2 FREEPORT RESIDENTS ACHIEVE HIGHEST HONOR IN GIRL SCOUTING

Freeport, NY July 3, 2005

Two Freeport residents, Meghan Drew and Rebecca Callahan, 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.

“Wrapping the Community in Warmth” was the final outcome of Meghan’s project. Relying on her skills as a handcrafter, Meghan took on the task of teaching Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts how to crochet. She organized several workshops and worked with her pupils to crochet scarves that were donated to Our Holy Redeemer Parish Outreach. Meghan’s passion for her craft and her infinite patience were the key to completing this worthwhile project. Meghan is a senior at Freeport High School. She a member of the Choral Council and National Honor Society and teaches Sunday School on weekends. Meghan plans to attend SUNY New Paltz in the fall.

Rebecca’s goal was to motivate young girls towards physical activity while having fun at the same time. With children spending many hours these days in front of the computer or television, getting them to exercise can be a tough assignment. Rebecca organized a “Fitness Fun” event for girls. Activities included a short presentation on nutrition and a film on sportsmanship, culminating with relay races and other competitive games. Rebecca is currently in her senior year at Freeport High School. Her numerous extra-curricular activities include Honor Society, sports, student government and Band. Rebecca plans on attending Utica College in September.

"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.