When West Windsor-Plainsboro Girl Scouts held their Court of Awards Ceremony, 11 girls from four troops received the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. Earned by only five percent of Girl Scouts at the senior level, requirements include completion of badges, community service, leadership activities, and career exploration as well as planning and performing a major project for the community.##M:[more]##
Leadership and community service were common themes discussed by several local civic leaders at the event. State Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, a resident of Plainsboro, discussed the leadership opportunities available in Girl Scouting, and presented each Gold Award recipient with a Joint Legislative Resolution copy commending their “meritorious record of service, leadership, and accomplishments” for their individual projects. Lucylle Walter, representing Mercer County Freeholders, presented each with commendations, a frisbee so they will “remember to play,” and a map of Mercer County so that “you can always come back and find us again.”
Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh of West Windsor said he “was not frustrated looking at the future, because someday the ladies here will take care of all the problems in the world.” Other leaders included Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, Plainsboro Township Committee member Ed Yates, and West Windsor Township Council Committee member Linda Geevers.
The following girls received the Gold Award at the ceremony:
Senior Troop 70149, leaders Andrea Mandel and Stefanie Bradley.
Margot M. Louie for her project “Creativity in Game Making.” She developed and presented low cost, educational games for the Cherry Tree Club, a free preschool in West Windsor.
Lauren R. Mandel for her project “Volunteer!” She produced, showed, and distributed a video promoting volunteerism in the community. The video featured five organizations and a handout with information on 40 groups needing volunteers.
Varsha Mangal for her project “History of Grover’s Mill Pond.” She produced a video documentary on Grover’s Mill Pond, site of the Orson Wells fictional War of the Worlds broadcast, for use by West Windsor Township.
Senior Troop 71098, leaders Edie Kelly and Smita Varia.
Danielle Kelly for her project “Helping the Homeless.” She created a style guide and interview tip sheet to assist homeless citizens who are looking for employment.
Marissa Kelly for her project “Lending a Helping Hand to the Homeless.” She helped Homefront of Mercer County organize a visually appealing and customer friendly environment for clients to shop in their free store of donated items.
Deesha Sarma for her project “Go Green! Do Your Part to Save Our Earth!” She hosted an Environmental Awareness Fair that focused on ways to lead an eco friendly lifestyle as well as conducting presentations for local Girl Scouts.
Jashvina Shah for her project “Artistic Creations for Children.” She worked with children to make jewelry for patients in the children’s ward at a local hospital.
Senior Troop 71413, leaders Marie Fischer and Barbara O’Connell.
Laura Cerrito for her project “Scouting Our Faith.” She provided faith-based programs to girls in the spring and fall season.
Kelly Fischer for her project “Teens Just Want To Have Fun.” She facilitated activities for handicapped teens such as trips to the movies, bowling, eating out, a holiday party, and miniature golf.
Senior Troop 71659, leaders Carol Murphy and Marie Nesci.
Michelle Emerman for her project “Sports Physical Therapy: Getting You Back Into the Game.” She worked with a physical therapy center to develop information sessions for students in sports to prevent injuries.
Alexandra Nesci for her project “Literacy in a Bag.” She engaged displaced preschoolers and parents to read together by using literacy bags that she produced.
