NEW HYDE PARK RESIDENTS ACHIEVE HIGHEST HONOR IN GIRL SCOUTING

New Hyde Park, NY July 3, 2005

New Hyde Park residents, Katherine McGuire and Katelyn Ann Payne, 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.

Katherine sought to honor veterans, especially her great uncle who served in World War II, and to foster an understanding about World War II, the time and people. She worked with the Cradle of Aviation and arranged a presentation on WW II. Katherine compiled an album from her great uncle’s memorabilia, created posters and a slide show, and invited veterans to speak to her audience. Her project “Veteran Appreciation” allowed veterans to tell their stories and share their experiences with others, thus ensuring that their part in American history may never be forgotten.

This past March was National Youth Art Month and to celebrate, Katelyn put together a display of young artists from local elementary schools. Her objectives were to promote art appreciation, illustrate that art has no boundaries and to raise food for Long Island Cares. With a can of food the charge for admission to the exhibit, Katelyn was able to donate needed items to Long Island Cares food banks. Katelyn’s young exhibitors were filled with pride and self-accomplishment as they saw their work on display. Katelyn is in her junior year at New Hyde Park Memorial High School. She is member of the Photography Club, The Chariot (school newspaper) and Model United Nations. Katelyn also volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and teaches religious education at Notre Dame Church.

"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.