2022 Shining Light Award Bestowed

After 10 seasons of coaching Girls on the Run (GOTR) and Heart and Sole programs with Lancaster-Lebanon GOTR, Gayle Boltz, winner of the 2022 Shining Light Award, knows exactly what is most rewarding about volunteering, but she cannot talk about it without becoming emotional. "It's when you see the girls just come to life (as a team)," explained Boltz, who said the transformation usually happens midseason after the girls complete their first practice 5K. "That's what I call the magic ... when they feel that strength within them."

Boltz began coaching at Annville Elementary School in the spring of 2017. She was soon working to start a team at Lebanon Catholic - a kindergarten through 12th-grade private school that she had attended. Her success inspired her to start a Heart and Sole program at Lebanon Catholic for middle-schoolers in the spring of 2018. When a team could not be raised, Boltz coached at Lebanon Middle School, where she connected with Laurie Funk, now a board member with GOTR Lancaster and Lebanon. In the fall of 2018, Boltz returned to GOTR at Lebanon Catholic, where she continued to coach until the spring of 2019, when she decided to transport girls who were interested in taking part in Heart and Sole to the Lebanon YMCA. "That's when Laurie and I realized the power of connecting girls from different schools," said Boltz. In the spring of 2020, a community team was born. Then, the COVID-19 shutdown occurred. Coaches reached out with activity packages to girls who had signed up from all over Lebanon County. Boltz noted that the YMCA has supported the program, but a lack of coaches has caused the GOTR program to struggle recently.

Boltz was nominated by fellow coaches who mentioned her positive attitude and vision as well as her ability to connect with each girl and celebrate her individual achievements. When 2021 Shining Light winner Cara Scudner announced Boltz as the award winner at the May 25 banquet, she said, "(Boltz's) infectious enthusiasm, strength, and leadership skills brought girls from different schools together into one team with a strong bond."

Each Shining Light Award winner receives a bracelet and $500 to donate. Boltz chose to give to the Tour de Lebanon Valley bike ride, which raises funds for the Community Health Council of Lebanon County; the Lebanon Valley Conservancy; the Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition; the Lebanon Valley Mountain Bike Team, which is an interscholastic cycling team for young students; and the Lebanon Bicycle Recycle, which provides bikes for children in Lebanon.

The GOTR fall season will be held from Monday, Sept. 12, through Monday, Nov. 21, with the GOTR 5K presented by OAL scheduled to be held at Millersville University on Saturday, Nov. 19. The 5K, which is open to the public, will begin at 8:30 a.m. GOTR is especially in need of volunteer coaches to help make the season possible for girls at each participating school. Readers who wish to learn more about GOTR Lancaster may visit http://www.gotrlancaster.org. Those who have questions about volunteering may email jwest@gotrlancaster.org.