Girl Scout and Actress Keke Palmer Uses Her 'Star Power' to Publicize the Girl Scout Message

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 23, 2006

CONTACT:
Marion Swan
GSUSA
212-852-8012
mswan@girlscouts.org

NEW YORK —No one ever said that growing up was easy. There are numerous challenges and pressures that can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem and life chances. That is where e Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) comes in – with a 94-year history of providing mentors, programs and activities aimed at "building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place."

As part of that ongoing effort to spread the Girl Scout message, GSUSA is proud to announce an exciting and unique partnership with Lionsgate Films. Through this partnership, GSUSA, Lionsgate Films and Keke Palmer have produced a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that challenges girls to "reach for the stars."

Using scenes from "Akeelah and the Bee," the PSA features Keke reaching out to girls who " … don’t feel like they fit in … that they don’t belong … that their life is out of control," and encouraging them to follow her lead and find their "rhythm" by joining the Girl Scouts.

Throughout the years, Girl Scouts owes much of it success to the dedication of adult volunteers who willingly become role models for girls in the community and across the nation. The film echoes this when adult family members, friends and neighbors are a key motivating factor in Akeelah's challenge. When Keke challenges girls in the special PSA, it is hoped that adults will be encouraged to join GSUSA in their mission to develop the leaders of tomorrow.

The PSA is now available in 30- and 15-second versions, for use by the more than 300 local Girl Scout councils nationwide. The PSA was already shown at 8 special Girl Scout screenings of the movie prior to its April 28 release.

" 'Akeelah and the Bee' is such an empowering movie," commented Kathy Cloninger, "and it speaks volumes on what it means to be a Girl Scout.  We are delighted to be associated with the movie and for Keke's enthusiasm in helping to spread the Girl Scout message."

Additional information about "Akeelah and the Bee" can be found at www.akeelahandthebee.com/splash.html

About Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent organization for and leading authority on girls with 3.7 million girl and adult members. Now in its 94th year, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization strives to serve girls from every corner of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Girls Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates living overseas and attending American or international schools. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to the Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate is the premier independent producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and is a foundation for the growth of the company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate brand name is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe.

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