[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E443]]



   TRIBUTE TO THE GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA IN RECOGNITION OF THE 90TH 
                     ANNIVERSARY OF THE GIRL SCOUTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Girl 
Scouts of the USA in recognition of their 90th anniversary.
  From the small beginnings of a group of 18 girls gathered in 
Savannah, Georgia, Girl Scouting has grown to a membership of 3.8 
million women and girls worldwide. For 90 years now, Girl Scouts of the 
USA has been encouraging young women to develop and meet their full 
potential.
  As a former high school teacher, I can attest that the positive 
values learned in the Girl Scout program will help these girls make 
sound decisions throughout their lives. The Girl Scouts of the USA 
teaches girls to contribute to society and, through their interaction 
with the community around them, develop a strong sense of self-
confidence and a willingness to take on responsibility. These qualities 
create a strong foundation, which will enable them to grow into quality 
citizens and effective leaders.
  While Girl Scouting provides opportunities for community service to 
girls of all ages, senior Girl Scouts are able to build upon their 
service experience in the Gold Award program. The Girl Scout Gold Award 
program encourages senior Girl Scouts to use their leadership skills, 
career interests and personal values to meet an expressed need in their 
community.
  The Girl Scouts of the USA have done an exceptional job of 
cultivating a positive atmosphere that allows young women to develop 
confidence in themselves, as well as a desire to serve their 
communities. I applaud them for their commitment to our nation's 
children, and am hopeful they will continue to make a positive 
difference in the lives of young adults for years to come.

                          ____________________