Raleigh, NC – Raleigh’s own Megan George, 18, was honored nationally by Girl Scouts of the USA as a 2007 National Young Woman of Distinction for her extraordinary leadership and community service.  The honor is earned by only 13 girls in the country. George received this honor on June 12 for her “Starting Equal and Falling Behind” Girl Scout Gold Award project at a formal celebration of the Girl Scouts’ 95th anniversary in Washington, D.C.

Nominated by Pines of Carolina Girl Scout Council for her outstanding Girl Scout Gold Award project, George worked with 45 students ages five to 12 on hands-on science experiments and implemented a back-to-school informational conference at Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh. Her conference included speakers and interactive sessions on closing the growing achievement gap in the public school system. She involved community leaders, students, parents, and ministers in her effort to increase awareness for the cause.

“Megan has inspired our entire community. She is truly an extraordinary young leader, and we can’t wait to see what kind of great things she will accomplish in the future,” said Pat Wright, CEO of Pines of Carolina Girl Scout Council. “Her achievement is a testament not only to her commitment and perseverance, but to the effect Girl Scouting has on girls’ lives.”

George is the daughter of Michael and Margaret George of Raleigh and a 2007 graduate of Leesville Road High School. In addition to Girl Scouts, she is involved in Executive Student Council as special event chair and board member, concert band as first chair clarinet and chief clerk, and Baptist Gove Church as Junior Sunday School superintendent, Meals on Wheels volunteer, and member of the church orchestra. George is a member of Girl Scout Troop #1614 advised by Margaret George. George plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the fall.

Girl Scouts of the USA and an external committee, composed of high-profile professional women, carefully reviewed and selected the service project of George and 11 other Girl Scout Gold Award community service projects from those of more than 250 applicants. Only girls who earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Girl Scouting’s highest achievement, and complete 65 hours of community service are eligible to be considered for this national distinction.  Honorees demonstrate the highest degree of leadership, personal development, and commitment in working on their community service projects.

George joined the 12 other Girl Scout honorees in Washington, D.C., where she had the opportunity to interact with prominent female leaders, receive professional training in communications and advocacy, and use her leadership skills to discuss issues of importance with members of Congress and White House officials, including a meeting with Representative Bob Etheridge on June 12.

About the Gold Award and National Young Women of Distinction Honor

The Gold Award has evolved from a long line of Girl Scout awards going back as far as 1919.  The Girl Scout Gold Award, awarded to the top 5 percent of eligible Girl Scouts, is the highest award a Girl Scout between14-18 may earn.  The Gold Award recognizes the work of Girl Scouts who demonstrate leadership through the dedication of 65 hours or more towards a community service project that has lasting effects.  In 2007, Girl Scouts of the USA will recognize the extraordinary achievements of Girl Scout Gold Award projects by honoring a select group as the 2007 National Young Women of Distinction.  For more information on the Girl Scout Gold Award, click here.