From cookie sales to the Brooklyn Bridge
Troop 67474 enjoying the sights and sounds of Broadway. Left to right: Jami Lopeman, Deb Norkus, Ollie Montroy (14) and Makenzie Norkus (14).
Each season you see them bundled up braving the winter chill, smiling behind tables stacked high of Thin Mints and Samoas cookie boxes. Girl Scouts do it for fun but also to fund big goals. For two Sedalia Girl Scouts from Troop 67474, the result of eight years of cookie sales was an unforgettable trip to New York City to celebrate their transition from Cadette to Senior by “bridging” (literally and physically) across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Bridging is a favorite Girls Scout activity symbolizing a young girls transition to the next level in Girl Scouts. For ninth graders Ollie Montroy and Makenzie Norkus, bridging came with a skyline view. Prior to the walk, the girls were surprised when troop leaders and chaperones, Jami Lopeman and Deb Norkus, presented decorated vests to them. Jami and Deb have been with the girls from the first cookie booth to their big city celebration. The vests were decorated with hard-earned badges and patches telling the girls’ journey in Girl Scouts.
In addition to the meaningful walk, the travelers saw Hamilton and visited Girl Scout Central, a shop and museum for Girl Scouts.
Ollie and Makenzie are excited about new and future challenges, including travel opportunities, mentoring the two younger Scouts in the troop, and working toward the Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts. “I’m excited to experience things that are geared toward older scouts and helping my community,” said Ollie.
“We make helping others a priority. We have built a strong bond within our troop as well, friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Makenzie.
Scout vests adorned with hard-earned patches made a colorful statement as Girl Scouts Makenzie Norkus (left) and Ollie Montroy (right) embarked on their “bridging” ceremony across the Brooklyn Bridge. The walk symbolized their transition from Cadette to Senior, the next level up in Girl Scouts.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Jami Lopeman
