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Girl Scout Mary Pate of Troutville helped children at two local daycares develop an appreciation for music by showing them how to make musical instruments inexpensively out of household items. In doing so, Mary has earned the Gold Award, the highest achievement given by Girl Scouts of the USA.  A member of Girl Scout Troop 626 of Botetourt service unit, Mary received her award from Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council at a ceremony held on September 9.

Achieving the Gold Award takes true commitment and dedication. The Girl Scout Gold Award is earned by fulfilling requirements that recognize a Senior Girl Scout’s commitment to excellence as she develops leadership skills and personal values to meet present and future challenges in her life. To earn the Gold Award, Mary had to prove her leadership abilities by designing and carrying out a plan of activities that included community service, career exploration, and specialized interest projects.  She had to meet the requirements for 65 hours of volunteer community service.

Mary used the Internet to research ideas for making musical instruments from household items. She then compiled a list of needed supplies and began collecting paper towel rolls and toilet paper rolls to use for her project. The rest of the needed supplies were purchased or donated.

With supplies in hand, Mary compiled a book of needed materials and instructions for each musical instrument she planned to make with the children, and constructed sample instruments.

She then took her project to the children, working first with kids at her church’s daycare and then with children at Greenfield Elementary School’s YMCA Magic Place. At each of the daycares, Mary spent several weeks helping the children make hand bells, kazoos, rain sticks, and clap sticks. When the instruments were completed, Mary showed and demonstrated her flute to each group of children and accompanied them in a concert.

Mary, 18, a June graduate of Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, plans to major in math, with a minor in education.  Mary is the daughter of Rita and Steve Pate of Troutville.  Her project consultant and troop leader is her mother.

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council is a leadership program for girls that develops life skills in business, science, and technology; provides adventures and challenges in sports, the environment, and the great outdoors; and encourages girls to give back to their communities through service projects conducted locally, across the United States, and internationally.

Submitted by Cyndi Young-Preston