By Samantha Herring, Communications Intern

Today our council recognizes an amazing project completed by one of our very own Girl Scouts! Girl Scout Rachel H. first became interested in amphibian conservation when she was in the sixth grade and learned that amphibians were the most endangered group of animal species on the planet. This issue was at the heart of her Girl Scout Silver Award project. In addition to numerous awareness activities, she partnered with the Save the Frogs organization and Governor Beverly Perdue to institute a Save the Frogs Day in North Carolina. Taking her advocacy even further, she helped establish two state amphibians, the Pine Barrens Treefrog – now our state frog, and the Marbled Salamander – now our state salamander!

Every day, Girl Scouts in our council do amazing things: from Gold Award projects aimed at saving endangered species to making a difference in their world by giving back through community service. Girl Scout Rachel Hopkins is no different. As a result of her volunteer work to save the frogs, she was awarded the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Distinguished Finalist bronze medallion during the May 20^th Raleigh City Council meeting. The award represents the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service.

Rachel also received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which included a letter from the president of the United States, Barack Obama. In his letter, the president wrote, “Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise.”

Our goal at Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines is to give every girl the opportunity to be the leader she wants to be and to be the leader the world needs her to be. Rachel truly embodies the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Thank you Rachel for representing all Girl Scouts who work to make the world a better place!