This past year was as challenging for Pearl River’s Girl Scouts as it was for any who endured Hurricane Katrina. However, something special happened to bring a shining ray of inspiration into this organization.

This year, a young lady from Pearl River County earned the Girl Scouts’ highest youth award, the Gold Award.

A Girl Scout works on this award project for three years starting in her tenth grade year and finishing when she becomes a senior Girl Scout. This project is based on her interests and is created and organized primarily by her. The project is designed to be a test of her organizational abilities and life skills that she has acquired over the years.

The Pearl River Service Unit awarded the Gold Award this year to Marie Laptas and congratulates her on this special achievement.

Marie hosted an environmental convention in the spring of 2006 as her gold project event. She has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and has worked hard over the years, achieving many goals and helping many people through service projects with her troop and the service unit.

Marie has volunteered as an assitant troop leader with troop 503 led by her parents Mike and Robert Laptas. She serves as a role model and mentor to young girls in Pearl River county.

Marie bridged to an adult Girl Scout in May of this year, as well as graduating from Hancock High School. She is attending Pearl River Community College in the fall of 2006 and intends to become a doctor.

The Pearl River Service Unit wishes her the best of luck in the future.