Kimberly Baxter of Clinton represented Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines while serving as a Governor’s Page during Girl Scout Week, March 9-13. The Page program allows students to experience working in the Capitol’s political environment and to gain knowledge of the function and roles of state government.
During the week, Baxter had the opportunity to meet with key government officials such as Court of Appeals Judge Chris Dillon and Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest. She also got a behind the scenes tour of historic buildings, including the capitol building, the legislative complex, and the governor’s mansion. Baxter also worked in the Department of Administration building assisting members of the governor’s staff.
Gov. Pat McCrory had high praise for the page program participants. “Girl Scouts represent some of the greatest members of our communities through their service and leadership,” said Governor McCrory. “It was an honor to meet Girl Scouts from throughout North Carolina and host them in Raleigh for our page program. Through their experiences as pages, I’m confident they will build on their commitment to serving others and continue to improve their community and our state.”
As part of Girl Scouts ongoing commitment to leadership development and service, girls are encouraged to participate in the Governor’s Page program during Girl Scout week ¬– which this year marked the 103rd birthday of the Girl Scout movement on March 12.
Baxter was chosen to participate based on an application that included an essay about a state or political issue. She was also asked to describe why she wanted to participate in the North Carolina Girl Scout Page Program. Baxter’s essay addressed education standards and teacher salary in North Carolina.
Baxter and her fellow Girl Scouts enjoyed the experience interacting with each other and the staff at the governor’s office. The feeling was mutual, according to the governor’s page program coordinator Diane McClary. “Everyone the Girl Scouts met with loved working with them. It was a pleasure having them serve and we hope other Girl Scout groups will be able to come again in the future,” stated McClary.
To qualify for the page program, applicants must be in good academic standing. Baxter worked diligently to perform her page duties while continuing to keep up with school assignments for the week.
Baxter, the daughter of John and Susan Baxter, is in the 10th grade at Clinton High School. In addition to Girl Scouting, she enjoys sports, dancing, and Methodist Youth Fellowship.
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is 2.8 million strong – 2.8 million girls and adults who believe girls can change the world. It began over 100 years ago with one woman, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every girl. Today, Girl Scouts continue her vision of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place by helping them discover their inner strengths, passions, and talents. And with programs from coast to coast and across oceans, there’s a chance for every girl to do something amazing.
In partnership with 10,000 adult volunteers, Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines serves more than 26,000 girl members in 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties. (Counties are: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Chatham, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne, and Wilson.) The Council’s administrative headquarters is located in Raleigh, with additional program and service centers located in Goldsboro, Fayetteville and Wilmington. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.nccoastalpines.org or call (800) 284-4475.