OKEECHOBEE – Girl Scouts are active in Okeechobee County with about 500 girls and 75 adult volunteers participating.

The Girl Scouts were honored on their 114^th anniversary during the March 12 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission.

Elle Harrigan, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Girl Scouts, said this year they were able to bring the Girl Scouts program back into the schools.

Commissioner Brad Goodbread thanked the adults “who give of their time and treasure to keep this organization open.” He said Harrigan asked him which is his favorite Girl Scout cookie. “I said they don’t make a bad one,” he added.

 The southeast division includes Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.

The Girl Scouts were started on March 12, 1912 when Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low gathered 18 local girls together in Savannah Georgia, for a Girl Scout meeting to provide them the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually.

The proclamation states: “The Girl Scout Leadership Experience offers girls 21st century programming in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); outdoors; entrepreneurship; and beyond, encouraging girls to make meaningful connections and develop invaluable life skills along the way.

 Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida offers programs that are a safe and supportive environment for every girl at every stage of their journey. Programs are thoughtfully designed to cultivate confidence, independence and social responsibility at each developmental stage. More than any other organization in the community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls with vision and voice — girls who command their future, engage their communities and inspire others, offering every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success, and provides girls with life-changing experiences and opportunities that create a lasting impact and empowers the next generation.”