On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Girls on the Run Piedmont team made a surprise visit to Pearl Sample Elementary School (PSES) to celebrate Emily Carlton for earning her 10-season coaching pin, marking a significant milestone in her continued commitment to supporting and empowering young girls.
The Girls on the Run coaching recognition program is a relatively new tradition designed to honor the dedication and lasting impact of volunteer coaches. These individuals serve as the foundation of the program, committing their time to mentor, guide, and inspire participants. Through their leadership, coaches help bring lessons to life that foster confidence, connection, and strong character in every girl they serve.
At five seasons, coaches receive a Girls on the Run hat to display their pins, creating a visible representation of their dedication. Carlton’s achievement of 10 seasons stands out as an extraordinary milestone. She is the first coach in the Girls on the Run Piedmont region to reach this level of service.
“Coaches like Emily are the reason Girls on the Run works. She has spent ten seasons showing up for girls, not just to help them run, but to help them believe in themselves,” said Executive Director Kathy Butler. “That kind of consistency can change the trajectory of how a girl sees herself, and it creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond a single season.”
Over the course of her involvement, Carlton has positively impacted hundreds of girls, many of whom carry the program’s lessons with them long after the season concludes. Her sustained commitment reflects the strength of the Girls on the Run experience and highlights the powerful role schools and communities play in supporting student growth beyond the classroom.
The Girls on the Run program has partnered with Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) since 2015 with elementary and middle school teams. Since that time, almost 1,200 girls have participated in the program. In addition to running, each participant gains life skills that they can use for years to come, skills taught by dedicated coaches. Carlton’s achievement exemplifies the lasting influence of dedicated mentors within a school community.
Each season ends with a 5K event. The Spring 2026 5K will be on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Lenn Park in Culpeper. The community is invited to participate in the event, register online at www.gotrpiedmont.org/5K.
Culpeper County Public Schools is grateful for our partnership with Girls on the Run Piedmont, and congratulates Emily Carlton on this outstanding accomplishment.