|
|
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
|
|
Five honored by Girl Scouts at program
Staff Writer Marissa Archie, a 2008 Brainerd High School graduate, was taught to always do her best and to stand up for what she believes in.
On Tuesday, during the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines Women of Excellence Award program held at the Red Roof Inn in Brainerd, Archie learned that she was a role model to others who made a difference in their lives.
Archie was one of five women in the Brainerd lakes area who were honored at the Women of Excellence program. Archie was emotional when she received the "Young People Make a Difference" award after hearing kind words from Hollie LeDoux, a friend, and Nancy Pikula, the BHS counselor, who talked about Archie's love of people and how much Pikula respected Archie as a young woman.
Archie became teary eyed when she thanked her mother, who she said is the most influential person in her life. Archie said her mother taught her everything she knows.
Other women who were honored were:
¥ Laura Bielke received the "Women Promoting Young Women Today" award, which was presented by Joleen Barry.
¥ Deb Backdahl received the "Women Strengthening our Communities for Tomorrow" award, which was presented by Louise Seliski.
¥ Sara Dunlap received the "Women Promoting Diversity" award, which was presented by DeAnn Barry.
¥ Shawnna Johnson received the "Women Dedicated to the Girl Scout Way" award, which was presented by Darla Anderson and Dennis Johnson.
Dunlap asked the girl scouts to come up to the podium when she gave her acceptance speech. Dunlap asked them if they knew what diversity means. She said diversity doesn't only deal race or culture, but it also deals with occupations, religions and other things. Dunlap told the girls to have as many friends in their life that are different so they can learn from them.
Bielke received the award for her work with the Youth As Resources organization. Bielke said working with youth every day is a blessing and the community is lucky to have such active youth working on projects that make a difference.
Backdahl, who's the Crow Wing County Sheriff's chief deputy, said she was humbled to receive the award. However, she said the award is not about her. Backdahl said the award provides each person the opportunity to pass along the message that we all have a voice of influence over others.
"Success is within everyone's reach," said Backdahl. "You just need a dream."
Shawnna Johnson, who's involved in the girl scouts, thanked the organization for the award. Dennis Johnson said Shawnna Johnson taught the girls how to respect each other and how to become more prepared in life as they grow older.
Monica Husen, of Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines Brainerd office, said the Women of Excellence award program began in 2003 to honor women in the community who did great things and who were role models for the girl scouts.
The program was sponsored by the Lakes Area Women's Expo, Mills Motors, Louise Seleski, Bremer Bank, Lucy Nesheim and Dr. Diane Kendall.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
|
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
Loading...
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
