Molly Darcy, a member of Girl Scout Troop #60093 and lifelong resident of Highland, has earned the Girl Scout Silver Award. This prestigious honor is the second highest leadership award in Girl Scouting, an achievement that only 10% of all Girl Scouts attain.
On her path to achieve the Silver Award, Darcy, 14, of Highland High School, earned three Journeys - extended engagement with a topic that each culminated in a service project - and earned her Summit Award. For her Silver Award project, she addressed the lack of attention to local Girl Scout history, and the history of Camp Wendy in particular.
She raised awareness and highlighted the historical significance of this camp by creating an ebook which has been widely distributed. This benefits both Girl Scouts locally as well as all over the world, by maintaining awareness of the history of this unique property. Camp Wendy is a Girl Scout Camp in Wallkill, NY, bequeathed to Ulster County Girl Scouts by local philanthropist Marion Borden of Wallkill in 1923. It has historical ties to the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Lowe, and was one of the first official Girl Scout camps in the US. During World War II, Wendy served as a Farm Aid Camp and it will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2023. On August 13, 2022, Camp Wendy will celebrate its 40th anniversary of being a Lou Henry Hoover Memorial Sanctuary.
“Molly is already the leader that the Girl Scout Leadership Program strives to produce. She leads with energy, enthusiasm, confidence and joy. Molly is comfortable in any situation and will take up the leadership role whenever it is needed, whether she planned to lead or not. Molly is comfortable communicating with Girl Scouts at every level, including adult Girl Scouts. She can come up with a game, song or story at a moment’s notice, but seeming as though she planned it all along. She is poised for continued success in her future.” - Roberta Perrgio, Troop Leader 60093.
“Molly is a ‘go to’ person. She reliably rallies a group and creatively moves forward. A quintessential Girl Scout, Molly’s future is bright.” - Rev. Laurie A. McNeill, Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Highland.
“Molly is a passionate, amazing Girl Scout who is ever curious about the world around her. She is a leader who is driven to accomplish what she sets out to do. I have seen her work well with younger youth, those within her own age group, and with adults. I am certain she will be a force for good in many ways and I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the years ahead.” - Barbara Londa, Girl Scout Heart of the Hudson Museum.
Girl Scouts helps girls fully develop their individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and innovation. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place and has been the preeminent organization for girls for 109 years.
A ceremony honoring Molly and all Silver and Gold Award recipients is being planned for March 5, 2022 by the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson council.