Posted 12:23 am Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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‘Real Girls, Real Women' Luncheon Honors Top Volunteers On March 30
By MELISSA CROWE
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Building up to a century of fostering leaders, the youth organization dedicated solely to girls celebrates four dedicated volunteers at its third annual awards ceremony March 30.
The "Real Girls, Real Women" Luncheon, set to take place at Hollytree Country Club, honors an outstanding Girl Scout and three women for their contributions to the organization and dedication to community service.
"We're celebrating these women and the Girl Scouts," said Audrey Palacios Colorado, marketing and communications coordinator for Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. "They're dedicated individuals to the community and they've brought awareness to our organization."
The Northeast Texas region serves about 30,000 Girl Scouts, of which, 546 reside in Smith County.
One of those Scouts, Megan Lambert, 17, of Tyler, will be recognized with the Real Girl Award at the annual luncheon.
At the same time, the organization draws attention to the ongoing need to help transform girls into young women who will become leaders in families, communities, businesses and places of worship.
"What the Girl Scout experience is trying to do is build our future leaders," Ms. Colorado said. "We're hoping that Megan will be one of the next women leaders of Tyler and the East Texas community."
Ms. Colorado said Miss Lambert is a dedicated Girl Scout who has been involved since she was 9. She earned the highest award a Scout can work for -- The Gold Award.
To earn her ranking, she organized a community rally during which friends and family made greeting cards to send overseas to military men and women. On Sept. 11, she held the East Texas Card Making Extravaganza. By the time it was over, 1,781 cards were on their way to the troops.
This year's other honorees are Real Woman Award winner Lynda York, of Tyler; Lifetime Achievement Award winner Georgia Weddle, of Paris; and Outstanding Girl Scout Leader Award winner Leah Cooper, of Jefferson.
Gillilan Sheridan, a news anchor with KYTX CBS19, will be the mistress of ceremonies at the luncheon.
For the future of Girl Scouts, Ms. Colorado said the organization is shifting to include more "modern" tastes.
"We're doing what girls want to do now: technology, focusing on science, technology, engineering and math, and bringing Girl Scouts to current days with all the fun stuff they like to do," Ms. Colorado said.
The luncheon also helps raise money for this region to benefit East Texas Girl Scouts and community programs.
Tickets to the luncheon cost $35; sponsorship opportunities are available. For information, contact the organization through its website, gsnetx.org/rgrw, or call 972-349-2438.
