Girls from Troop 2612 at Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma are among 30 young people chosen to present at this year's White House Science Fair, which is honoring women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)
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| "Lego Queens" (crown and all!) from GSEOK show President Barack Obama their "Flood Proof Bridge" design at the 4th annual White House Science Fair. Photo by Susan Walsh, AP |
by Guest Blogger Ingrid B. Williams, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma
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| Girl Scout "Lego Queens" pose after White House Science Fair.Photo Credit: GSEOK |
Has that happened for you?
It has for the FIRST Lego League team “Lego Queens” of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma’s troop 2612. And their moment in the sun came from none other than the President of the United States of America!
President Obama described their project and, as with many youngsters he met, shared what he was doing when he was their age. “I was just learning how to put up a tent. They’re designing bridge stuff to save people. So we’re very proud of them.” The moment streamed live from the White House was captured by one of the girl’s dads here: Lego Queens get Presidential Shout Out
Their conceptual model of a “flood proof bridge” caught the attention of the White House Science Fair staff, and the small group of second graders from Holland Hall school in Tulsa, Oklahoma was invited to attend the prestigious event with a gathering of students from around the nation. Some of the youngest in attendance since the science fair since its beginnings in 2010.
What made it possible for these Girl Scout Brownies to have the adventure of their lives at such a young age? The synergy of many people connected to Girl Scouting opened the doors. Skilled volunteers are at the top of the list.
Volunteers know how to truly guide girls while allowing them to dream and discover their own creative solutions. Add to that the support of a local council and its partners. They funnel an array of resources into valuable programs, making a rich environment to turn those dreams into realities. And with the leadership of Girl Scouts of the USA to spearhead endeavors such as this to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), Girl Scouts across the country have access to amazing opportunities in which to develop their equally amazing potential.
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| Volunteers make Girl Scouts happen! Coaches Alissa Hurley (left) and Suzanne Dodson (right) pose with Lego Queens (left to right): Avery Dodson, Claire Winton, Lucy Claire Sharp (kneeling), Miriam Schaffer (kneeling), and Natalie Hurley. Photo courtesy GSEOK |
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| Even though these courageous and confident Girl Scouts are doing serious stuff -- creating designs that save lives -- they still take time to have FUN! After setting up their science project at the White House, Miriam Schaffer, Natalie Hurley, Lucy Claire Sharp, Claire Winton, and Avery Dodson form a "Lego Queens Conga Line" as they leave the White House. Photo courtesy GSEOK |
Want to see more photos from the Lego Queens' Journey? Visit Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma's Facebook page!
To learn more about Girl Scouts' advocacy work around STEM, visit Girl Scouts' Legislative Issues page.
Are you interested in helping a girl flex her leadership muscle? Learn how to volunteer through your local council here!