'GLO-wing' the next generation of girls at Baldwin Middle School

The decline in self-esteem and confidence among girls in middle school has become a pressing concern as they face the challenges of puberty at increasingly younger ages.

As a result, about nine years ago, Baldwin Middle School launched Girls Loving Ourselves Club, fostering acceptance, support and self-love and equipping girls with the tools and mindset needed to navigate middle school with confidence and courage.

Through the GLO Club, a sisterhood has flourished, and members feel respected, supported and uplifted in the face of adversity.

The club meets twice a month, offering students structured sessions focusing on topics like self-esteem and empowerment, engaging with guest speakers and holding informal “girl talk” sessions where members check in about their experiences, the challenges of middle school and strategies to navigate them.

Club facilitators Ilana Melvin and Patricia Greaves, along with members, orchestrated an end-of-year ceremony on May 16. During the event, more than a dozen middle school girls were surprised with crowns, sashes, and treats.

During their tween and teenage years, girls often experience a notable decrease in self-assurance, a sentiment that frequently persists into adulthood. Studies have shown that the lockdown measures imposed during Covid-19, transitioning from in-person activities to remote schooling at home, may have influenced increased reliance on social media. The shift could have affected young people’s overall wellness and mental health.

The social isolation caused by the pandemic actually helped the club grow, Greaves said.

“In the beginning, we only had maybe 10 girls at the most,” she said. “I would say, almost, Covid kind of made it even more important for these girls to connect and have a safe space.”

The ceremony drew special guests such as Lisa Ortiz, candidate for State Assembly in the 18th District; Chantee Lans, Long Island reporter for ABC 7 Eyewitness News; Brianna Stevens, 2024 Ms. Full-Figured USA NY and Ms. Full Figured USA NY Fashionista; Sonia Rivera, 2022 Ms. Full-Figured National Queen; and Lianne Webb, 2023 Miss Long Island. 

Each presenter addressed topics such as goal setting and empowerment, overcoming challenges and building resiliency, positive body image and self-care.

Lans, a graduate of Baldwin Middle School, revealed that she didn’t have a club like GLO during her student years, which left her navigating the challenges of middle school on her own.

“I wish they had this for us,” she said, “because we kind of had to figure it out and find ourselves.”

“When I was sad, struggling, I learned self-love, self struggles,” Rivera recalled as a middle school student. “I knew I was beautiful, maybe not physically, but inside. You look at yourself in the mirror — always tell yourself you’re beautiful.”

As the ceremony concluded, Erica Taylor, middle school principal, dubbed the young ladies “queens” and presented them with crowns, mirrors and journals.

Melvin said the ceremony was a first for the club, but it also celebrated the club’s growth over the years.

“We’ve grown, and we wanted to celebrate these girls who have been coming religiously,” Melvin said. “So, just the fact that they are showing up, speaks that they need this, and we want to celebrate that and we want it to continue.”