(HOUSTON-April 29, 2002) Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) will honor Girl Scouts who have earned their Gold Awards, Saturday, May 11 from 2:00 until 4 p.m. at The Houstonian, 111 North Post Oak Lane. Each young woman planned and implemented a specially designed community service project that impacted a key issue in their immediate environment. The Girl Scouts donate on average more than 80 hours of community service to earn their Gold Award.

Less than 2 percent of Senior Girl Scouts earn the coveted Gold Award. One Gold Award project included the development of a support network for teen mothers, including donating more than 100 new and gently-used baby supplies to Associated Catholic Charities. The Eden Project, named in honor of a Girl Scout's own daughter, whose middle name was Eden, was born out of the desire to help other teen moms. Since this Girl Scout made the tough decision to give her own daughter an adoptive home, she knew from firsthand experience the choices some young mothers face.

"The projects our girls develop and implement ensure that they meet people from all walks of life, and that they experience firsthand the common humanity that we all share," says GSSJC CEO Mary Vitek. "These young women have truly left their marks on the community."

GSSJC is the second largest council in the United States, serving 53,183 girls and 14, 000 adults. The Council is currently recruiting girls for all levels, and troop leaders. For more information, call 713-292-0300, and ask for Membership. Visit us online at www.gssjc.org.

GSSJS Pluralism Statement
Embracing and promoting pluralism is an integral part of every activity and plan of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, not disconnected or separate projects. Only individuals willing to accept and be educated about the basic tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls may serve in volunteer leadership or staff positions.

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council l Brand Management & Fund Development Department
3110 Southwest Freeway l Houston, TX 77098