A group of young girls sits together, forming a circle where each voice matters. They take turns introducing themselves, and then something remarkable happens. One by one, they share what they appreciate about each other. In those simple exchanges—compliments offered, smiles exchanged, confidence slowly building—something powerful begins to take root.

This is Crown Circle, a new girls’ empowerment program at Cairo Elementary School designed specifically for fifth and sixth-grade students. Created to support girls during a critical stage of growth and self-discovery, the program provides a safe space where they can talk openly, ask questions, and develop the confidence they need to navigate adolescence and beyond.

The group includes twelve girls, among them De’Aria Jones, Keree White, Natia Webb, Kylin Ramsey, Crysti Woods, Keori Dossie, Courage Davis, Brooklyn Jackson, Kayden Nelson, and Tori Nelson. Though the program has only met a handful of times so far, it has already begun to foster meaningful conversations and connections among the students.

The idea for Crown Circle grew out of a simple but important realization. Community Health and Emergency Services staff members Bre’Anna Puckett- Woods and Artie McBride saw that boys in the school already had access to a support group, and they recognized that girls needed the same kind of opportunity. “Our boys have this support,” Woods explained. “Our girls need the same thing.”

Working alongside intern Queen Brown, they developed a program centered on empowerment, education, and encouragement. Woods explained that surveys conducted with students revealed a strong interest in discussing topics that directly affect their lives. “Some of the young ladies stated that they didn’t have a positive adult figure in their life where they felt comfortable even having these types of conversations,” she said.

Within the group, the girls are encouraged to speak honestly and support one another. They talk about challenges they may face, learn how to build healthy relationships, and develop skills that will help them make positive decisions. These conversations are not always easy, but they are essential.

Some girls spoke about wanting to better understand the changes they are experiencing. “I wanted to join this group to learn about girl stuff and hygiene before I become a grown woman.”

The name Crown Circle carries deep meaning. Queen Brown, who helped develop the program, explained that the crown symbolizes self-worth, self-esteem, and confidence. “Having the crown on your head speaks towards self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem,” she said. “It’s a circle of young ladies with crowns on their heads.”

Community Champion Artie McBride hopes the program will help the girls develop into confident, successful young women. “I want these young ladies to be thriving young ladies,” she said. “We want them to be successful. We want them to be lifelong learners. We want them to be respectful to themselves and others.”

Already, the leaders have seen encouraging signs. In just a few sessions, the girls have begun to open up and express themselves more freely. They are learning that their thoughts and feelings matter and that they have the ability to support one another.

The girls recognize that importance as well. One student explained it plainly: “Some people don’t know how to talk about their needs to other people, so the group helps when we talk about how we feel.” Another added, “I think we need this group because girls need to learn how to stay safe.”

The program is also connected to broader efforts to support student well-being, including the introduction of buddy benches at the Cairo schools—designated places where students can sit if they need someone to talk to or simply want a moment of connection.

Looking ahead, the leaders hope Crown Circle will continue to grow and evolve. They envision a future where the girls participating today become mentors for younger students, creating a lasting cycle of encouragement and leadership within the school community.

For now, the circle remains small, but its impact is already expanding. Within that shared space, these girls are discovering more than just answers to their questions. They are discovering confidence, friendship, and their own voices.

And perhaps most importantly, they are beginning to understand something that Queen Brown hopes they will carry with them always: that their crown—their confidence, their worth, and their strength—belongs to them, and no one has the power to take it away.