Alumnae Story
My Leader, My Friend

By Katie Virzi
Westfield, N.J.
Washington Rock Girl Scout Council

I was a Brownie/Junior/Cadette Girl Scout from 1968-1975. I am now a mother of three daughters and I have taken a leadership role in each of their troops.

It was not until I served as leader that I realized what a wonderful friend my leader, Mrs. Petoia of Brick, N.J., was. Each time we did a craft, went camping, marched in a parade, or prepared a service project I had a glowing feeling inside of me as I remembered myself as a young girl doing each of these activities. I was so moved that I actually sat down and penned a letter to my former leader telling her how wonderful she was and what a positive impact she had on my life.

Not only did I see my leader in a new light but, I also saw my mother and father in a new light as I realized they supported my Girl Scout career as a young girl.

Just last month my parents both attended my daughter's Silver Award ceremony in Westfield, N.J., and supported me once again as I had to present a speech about my troop's Silver Award Project. What a wonderful feeling it was seeing them in the audience. I hope someday one of the 30 girls I have mentored as a leader will step up to be a Girl Scout leader for her daughter.