Girl Scout Gold Award, 2008

The Gold Award is granted for distinguished achievement in earning the highest award in Girl Scouts by demonstrating leadership, strength of character, commitment to excellence, service to community, and for exemplifying the ideals of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. The Heart of New Jersey Girl Scout council awarded Shannon the Gold on June 7, 2009 in Hampton, New Jersey.

Girl Scouts of the USA

is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls—all girls—where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. Girls at home and abroad participate in more than 236,000 troops and groups in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and over 300 local Girl Scout councils offer girls the opportunity for membership across the United States. Through its membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries. More than 50 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood—and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.