Alexandria — Natascha Zelloe, Girl Scout Ambassador in Linda Kelly’s troop 2615 and senior at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes High School, has achieved the highest honor in Girl Scouting — the Gold Award. Only 3,000 Girl Scouts nationwide obtain the Gold Award each year.
Natascha was recognized for her long-term dedication, commitment, and the contributions she has made for the past 13 years to the Girl Scouts and for her project, a herb garden.
Inspired by the First Lady’s focus on growing her own vegetable garden in the White House and Jane Goodall’s mission of improving the community by creating a more sustainable world, Natascha decided to plant an herb garden in the courtyard of St. Stephen’s upper school with the goal of utilizing the fresh herbs from the garden by the cafeteria chefs for the daily lunches. After discussions with the cafeteria staff as to the desired herbs, she planted basil, thyme, parsley, garlic, and chives. Natascha tended the herb garden for several months and completed her project in the fall of 2012. Volunteers will continue her garden in the future. The official ceremony will take place in May at the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. In the meantime, Natascha has been invited as a speaker at several functions and Girl Scout events to inspire the younger members with her enthusiasm, hard work and devotion.