2024-2025 Inspire Discovery

Dear Girl Scout Families, Welcome to the 2024-2025 edition of Inspire Discovery ! This annual publication is designed for Girl Scouts and their parents/caregivers highlighting Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri events, information on earning one of Girl Scouts' highest awards, and endless program opportunities, from October 2024 through May 2025. Each school year, our Girl Scouts embark on a new journey filled with opportunities for growth and development. Together, we create a space of belonging for every girl to confidently walk into any room. Our girls, supportive families, GSEM staff, and program partners, have shown remarkable persistence to encourage girl success. Girls have demonstrated strong skills in school navigation, leadership, and fostering positive relationships with their peers. The impact Girl Scouts has on the lives of girls remains unmatched! I remain focused and committed to building a stronger foundation to support all Girl Scouts and their families. In addition to our traditional programming, girls can now participate in academic enrichment, mental health, and workforce development programming to increase critical competencies to promote lifelong success. We are also making significant strides in providing all girls with resources to assist with post-secondary planning. Recently, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri was pleased to announce a new and historical collaboration with Missouri State University with an annual renewable award of a $2,000 freshman scholarship for all eligible Girl Scouts in eastern Missouri. We are Soar High, Girl Scouts!

working on additional higher education and technical institution partnerships, and I look forward to sharing those exciting announcements with our families throughout the upcoming school year! I am incredibly grateful to have met so many Girl Scouts, families, and volunteers during my first year as CEO. From loading boxes of personal care items during April Showers to celebrating our Gold Award Girl Scouts at our Reflections Ceremony, it has been an amazing journey interacting with our girls! Take a look at some of my favorite moments on the next page. I am excited to continue partnering with each of you and engaging in activities that will motivate and empower all girls! I know our Girl Scouts and their families are already kicking off this school year with courage, confidence, and character, while uplifting others along the way! I want to give a warm welcome to all new members joining our Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri family. To all members, thank you for your unwavering support as we collaboratively come together to uplift all girls in eastern Missouri to soar higher! Much success,

Natissia Small, Ed.D. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO

More than 25,000 girls throughout eastern Missouri can now soar higher thanks to our partnership with Missouri State University!

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