MARIEMONT — Adolescence can be a time of drastic change, roller-coaster emotions and difficult decisions.

        At Mariemont Junior High, seventh- and eighth-grade girls have someone to help ease that often-tumultuous crossing from childhood to adulthood. They have formed a girls club, led by a counselor.

Mariemont Junior High girls meet weekly, led by counselor Tricia Buchert, to discuss self-esteem and other issues. (Dick Swaim photo) | ZOOM |

        “So many girls were coming to me asking about general issues affecting them — depression, sex, anorexia and popularity,” said Tricia Buchert, 30, in her second year as a counselor at the school.

        “We had tried self-help groups, but none of the students would show up. So I thought I would do it as a fun thing — a club.”

        The club is the “Lady Warriors,” a 14-month-old, girls-only group that includes about half of the 130 seventh- and eighth-grade girls. The name refers to the school mascot.

        The girls use the club to vent on issues from cliques to dieting, from menstruation to overcoming shyness.

        “Clubs like that are just wonderful,” said Patricia O'Reilly, education professor at University of Cincinnati and author of Educating Adolescent Girls (Lawrence Earlbaum Associates).

        “We have girls at this age who are really caught up between whatever it is they think boys want and what they are,” she said. “It's a real dilemma, particularly for white middle-class girls.”

        Many magazines targeted at girls focus on telling girls what to do with their hair, how to look their best and how to get a date, she said.

        Under a skillful leader, Ms. O'Reilly said, girl groups are an opportunity for girls to talk about real issues they may not discuss with parents.

        “Girls come to me with so many different fallacies,” said Mrs. Buchert, who previously taught special education for seven years at Mariemont High School.

        “There are a lot of misconceptions, such as, "If you douche with Mountain Dew you won't get pregnant.' Who would of thought they would believe such a thing? But some do.”

        One day a week, Mrs. Buchert acts as chaperone for eighth-grade girls in one lunch period and seventh-grade girls in another. Topics from a recent eighth-grade session included:

        • Computers and parental supervision.

        • Teachers who show favoritism.

        • The merits of using alias names in e-mail and instant messaging.

        • Gossips.

        There are no dues. At the beginning of the school year, the girls vote for two co-presidents, who guide group discussions.

        Field trips and guest speakers are also part of the club experience. Earlier this year, Mrs. Buchert arranged a visit from a sex education professional to clear up misconceptions.

        The most pressing issue continues to be self-esteem, Mrs. Buchert said.

        Eighth-grader Cate Ebel, 13, said she enjoys the club because she is able to freely express her views and she gets to know girls she wouldn't otherwise.

        Sarah Leming, 12, a seventh-grader, looks forward to the weekly meetings.

        “I think the club gives girls inspiration on how to live their lives,” Sara said. “And Mrs. Buchert, being a counselor, helps to keep us on track.”

        Keeping them on track is just one of Mrs. Buchert's goals.

        “I want to help them understand that there is a lot of petty stuff going on in the world and just help them to enjoy school.”

        Enquirer reporter Cindy Kranz contributed.
       

Year of violence: Killings up 52% in city
Ten children killed in 2001
UC, faculty reach deal, avert strike
Counselor answered call
Classes get hearing-impaired tools
Green Twp. zoning may change
Mariemont teen club gives forum for girl talk
Red tape slows green flow
Tristate A.M. Report
Tristaters monitor homelands
MCNUTT: Warren County
SAMPLES: Thankless task
THOMPSON: Faith Matters
Appeal presses execution effort
Lebanon studies water woes
Historical markers program gets boost
New law doesn't stop double-dip
Ohio torch carrier is cancer activist
Candidate funds own campaign
Gov.'s hopes lower in '02
Humans labor over penguin eggs
Kentucky News Briefs
Ky. waits for word on suspension of insurer
Marquee Theater restored, reopens
Pro soccer returning to N. Kentucky
With help, 2 teens survive fiery crash