‘Project Aspire’ Aims To Enrich The Lives Of Girls

By Steve Bigham

A new program for middle school girls is being offered this year through the Parks & Recreation Department. It is designed to enrich the mind, body, and soul through a variety of activities. Things get underway later this month.

“Project Aspire” is the brainchild of longtime Newtown resident Lin Hertberg, who has spent much of his life coaching girls at the middle school level. Having raised three daughters of his own, he understands the importance of developing 11, 12, 13, and 14-year old girls’ athletic, leadership, and cooperative skills in a fun and exciting environment. Mr Hertberg believes the program will be worthwhile to youngsters, especially since activities will be based on the students’ input.

“I think it’s a program that can be very important to kids. It’s a feeling of belonging, and we’re going to have a lot of fun with it,” Mr Hertberg said. “My motto for this is ‘be the best you can be and enjoy it.’ We hope this program will bring out the best in all who participate. It’s all about enrichment of the mind, body, and spirit.”

The program will provide opportunities for members to take part in community service projects, academic enrichment seminars, as well as the “FUNdamentals” of basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, and outdoor adventure sports. Through a network of peer and adults support, members will foster the personal and interpersonal assets crucial to the development of strong, productive, caring, and responsible individuals. There is no cost involved in the program, which will also feature a variety of social activities.

While the word ASPIRE is an appropriate name for the new program, it is actually an acronym for all that students will gain from taking part: A is for athletics, S is for Service, P is for Personal Growth, I is for Individuality, R is for Responsibility and E is for Enrichment.

Organizers liken Project Aspire to a team which takes part in various activities as a group. It will operate in cooperation with Newtown Youth Services.

“The whole point is to brighten your horizons,” noted Youth Services’ Debbie Richardson. “It’s a leap of faith. That’s what comes with a group.”

Care to get involved? An orientation for parents and students is scheduled for Friday, September 29, from 6 to 8 pm, in the middle school cafeteria. For more information, call Lin Hertberg at 426-0447.

Mr Hertberg was recently inducted into the Newtown Bee’s sports hall of fame.