Local Girl Scout earns Gold Award

Girl Scout Porscha Allen recently earned the Gold Award, scouting's highest honor.

According to the press release, to qualify for the award, Girl Scouts must demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, career planning, community involvement and personal development. They must also complete more than 100 hours of community service and two to three years of intensive work, including developing a project that is beneficial to the community.

Allen earned the award by planning and hosting a health workshop in which children from a local transitional living center were taught about the importance of healthy eating and exercise.

"I chose this project because I used to be overweight and had to learn how to eat healthy and the importance of exercise," Allen said in the release. "I wanted to share that knowledge with children and youth so they could learn to make healthier choices."

Allen has been a member of Girl Scouts for 13 years. She is a 2012 graduate of Waltrip High School, where she was named a Texas Scholar as well as a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Allen is studying criminal justice at University of North Texas.

For more information, call 800-392-4340 or visit gssjc.org.