Samantha Hendel, a student at Oceanside High School, performed an astonishing act of kindness and goodwill toward her neighbors. She conceived, designed, developed and carried out a project that required a bare minimum of 50 hours of service to the community. For her hard work and dedication, Samantha has achieved the highest honor in Girl Scouting, the Girl Scout Gold Award.

What to do with kids in grades K-3 when they have free time on their hands? This was Samantha’s challenge. For her project, Samantha created a book containing games that could be played both inside and outdoors and was designed for children in this age group. The book also provides a ready resource for teachers and leaders with extra time at the end of lessons or meetings who are looking for that perfect game to keep their charges occupied and in control. Currently a senior at Oceanside High School, Samantha will attend Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall. Her extra-curricular activities at Oceanside High include Cross Country, indoor and outdoor Track and Field, Sports Night and Battle of the Classes. She also works at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center.

"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.

In addition to Samantha’s project, other notable projects include: self esteem seminars, volunteer work at hospitals, sports clinics, and workshops for animal awareness.

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.