On March 21st, Arroyo was visited by the No Girl Left Behind tour. The all-female event is intended to “educate and empower [young girls] to live life at their highest potential.” For two hours, Lady Knights danced to empowering music, cried to moving stories, and shared laughter in their newfound sisterhood.

Hundreds of girls from Arroyo as well as El Monte High School filled the gym bleachers to the brim. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the woman from No Girl Left Behind welcomed everyone in and danced to lively music. As everybody finally settled in, the lights suddenly dimmed and Michelle Delamor, a former top 10 finalist of American Idol, occupied the stage. She performed three of her very own songs, once of which is featured on the popular video game Just Dance. The songs themselves featured themes of perseverance and self-love, which resonated visibly throughout the crowd as they swayed their arms and bodies.

“We did a lot of participation with the women in charge. They helped us get energetic and just be all together,” says Emily Trejo, 12.

Following the performance, speakers from No Girl Left Behind began with an oath of confidentiality. All of what was being said by those in the room was to be kept within the confines of the room.

Speakers then proceeded to ask the crowd questions about their self esteem and the way they treat other girls. These questions led to participation from the crowd, who were eager to share their personal stories.

“I felt like it really helped a lot of the girls open up about their personal problems and really get everyone to really understand each other,” says Caitlin Roxas, 12.

“It was a good event. It shows that even though it seems like the general stereotype like girls hate each other, it was like opening up made everyone realize everyone has their own problem but we should work together,” shares Britney Nguyen, 12.

Their stories triggered strong emotions throughout the crowd. The emotions even overcame the speakers themselves.

“I cried. It was very emotional,” shares sophomore Gloria Garcia-Alvarado.

For the final portion of the event, the room fell completely silent. The crowd was instructed to symbolically release the things they felt negatively about by scribbling them down on a paper and ripping it up. Purple flames were projected onto the screen on-stage, symbolizing the fire that would engulf our negative thoughts.

By the end of the event, girls were embracing their new-found sisters in warm hugs.

“I don’t think I needed to change much after the event, but it did help me realize how some people are acted towards so to help prevent others from being treated badly,” shares Trejo, after being asked about how she has changed since No Girl Left Behind.

“I feel like I have to be nicer to girls now cause I don’t know what they’re going through,” says Garcia-Alvarado.

Image from nogirlleftbehind on Instagram