2 LOCUST VALLEY RESIDENTS ACHIEVE HIGHEST HONOR IN GIRL SCOUTING

Locust Valley, NY July 3, 2005

Locust Valley residents, Diana Keenan and Caitlin Coon, 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.

“Operation Birthday” was a fitting title for Diana’s project and benefited the children of St. Christopher Ottile (SCO) Family Services. She organized toy drives and solicited donations from local stores and corporations. Diana assembled birthday bags containing calendars, cards, a cake mix, frosting, balloons, streamers, napkins and plates – everything needed to make a party for the children of SCO as they celebrate their birthdays. Diane is currently a sophomore at Our Lady of Mercy Academy. She is very active in sports, particularly Swimming, Basketball, and Lacrosse. She is also a member of the Peanut Butter & Jelly Gang and Middle States Committee.

Caitlin had a plan to bring smiles to the faces of residents at a local nursing home. A talented music lover, Caitlin planned, rehearsed and implemented a series of musical performances at the Marquis Nursing Home in Glen Cove. Caitlin researched what songs the residents liked best and incorporated them into her performances at the home. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment provided by Caitlin, and she was touched by their response to her performances. A junior at Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Caitlin participates in Band, Wind Ensemble and Pit Orchestra, and is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

"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.