THE FOLLOWING IS FROM JIM ROSSOW’S COLUMN IN NEWS-GAZETTE
They were treated like celebrities at a Saturday ceremony — and deservedly so. Even the mayor stopped by to congratulate four members of Girl Scout Troop 2938 — Emma Beauvois, Karley Free, Evelyn Hucks and Jordan Hucks — for their community service.
“They loved it,” troop leader Tonya Hucks said of the attention. “They understood their accomplishment and appreciated the community’s response.”
The motivated fourth- and fifth-grade girls were recognized for a Bronze Award-winning project they started in September and wrapped up Thursday: planning and constructing a gaga ball pit at the Vermilion County village’s popular park.
They raised $800 by working concessions stands and community breakfasts and by soliciting donations from the local Lions Club among other helpful hands. With parental oversight, they purchased materials at Lowe’s and “built it by hand,” Tonya said. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get it done.”
The pit’s been packed since Opening Day, kids in Catlin enjoying a dodgeball-like game played in an octagonal pit. The girls plan to celebrate with a pizza party. What was their motivation?
“Giving back to the community and showing the younger Girl Scouts coming up that they can accomplish something big like this, too,” Tonya said. “It’s totally cool.”
