do it than during Women’s History Month? As I travel across West Virginia and introduce this program to other students in our state, I am always so impressed by the incredible potential these girls and young women have. Today was no exception. There is no question that these students are dedicated to setting new goals and achieving them, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”
“We are thrilled to team up with Senator Capito once again for the Girls Rise Up program,” said Travis Doak, associate head coach of West Virginia University Gymnastics. “The program is helping to empower young females to build self-confidence and discuss the importance of education. We are happy to be a part of a program that teaches such important values and allows our team to be a part of the community and give back.”
“Today was a wonderful opportunity for our girls to focus on being the best they can be while being confident with who they are,” said North Elementary School Principal Natalie Webb. “Having such wonderful role models like Senator Moore Capito and the WVU gymnasts helped to make the event even more meaningful. The girls were able to talk with excellent role models to discuss the importance of physical fitness, self-confidence and education. Together we can motivate and inspire girls to excel in all they achieve."
Senator Capito launched the West Virginia Girls Rise Up program in 2015 to instill confidence in young West Virginia women and empower them to be strong, confident, and kind female leaders.
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Senator Capito partnered with members of the West Virginia University gymnastics team for the second time to host a Girls Rise Up event at North Elementary School in Morgantown.
Senator Capito and WVU gymnast Erica Fontaine help North Elementary students pick goals for themselves during the Girls Rise Up challenge activity.
North Elementary fifth graders participate in a group discussion on leadership.
North Elementary students show off their challenge cards with Senator Capito and the WVU gymnasts.
North Elementary fifth grade students help Senator Capito work her selfie stick for a photo.
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