3 GLEN COVE RESIDENTS ACHIEVE HIGHEST HONOR IN GIRL SCOUTING

Glen Cove, NY July 3, 2005

Glen Cove residents, Jennifer Kwapisz, Kelly Holzkamp, and Amanda Imbriano, performed astonishing acts of kindness and goodwill toward her 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.

The prime objective of Jennifer’s project – V.O.L.L.T. (Volunteering Opportunities: Lifelong Lessons for Teens) was to encourage teenagers to take a more active role in their communities through service. Jennifer created a Web site, www.vollt.com, that provides teens with ideas and examples of how they can volunteer in their communities. Included on her Web site are photographs and articles about recent community events where young people participated and links to other Web pages that enable them to find specific opportunities in their geographic areas. Jennifer is in her junior year at Our Lady of Mercy Academy where her after-school activities include Lawyer - Co-Captain of the Varsity Mock Trial Team, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Pit Orchestra and Band.

“Spreading Warmth throughout Momma’s House” was Kelly’s plan. For her project, she crocheted baby blankets for the infants at Momma’s House, a local home in Glen Cove that supports unwed mothers. Kelly recruited other crafters to assist with the crocheting so she would have more handmade items to present. Her efforts not only benefited the babies but were also a source of comfort and support to the women living at Momma’s House. Kelly is in her junior year at Our Lady of Mercy Academy where her activities include Varsity Golf, Leaders Club, and Sports Night. She is a member of the National Art and Spanish Honor Societies and President of the Mercy Dance Company.

“Teddy to the Rescue” aptly described Amanda’s efforts to assuage frightened children in domestic violence situations. Amanda sewed and stuffed teddy bears to donate to the local police department. The bears are used to comfort children who must be picked up in cases of domestic violence or related circumstances. Amanda packaged her bears in plastic so that the police officers could keep them in the trunks of their squad cars, ready to use as a comforting tool in a frightening situation. Amanda is currently in 11th grade at Our Lady of Mercy Academy where she is active in Band, Crew Team, OLMANAC (school newspaper) and Mock Trial.

"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.