Girl Scouts hand out top honor to 12 teens

Twelve young women received Girl Scout Gold Awards at the 2008 Young Women of Distinction Awards recently at The Orleans.

The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve, and is awarded to young women who have completed a community project using their leadership skills, career interests and personal values.

In addition to the Gold Award, each recipient is eligible for a $500 per year scholarship by the Gold Award Alliance, a committee of Frontier Council volunteers whose goal is to mentor Senior Girl Scouts through their Gold Award Project.

Codie Brown, 18, and Chandice Brown, 17, are the daughters of Thedra and Bart Brown. Codie is a 2007 graduate of Silverado High School. Chandice attends Silverado.

Cory Costanzo, 18, is the daughter of Trish and Karl Elliott. She is a 2007 graduate of Chaparral High School.

Diana Glover, 18, is the daughter of Robin and Craig Glover. She is a 2007 graduate of Clark High School.

Tracy Harvego, 17, is the daughter of Kristie and James Harvego. She attends Rancho High School.

Mariah Kingman, 18, is the daughter of Marita and Peter Kingman. She attends Foothill High School.

Tiffany Koehler, 18, is the daughter of Davina and Paul Koehler. She is a 2007 graduate of Chaparral High School.

Meg Pearson, 17, is the daughter of Paula and John Pearson. She attends Green Valley High School.

Kaitlin Peck, 18, is the daughter of Kathleen and Jerauld Peck. She attends Shadow Ridge High School.

Kalina Rodriguez, 18, is the daughter of Eileen and Martin Rodriguez. She attends Silverado High School.

Krysta Rowsell, 18, is the daughter of Canduella and Brian Rowsell. She is a 2007 graduate of Silverado High School.

Jessica Shalita, 18, is the daughter of Caryn and Eric Shalita. She is a 2007 graduate of Cheyenne High School.

In other youth news:

* Bailey Middle School student Cali Boyd, 12, has been selected to attend the Jr. National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., Saturday through July 17. Cali will join more than 250 middle school students from across the United States at the conference "Voice of Leadership: Reflecting on the Past to Create the Future." During the conference, the pupils will discuss the impact of leadership through periods of American history, meet with officials and Congressional staff members on Capitol Hill and visit historical sites.

* Heather Wilder, 14, is one of 10 finalists in the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame. Heather was selected for her advocacy work to help children in foster care. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and be inducted at a ceremony Aug. 19 in St. Louis attended by inaugural member of the Keep Going Hall of Fame, Cal Ripken Jr. In addition, a $5,000 donation will be made to the winner's favorite charity. To vote for Heather, visit www.energizer.com/halloffame. Online voting will be open until July 25.

* Five young men from the Las Vegas Area Council of the Boys Scouts of America have recently become Eagle Scouts:

Scott Albright, 16, is the son of Chris and Elaine Albright. He is a member of Troop No. 472.

Jared Campos, 16, is the son of Steven and Catrina Campos. He is a member of Troop No. 374.

Cameron Legere, 18, is the son of Bill and Marliyn Legere. He is a member of Troop No. 260.

Austin A. Spencer, 17, is the son of Keith and Carol Spencer. He is a member of Troop No. 700.

Justin Steele, 17, is the son of Gail Eason Steele and David Steele. He is a member of Troop No. 205.

If you know of a worthy candidate for this column, mail information to Youth Spotlight, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070, or send faxes to 383-4676.