[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. WILLIAM M. ``MAC'' THORNBERRY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 1996

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to salute 10 
outstanding young women who have each been honored with the Girl Scout 
Gold Award by the Texas Plains Girl Scout Council in Amarillo, TX. Each 
is being honored for earning the highest achievement award in Girl 
Scouting. The Girl Scout award symbolizes outstanding accomplishments 
in areas of leadership, community service, career planning, and 
personal development. The award can be earned by girls age 14-17, or in 
grades 9-12.
  Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., an organization serving 2.5 million girls, 
has awarded more than 20,000 Gold Awards to senior Girl Scouts since 
the inception of the program in 1980. To receive the award, a Girl 
Scout must earn four interest project patches, the Career Exploration 
Pin, the senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, and the senior Girl Scout 
Challenge, as well as design and implement a Girl Scout Gold Award 
project. A plan for fulfilling these requirements is created by the 
senior Girl Scout and is carried out through close cooperation between 
the girl and an adult Girl Scout volunteer.
  As members of the Texas Plains Girl Scout Council, these senior Girl 
Scouts began working toward their Girl Scout Gold Award over 2 years 
ago. Each completed projects in an area which made a positive and 
significant impact in their community. These outstanding young women 
reached this achievement through many hours of dedication and 
commitment.
  Angie Davenport and Angie Turpen of Lefors, TX designed and carried 
out a project to prevent crime and vandalism by organizing neighborhood 
watch groups. Jennifer Ellis of Amarillo, TX took it upon herself to 
create a program for young girls to better understand the needs of the 
disabled. Janel Kirby of Amarillo, TX created a project that involved 
making identification labels for each registered member of the Texas 
Plains Girl Scout Council to be used when they travel. Christy O'Dell 
of Amarillo, TX designed a project with a two fold purpose. She helped 
to provide residents of a retirement center the chance to hear musical 
presentations in the convenience of their community, and also allow the 
performers a chance to hone their skills. Amanda Peters of Amarillo, TX 
used her knowledge of computers to organize and design a library for 
her local church. Penelope Schuster of Amarillo, TX organized a 
clothing drive to aid local charities in providing clothing for 
economically disadvantaged women applying for jobs. Jennifer Walton of 
Amarillo, TX heightened awareness of national women's history through a 
rally at her school, which included special speakers and presentations. 
Jenny Whisenhunt of Amarillo, TX created a project to recognize senior 
citizens at a banquet, giving the senior citizens a forum in which to 
share their life experiences with family and friends. Jessica Nichols 
of Amarillo, TX organized a book drive to create a library at her local 
church.
  Each of these senior Girl Scouts deserve public recognition for their 
efforts to serve the community and the country.

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