In fall 2013, Riley Lane, a fourth grader, walked into Horne Street School and joined Girls on the Run.
What she didn’t know at the time was that this program would shape not just her elementary school years, but her college experience, her leadership journey, and even her career path.

Finding Confidence

Riley began her journey as a Girls on the Run participant and then continued with Heart & Sole for three years. During those formative seasons, she built confidence, found her voice, and met great friends and mentors!

Stepping Into Leadership

As Riley grew, so did her involvement.

She returned as a Team Helper, supporting younger participants as they navigated the same lessons she once experienced. Later, she became a GOTR-NH $1,000 college award recipient and continued giving back as a coach while attending the University of New Hampshire.

Coaching allowed her to see the program from a new perspective and discover her passion for teaching.

A Full-Circle Moment

Today, Riley is pursuing a teaching career at UNH and is completing her student teaching at — you guessed it — Horne Street School. The very place where her journey began.

From fourth grader to future educator, Riley’s story is a powerful example of what long-term impact looks like. When girls are given the tools to believe in themselves, they carry those lessons forward into their communities, their leadership, and their careers.