From left: Carol Blackwell, Belle Walke, Thomas Walke, Jennifer Blackwell, Penny Walke, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. Photo contributed
Penelope "Penny" Walke, a 14-year-old Freshman at Langley High, received the Girl Scouts of the USA Lifesaving Medal of Honor for her role in saving her father's life in June 2021. Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton bestowed the honor, a national award granted to Girl Scouts who have shown the presence of mind and true Girl Scout spirit in saving life. Penny's father suffered a near-fatal cardiac arrest event in June 2021 as a result of an undiagnosed, rare genetic condition. Penny's quick thinking, maturity, and grace under pressure enabled her to take the necessary steps to assist her mother in starting and continuing CPR until the arrival of the paramedics. Penny has been a Girl Scout for 10 years, has earned two of the highest awards in Girl Scouting, the Bronze and Silver Awards, and is working on her Girl Scout Gold Award by starting a non-profit organization to collect, donate, and recycle shoes to local communities in need.