A new girls group targeting third graders has organized in Fayette County, under the guidance of Peggy Davenport of Tyrone.

“GIRL,” which stands for Girls Involved in Real Life, has started with some third graders from Tyrone Elementary School and meets twice monthly to perform volunteer work and discuss issues relevant to their age group. “We want to teach our children the importance of volunteerism, of helping others in need and to give them enough information to help them handle the difficult life decisions,” especially when the girls transition from elementary to middle school, Davenport said.

Davenport has a daughter who is 9 years old and is in third grade at Tyrone Elementary. “Third grade is such a critical time,” Davenport said. “At this age, the girls are not the youngest in the school anymore and they are watching very closely the example that the older students are setting.

“Our goal is to improve self esteem, enable them to see the rewards of helping others and give them the information they need in order to make informed decisions,” she added.

The group will meet Friday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at Tyrone Town Hall. A detective from the Tyrone Police Department will discuss personal safety and drug awareness. For information phone Davenport at 770-631-0552 or 770-487-4663 extension 389.