by Gina V. Stevens
As adults, many realize that life is full of rutty roads. In the life of Emily Weaner, turning 18 in September, the path of most resistance has cultivated a young woman who for close to 12 years, willingly followed those bumpy foot paths every chance she could get, with the hope of ultimately making the world a better place. Emily, a Pennsbury High School junior, just received the prestigious Girl Scout Gold award by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, at a ceremony on June 6th.
This service award exemplifies Emily’s determination to inspire other young girls in Bucks County and beyond. Emily hails from a family who taught giving and compassion as a norm at home.
Her twin sister shares those core values, but the two girls pursue different interests – one is a varsity cheerleader, while Emily describes herself as more of an academic.
“I took a high school course in AP Psychology, and was hooked. That was the moment I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life. I take my studies quite seriously. I am looking at West Chester University or University of Pittsburgh after graduation. Both have really strong psych and master’s programs,” added Emily.
Her older brother and sister are also twins – he, an athlete and Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America. Her mother, Liz, loves coming to many of the camping trips.
Emily has pursued her service on an ambitious timetable that would find many grown-ups gasping for air. With a gradual grade advancement, she began her journey with the Girl Scouts with the Daisies, then Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and finally Ambassadors.
Each girl will accomplish various service tasks to earn badges. The Gold-level award teaches participants how to go a step further, solve complex problems designed with permanent results.
Emily’s favorite activities have included camping, building bonfires, rope typing, canoeing, kayaking, zip lining, “basically anything where I can go outside and get down and dirty,” she laughs.
“One of the takeaways from being a Girl Scout, are the friendships that you cultivate. My best friends are Girl Scouts. We grew up together, work together, and I believe, will be in each-others’ lives forever,” added Emily.
Her award-winning project is titled “True Power,” an in-depth study of sexual assault and harassment. Her proposal has been officiated and endorsed by the Pennsbury School District Health Curriculum.
She has created an official website through the Pennsbury School District, proving that her materials/information is sustainable and available to all.
“I was awakened by the stats of how low a percentage of victims ever come forward to report the crime due to shame, guilt, fear…but the fact is that you are the victim. Don’t let anyone make it about being your fault. That is on the perpetrator. All of it. You did not ask for this, and you can step out of the darkness and report the abuse. Through this bravery, it might stop that violent criminal from hurting others. From your pain you can help others,” professed Emily.
Girl Scouts of America (sometimes referred to as Girl Scouts of the United States), was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, nicknamed “Daisy,” of Savannah, Georgia. She brought together 17 other girls who shared the same sense of curiosity and the belief that they could do anything.
This was at a time in our country where women did not have the right to vote, and were expected to adhere to strict social norms. Juliette and the Girl Scouts progressive mindset was controversial at the time, encouraging young ladies to create their own opportunities, take charge of their destinies.
Over a century later, millions of women can attribute the Girl Scouts organization to igniting this movement where women of all backgrounds ages 6-18, and abilities, could unlock their full potential, forge lifelong bonds, and, in turn, mobilize the conscious trajectory of our nation.
PHOTO CAP: Emily Weaner (right) with her mentor, Linda Hotzman