2 FARMINGDALE RESIDENTS ACHIEVE HIGHEST HONOR IN GIRL SCOUTING

Farmingdale, NY July 3, 2005

Two Farmingdale residents, Michelle Dillon and Lisa Spadanuta performed astonishing acts of kindness and goodwill toward their neighbors. They conceived, designed, developed and carried out a project that required a bare minimum of 50 hours of service to the community. For their hard work and dedication, the young women have achieved the highest honor in Girl Scouting, the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Michelle drew on her artistic talents to both educate and entertain the children in the Head Start program in her community. Creating different crafts that addressed the issues of math-symmetry and science-life cycle, Michelle planned and presented a Butterfly Workshop to 36 children. Her audience not only learned about the life cycle of butterflies but also had fun doing so! Michelle is a member of the National Art Honor Society, Mural Club and National Honor Society at Farmingdale High School. Currently a senior, she plans on attending Hofstra University in the fall.

“Toys for Head Start” was Lisa’s contribution to the local community. She collected new and gently used toys, games, videos and books from friends, family, Girl Scouts and the Farmingdale community to provide to children in the Head Start Program. Lisa also made her own puzzles to donate to the Head Start classrooms at Farmingdale High School. Lisa is in her senior year at Farmingdale High School and plans to attend St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue in the fall. She is a member of the Future Teachers of America Club and the Key Club. Lisa volunteers as a teacher’s aide at the Woodward Parkway Elementary School Head Start Program.

"Forty-one young women earned their Gold Award this year,” said Donna Ceravolo, Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Inc. "We are so proud of each and everyone of them.”

“Girl Scouts who achieve the Gold Award demonstrate character and perseverance as well as impeccable time management and organizational skills. They have joined an elite group of American women who are part of the Girl Scouts of the USA's Gold Award Alliance," she said.

On June 4th, at a ceremony at SUNY College at Old Westbury, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County honored 41 Senior Girl Scouts between the ages of 16 and 18. The Girl Scout Gold Award is a culmination of all that has been learned and experienced as a Girl Scout.

It affords the teen the opportunity to learn about arts and humanities, cultural and global relations, personal well-being, technology and science, and any one of the innumerable issues facing young women right now. The Gold Award project helps Senior Girl Scouts develop leadership skills and explore career paths. Overall, the Gold Awards require a commitment of two years on the part of each young woman.

Girl Scouts is the world’s largest volunteer organization for girls and young women ages 5 through 17. The Girl Scouts provide girls with learning opportunities, which empower them to realize their full potential and have fun with their peers in a supportive environment. More than 50 million girls have grown up into confident and strong women since Girl Scouts of the USA was founded 91 years ago.

For further information about the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, call Donna Rivera-Downey, Director Marketing at 516/741-2550, extension 260.