Recognizing Victoria Morton, Gold Award

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Victoria Morton. Victoria is a member of Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, Troop 135, and has exemplified extraordinary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to making a lasting, positive impact, by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.

Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized as trailblazers who are willing to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their communities and the world with measurable, sustainable, and far-reaching results. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, high school-age Girl Scouts must identify and investigate an issue they care about, devise a plan, and then lead a team of experts and community members to implement a project that produces lasting change. Over the course of 1-2 years, Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate significant initiative, commitment, and leadership, distinguishing them from their peers. Through their resourcefulness and perseverance, they embody the Girl Scout Law to truly make the world a better place.

Victoria's project, ``Pet Resource Central,'' in partnership with the Community Resource Center of Punta Gorda, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, the Animal Welfare League, the Suncoast Humane Society, and peers at Port Charlotte High School, was an excellent endeavor to address food insecurity and animal welfare in our community by creating a pantry for low-income pet owners. She collected donations to stock the pantry and hosted free workshops on affordable pet care. Additionally, Victoria provided free grooming services, including ear and teeth cleaning, nail trimming, and created a resource booklet with spay and neuter information. Victoria dedicated 136 hours to her project, which will have a lasting and positive impact on the community for years to come.

On behalf of the 17th Congressional District of Florida, congratulations to Victoria Morton for achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. We thank Victoria for her leadership and making such a positive, lasting change in our community.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source