Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council recently recognized Arizona Girl Scout alumni and current Girl Scouts who exemplify the Girl Scout Promise and Law in seven categories -- the worlds of humanity, community, arts, future, learning, courage and leadership.

Recognition came at a special 2008 World Awards luncheon celebration held Dec. 6 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.

Of those honored at the event were Girl Scout alumni Governor Janet Napolitano and Fountain Hills teen Ally Clark.

Maria Carpenter Ort, board chair of Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, nominated Clark for this prestigious award.

“Ally was part of a 26-member ‘Story Weaver Design Team’ for the 2008 Girl Scout National Convention (made up of national board members, council CEOS and current and former board chairs),” Ort said.

“Ally could have been intimated but she wasn’t. She fully participated and was authentic and innovative, while standing up for her ideas on what is important to girls.

“She is a leader.”

Christine Whitney Sanchez, Story Weaver organizer/consultant, also endorsed Clark for the award. 

“Ally is full of courage, confidence and character,” Sanchez said. “She is open to discovery, connects easily with both girls and adults and takes action to make the world a better place by passionately participating in events that have been crying out for girl participation.” 

An active junior at Fountain Hills High School, Clark excels in honors chemistry and pre-calc while participating in an independent solar and environmental research class for science teacher Paul McElligott.

She is also a current member of Teen Court, Recycling Club, Philosophy Club and Research Club while maintaining a 3.2 GPA. She is the past president of Anime Club and was involved in marching band.

Clark has earned her Bronze and Silver Award and is currently working on her Gold Award (highest award for Girl Scouts). She is a member of Rio Salado Junior Shooting League, reaching distinguished expert level.

She also volunteered in Boys and Girls Club Leadership in Training Program and as a summer camp counselor at Del Camino Equestrian Horse Academy. 

Because of Clark’s outstanding leadership, she was invited to be a keynote speaker for the “Uniquely Me” program for Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts and was the youngest ever to attend a cultural biology course in Boston, Mass. this past year.

“Clark is deserving of Young Woman of Distinction,” said Nita Blose, Girl Scout troop leader.

“She is a dedicated senior Ambassador Girl Scout in Fountain Hills. Her passion for Girl Scouts grows every year along with her personal commitment to self-improvement and the importance of community service.” 

“It has been exciting to watch the positive impact that Ally has on her peers. She is a testament to the power of our youths and hope for our future.”