Girl Scout Experience is a PLUS

Emily, a Girl Scout Senior from Virginia Beach who has earned her Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards and is currently serving on the Teen Advisory Group for Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, was one of the area’s youth to be selected to participate in the eXcel Leadership Academy sponsored by LEAD Hampton Roads. Emily says her Girl Scout background and her leadership experience gained through Girl Scouts, played a role in her being accepted into the Academy!

eXcel offers youth, rising high school seniors, an opportunity to build strong leadership skills through hands-on activities and projects with area leaders. Modeled after LEAD Hampton Roads, the region’s oldest and well-known business leadership program of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, eXcel is designed to identify, educate and prepare future leaders by providing development tools, opportunities and experiences of the inner workings of our rich and diverse region. eXcel places students in a network of regional youth and adult leaders which will form a strong foundation for their future success in college and the working world.

“The eXcel Leadership Academy taught me that leadership is not just about directing people, it’s about making connections,” Emily said. “Even if you are not directing people, you can still have a leadership role in whatever activities you do. I also learned that team work is key to getting things done and getting other people’s input and perspective helps drive collaboration. We do a lot of this in Girl Scouts, whether it’s putting up a tent or planning a cookie rally, we all work together. I loved the program and would recommend it to others."

Emily is a rising junior at Princess Anne High School and in September, will begin the Advanced Technology Center’s Digital Design two year program.