On Saturday, October 26, 2019, Muleshoe ISD in partnership with the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health and many area businesses hosted its first GiRL (Girls in Real Life) Power event at the Muleshoe High School. GiRL Power is designed to help girls and young women develop a strong bond with their mother or significant role model, and equip them with appropriate knowledge and skills to make the best decisions for their futures. 
The program was for girls enrolled in Muleshoe ISD’s fifth through eighth grades and their mother or female role model. This year’s program featured Dr. Teresa Baker, OB/GYN from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She covered many women’s health topics and also talked about mental health and relationships. Following Dr. Baker’s presentation, Muleshoe Area Medical Center’s, Kristen Neely gave an overview of the services they offer locally and the availability of same-day appointments.
Eric Spellmann of Spellmann and Associates addressed Internet safety, social media awareness and cyber predators. The girls did Zumba with Irene Mason and crafts with MISD staff while moms had a separate presentation with Eric Spellmann about parenting in today’s technological environment. A short, inspirational video at the end helped everyone to understand that doing things “like a girl” is great and nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Girls took pictures at the photo booth throughout the program and many attendees won door prizes donated by the community’s generous businesses.
Angela Knapp Eggers, Senior Director of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health and her colleagues were instrumental in helping MISD put on their first GiRL Power program, and it was an honor to have Angela at the event Saturday.
“The Laura Bush Institute strives to make a difference in the lives of women, further enabling them to take good care of their families. Our GiRL Power event is one of our most effective outreach programs and we love the bonding experience it provides for mothers and their daughters. Additionally, we were thrilled to work with the MISD and many remarkable community businesses and volunteers who believe in our Mission and offered to help and/or donate. It was an outstanding event!,” said Angela Knapp Eggers, Senior Director of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health.
Muleshoe ISD strongly believes the wellbeing of its students is the most critical component to their success.
“I am so appreciative of every mother and daughter who participated in GiRL Power Saturday.  Your commitment to family and your relationship with each other are a blessing.  Thank you to each and every volunteer who freely gave of your time.  And thank you to the businesses and community members around Muleshoe who donated to make this such a successful event. I would also like to thank Madeline Hettinga for chairing our committee for this event and the countless hours she spent organizing and planning a successful program for the girls of Muleshoe ISD.,” said Dani Heathington, Assistant Superintendent, MISD.
The emcee, Angel Hunt, did a wonderful job keeping all 160 attendees engaged as the program moved quickly through so many informative topics. Each attendee that turned in an evaluation at the end of the event received a surprise gift. The evaluations provided the committee with valuable feedback, positive encouragement, and great topic ideas for the next GiRL Power program.