Members of Georgia Southern’s Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority will hold a new philanthropy event this weekend that will benefit 50 William James Middle School girls.
GIRLS Academy (GIRLS is an acronym for “celebrating being a girl,” “inspiration,” “respect for self and others,” “leadership” and “service”) is a day-and-a-half, interactive program to empower and encourage girls in grades six through eight.
GIRLS Academy is a national event throughout North American Kappa Kappa Gamma organizations, however, not all KKG groups take part in the project. Erin McGuiness, chair of public relations for GSU’s Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter, said that it takes extensive work to apply for the project and fundraise, just to receive the opportunity to host GIRLS Academy.
“Not all chapters have the privilege to do this,” said McGuiness. “We’re not taking it lightly.”
The 200-plus women of KKG worked throughout last year raising funds and applying for scholarships, receiving a large scholarship from a social media contest.
“We have four philanthropies, so to raise the money for GIRLS Academy, be selected – we really think this was a miracle to get this opportunity,” McGuiness said.
“We’re definitely excited about this and its potential. As a millennial generation, we understand the struggles. We were there, in middle school, just seven years ago. I think the girls will benefit and look up to us.”
The 50 middle school girls participating in the Academy were nominated by William James teachers and faculty and some parents. They are girls whom they thought would benefit the most from this experience.
Leanne Moore, GSU education major and KKG chapter coordinator for GIRLS Academy, said the project is especially meaningful to the girls in Kappa Kappa Gamma.
“Everyone remembers what it is like to be in middle school, going through physical and mental changes, and we want to be a positive role model,” she said. “To share how great it is to be a girl in this day and age. To help them see how they can impact their community, to see their potential, to help them see where they fit in.”
Moore, who is currently a student teacher at Sallie Zetterower Elementary School, said she’s been exposed to many students during her placements to meet her teaching requirements that need a positive role model.
“The Academy is a perfect opportunity to encourage girls to reach their highest potential,” she said.
The GSU students hope to instill a positive self-image in the middle school girls and McGuiness hopes, as a bonus, sorority and Greek-life can be viewed in a positive light.
“We’re not just here to go to socials and tailgates – we’re here to make a difference in people’s lives, to make an impact.”
Though the girls of the Academy will participate in a graduation exercise on Sunday, the students will continue to be mentored for the remainder of the school year, with outings and activities taking place, and a new group of girls will be selected for next year’s GIRLS Academy.
In addition to small group activities and break-out sessions, the girls will be treated to an inspirational panel that includes prominent female leaders in the community. Taking part in the panel are Mayor Jan Moore, Georgia Southern President Dr. Jean Bartels, Georgia Power’s Tan Adams and Assistant District Attorney and author Kathy Bradley.