Deidra Bowling-Meade
The Ashland Beacon
Three fingers are held up as the promise is repeated in unison, “On my honor, I will try to serve God and my country, to help people at all times and to live by the Girl Scout Law.”
The Girl Scout Promise is known by Girl Scouts across America. It’s a declaration of more than just words; it’s putting action in place. It reminds scouts to do their best in being kind to others, respecting themselves and making the world a better place. Joining Girl Scouts requires a commitment, as well as the opportunity to grow, bond and learn together as a troop.
True dedication to fulfill the Girl Scout Promise has been seen this year with Troop 90, which is a multi-level troop of K-8th grade students who are students and parishioners from Holy Family in Ashland. The four Cadettes who are currently a part of this troop are Addy Bauder, Alex Listerman, Raegan Thomsen and Abigail Young. They have been actively involved this year and already making an impact in the community, as well as across the state.
Jennifer Young has been the troop leader for four years. Young shares that the troop focuses on G.I.R.L. power, which stands for Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker and Leader. Young stated the vision for Troop 90 saying, “This year, my goal is for each level to sponsor a community service oriented project and challenge the school each quarter. In the past we’ve done a blanket drive for The Neighborhood, helped Safe Harbor with their pantry fundraiser at Kroger, supplied pet food and treats for AARF and done a scout tree for festival of trees.”
In August, the Cadette troop members raised food donations for the Facing Hunger Food Bank that could be used in the backpack program for kids. The Cadettes challenged their Holy Family School classmates to donate food and offered an incentive of a free pizza party to the class who donated the most.
They also made a video challenging students that “just one donation per student can make a difference.” Raegan Thomsen, sixth grade Cadette, loved participating in the food drive saying, “I was really happy to help people get the food they need and restock the local food bank after the floods in Eastern Kentucky.” The Cadettes matched donations up to $250 in groceries. Sixth grade Cadette Addy Bauder stated, “It made me feel good to help people who are hungry. I liked shopping with my troop because we knew it was going to kids who need it.” The Cadettes received recognition from Kentucky Power for their efforts. Young said, “There are no real words to express how awesome a job the students and families at Holy Family did in responding to the Girl Scout Cadettes’ food drive challenge. The combined school collection and donation from the girls filled my Ford Explorer and was very much appreciated by Facing Hunger Food Bank staff.”
Troop 90 wants to continue making a difference in the community. They have plans to kick off a winter gear/clothing drive for local kids in need sometime in October. Seventh grader Alex Listerman is working on another wonderful project. Listerman said, “I’m working on my silver award project this year where I’m trying to start a reading program. I think it’s important to participate in community projects because if enough people do it, it can make an impact.”
Being in Girl Scouts provides leadership opportunities and a strong foundation for life. Abigail Young shared, “I think most Girl Scouts enjoy knowing that they helped someone in need. It’s a big opportunity to make friends, and you can also enjoy doing the fun activities.” Troop 90 is one of the oldest troops in the Ashland area, and these girls continue to bring honor to their legacy by living the Girl Scout Promise.