[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 61 (Thursday, April 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RAY LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2008

  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize seven 
outstanding young women who have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. The 
Gold Award is the highest offered by the Girl Scouts.
  I am honored to extend my congratulations to Ms. Kellie Poland, Ms. 
Marlene Smith, Ms. Andreanna Haun, Ms. Heather Graham, Ms. Nikita 
Garman, Ms. Mindy Merdian, and Ms. Alexis Moore, all Gold Award 
winners. These young women join an elite group of Girl Scouts, as last 
year only about 5 percent of eligible Scouts earned the prestigious 
Gold Award. Each of these young women's accomplishments demonstrates 
their ability to successfully meet a challenge and achieve a truly 
difficult goal. They have shown leadership in their communities and, 
through their efforts, have had a positive impact on the lives of 
others. The Girl Scouts can be proud today, as I am, of these fine 
young women, who, with character and confidence, have shown the courage 
to achieve the highest of honors available to them, the Gold Award.
  I applaud their dedication and thank them for their service to our 
communities. I encourage them to continue to be positive examples for 
those around them, and, again, I offer my sincere congratulations.

                          ____________________