TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD SALUTES 6-YEAR-OLD GIRL SCOUT FROM OLD WESTBURY
Garden City, NY December 21, 2010 – The Town of North Hempstead recently honored 6-year-old Girl Scout, Emma Madalon Khafif, from Old Westbury on Tuesday, December 14th at the Town of Hempstead Board Meeting. At the event Donna Ceravolo, CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County Emma presented Emma the Medal of Honor from Girl Scouts of the USA, given for saving a life or attempting to save a life without risk to the candidate’s own life.
“We are very proud of Emma and salute her for her heroic efforts,” says Donna Ceravolo, Executive Director, Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “It is wonderful to know that the Girl Scouts of Nassau County played a role in keeping the Khafif family safe from harm. Emma more than deserves this honor and we were very happy present her with the award and join the Town of North Hempstead in celebration of Emma and her actions to save her family.”
On December 24, 2009, Emma was at home with her family and smelled smoke. She ran and got her mother and let her know that the smell of S’mores was in the house - something she had learned from Girl Scouts of Nassau County. Once her mother called 911, Emma and her family immediately ran out of the house and watched from the car as the firefighters put out the fire. Because of Emma’s quick thinking and unbelievable judgment her family was not hurt. Because of this, Emma was honored at the Town of North Hempstead Board meeting and presented with a proclamation from the town and the Medal of Honor from Girl Scouts of the USA for her valiant actions. Town of North Hempstead Supervisor John Kaiman saluted Emma, and Councilwoman Viviana Russell read the proclamation at the meeting and interviewed Emma, who spoke from a seat at the Town Council Board Table. Town Clerk Leslie Gross was instrumental in coordinating the event and bringing Emma’s award and actions forward for public recognition.
Girl Scouting in Nassau County creates an accepting and nurturing environment, which gives girls a chance to build character and receive skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them throughout their lives, such as leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. With more than 22,000 girl and 7,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Nassau County has become the preeminent organization and leading authority for girls. The organization, now in its 98th year, continues to make the world a better place one girl at a time.
For more information on the Girl Scouts of Nassau County call Donna Rivera Downey 516-741-2550 at ext. 260, or visit www.gsnc.org.
