Movemeant is thrilled to announce that we’ll be awarding a Meant to Move Grant to Meredith Burroughs’ dance program at Glenwood Middle School in Chatham, IL, for a third time! This grant will have a profound impact on 40 middle school girls, providing them with the opportunity to build teamwork skills and express themselves through the transformative power of movement and dance.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging

The Meant to Move grant has been instrumental in fostering a strong sense of belonging among the girls at Glenwood Middle School. Through the support of this grant, Coach Meredith Burroughs has been able to create an inclusive environment where every girl feels valued. The grant has enabled the purchase of team shirts, essential tools for practice, and celebratory items for recognizing the girls’ successes at the end of the session. The final celebration, a much-anticipated event, will showcase the dances they’ve learned, with parents and guests in attendance to celebrate their achievements.

Promoting Healthy Habits and Lifelong Skills

Beyond dance, the Meant to Move grant is about instilling healthy habits that will last a lifetime. The program’s integration into the girls’ after-school schedule not only promotes physical fitness but also emphasizes the importance of nutrition. Healthy snacks are provided during practices, giving the girls the energy they need to stay focused and energized. This holistic approach to well-being is helping the girls develop positive routines that support both their physical and mental health.

A Journey of Growth and Achievement

The progress and success of the Glenwood Middle School dance team have been remarkable from the first day to the final performance. Weekly dance practices have offered the girls a valuable time to bond, work toward a shared goal, and support one another as they grow. The impact of this experience is evident in the pride they take in their achievements and the close-knit community they have formed.

Parents and past participants have consistently emphasized the importance of this program, describing it as a pivotal season in their daughters’ lives. The girls are not only improving their dance skills but also forging lasting friendships and learning to be leaders within their school community.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, the enthusiasm for the program is palpable. The girls are eagerly anticipating more opportunities to continue their dance journey, strengthen friendships, and further develop their skills during the upcoming Fall and Winter semesters.

Thanks to the Meant to Move grant, the dance team at Glenwood Middle School has grown into a group of confident, empowered leaders. They wear their team shirts with pride, and their positive experiences have inspired many others to join the program.

At Movemeant, we are incredibly proud to support this incredible initiative and look forward to witnessing the continued success of these amazing girls at Glenwood Middle School.