WHEREAS, Girl Scouts of the United States of America proudly celebrates 100 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character on March 12, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Girl Scouts USA began in Savannah, Georgia, when founder Juliette Gordon Low held a meeting of 18 girls; and

WHEREAS, Girl Scouts can now be found in schools, churches, temples, mosques, public housing, and foster homes in urban, suburban, and rural areas across the country and number 78,000 in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Girl Scouts USA supports a holistic approach to helping girls develop, encouraging physical and emotional health and the importance of self-esteem and healthy habits; and

WHEREAS, girls who participate in Girl Scouts USA have the opportunity to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math in preparation for future careers; and

WHEREAS, Girl Scouts gain valuable business and financial literacy experience through the Girl Scouts USA cookie program, the largest girl-led business in the country; and

WHEREAS, Girl Scouts also learn about environmental issues and take part in community action on such related issues as noise pollution, global warming, and soil contamination; and

WHEREAS, two-thirds of women leaders in government, business, education, medicine, science, and their communities were once Girl Scouts, a tribute to the efficacy of the program; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Girl Scouts of the United States of America on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Girl Scouts of the United States of America as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations and admiration for the organization's commitment to building girls of courage, confidence, and character today to develop the women leaders of tomorrow.