In the wake of the 2024 Girl Scout cookie season, Daisy Troop 21033 set out on a mission to thank members of the Athens community who have helped and supported them along the way.
They brought their idea to fruition Thursday, May 9, by hosting the first ever Axolotl Awards Ceremony.
Troop 21033, made up of five kindergarten girls and two leaders, started by inviting other troops in their area, Service Unit 210, to nominate community members for recognition.
From there, the girls planned the ceremony by choosing the decorations, food, beverages and attire. They landed on having a “pink tie” event, complete with a sparkly pink carpet.
Each Girl Scout did her part to help the afternoon run smoothly by decorating, handing out programs and welcoming guests as they arrived in their pink ensembles.
The theme for the ceremony was inspired by this year’s Girl Scout cookie mascot, Lucy the Axolotl.
Each Axolotl Award recipient was given an axolotl trophy designed and 3D printed by tech-savvy troop parent Corey O’Neil.
Honorees included:
— Ronnie Marks, Mayor of Athens.
— Dr. Catherine Wehlburg, President of Athens State University.
— Toni Carter, Head Librarian of Kares Library.
— Sr. Warden Patti Whitaker, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church.
— Athens First United Methodist Church.
— Piggly Wiggly, Ardmore.
— L & S Food Market, Ardmore.
After the honorees were awarded their axolotl trophies, the ceremony concluded with a spontaneous group rendition of the classic Girl Scout song, “Make New Friends.” Even Marks joined in to sing along.
Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama is enthusiastic about the prospect of Troop 21033 making it an annual tradition.
“I think the girls are very proud of what they accomplished,” Patricia Elmore, troop leader, said. “The Axolotl Awards were a great opportunity for us to say thank you to the community and create fun memories for everyone, and the girls are already looking forward to hosting next year’s awards ceremony.”