Girl Scout Workshop A Success

To the Editor,

On Saturday afternoon, 18 Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts attended a American Patriotism Interest Project Workshop. Interest Project Awards (awards earned by Girl Scouts sixth grade and older) require considerable research, skill building exercises, career exploration, and at least one service project.

The workshop was the culmination of months of research, planning, and preparation. The scouts running the event were very ingenious in incorporating the required American history facts into a quiz game and the questions to be asked of the guest speakers into their introductions.

I would like to say how impressed I was of the Cadette Girl Scouts Eve Kroha, Faith Mangiafico, and Kristina Murphy, who planned and executed this workshop. Thanks also to Susan Giarratano for her help in planning and preparation. In addition, I want to express how pleased I was with the level of participation of the attendees. They were engaged in the topics discussed and asked intelligent and pointed questions of the guest speakers.

We are grateful to three wonderful guest speakers and the VFW Post 308 for sponsoring the event. Pete Sturgess the junior vice commander of VFW Post 308 discussed the history of the flag, demonstrated proper care and folding of the American flag, and other flag etiquette. Attendees had an opportunity to ask about his service in the military and what patriotism means to him.

John Voket, associate editor at The Newtown Bee, discussed the importance of freedom of the press and other related topics. Mr Voket’s presentation aroused so many questions and dialogue from the attendees that we had to promise to plan an Interest Project Award solely on this topic!

Lisa Schwartz discussed what inspired her to run for her position on Newtown’s Board of Education. She related her motivation to her first experience in the political arena in high school. Mrs Schwartz also answered questions about the responsibilities of the Board of Education and what she takes into consideration when asking questions and voting on matters that come before her. She encouraged the girls to get involved in the matters that are important to them and to have a voice.

Coincidentally I am sending this letter during National Girl Scout Week. Girl Scouts of the USA has been helping girls grow strong in this country since March 12, 1912. In Newtown alone there are hundreds of adult volunteers who dedicate countless hours to fulfill the Girl Scout mission — to inspire girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism, and service that they may become happy and resourceful citizens. I offer to them my highest esteem and sincere gratitude!

Yours in scouting,

Donna Mangiafico

Service Unit Manager, Newtown Girl Scouts

12 Merlin’s Lane, Newtown                                       March 14, 2006