[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING DAKOTA PARTELOW, GOLD AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. W. GREGORY STEUBE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2025

  Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me 
in congratulating Dakota Partelow. Dakota is a member of Girl Scouts of 
Gulf Coast Florida, Troop 608, and has exemplified extraordinary 
leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment 
to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious 
award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.
  Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing 
to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the 
world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn 
the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts must identify 
and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead 
a team of experts and community members to implement a project that 
produces lasting change. Over the course of 1-2 years, Gold Award Girl 
Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, 
distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and 
perseverance, they embody the Girl Scout Law to truly make the world a 
better place.
  Dakota's project in partnership with Valerie House was an excellent 
endeavor to address youth mental health and grief in our community. 
Dakota took action by researching youth mental health and grief, then 
redesigning the children's waiting room at Valerie House to create a 
more welcoming space. She repainted the room and assembled a resource 
box filled with toys and activities to support the well-being of 
grieving children. Her efforts will have a lasting positive impact on 
the community.
  On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, 
congratulations to Dakota for achieving the highest distinction in Girl 
Scouts, the Gold Award. We thank Dakota for her leadership and making 
such a positive, lasting change in our community.

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