Courtesy Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY
During a special celebration recently members of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) and NBT Bank celebrated the release of the United States Mint’s Juliette Gordon Low quarter, part of the fourth and final year of the American Women Quarters Program.
“The significance of honoring our Girl Scouts founder in this manner is not lost on any of us. We’re grateful to the U.S. Mint for this recognition,” said Brenda Episcopo, CEO of GSNENY. “Most importantly, our Girl Scouts can see that the values we hold and the lessons we live are respected and important in today’s society. We are proud not just because our founder is being honored, but also because it is a reflection on the good that Girl Scouts does for our members and our communities.”
The American Women Quarters Program highlights trailblazing women from across the country who have left a lasting impact on American history through their contributions to civil rights, public service, science, the arts and more. Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the United States of America in 1912. What began as a small group of 18 girls has since grown into a global sisterhood of approximately 2.5 million members.
“As the bank that proudly supports the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, we are honored to present the new Juliette Gordon Low quarter,” said Sarah Halliday, NBT Bank President of Commercial Banking. “Juliette Gordon Low’s legacy is a testament to the power of vision, courage and determination. As we celebrate her contributions, we are reminded of the importance of inspiring and empowering young girls to achieve great things.”
The design of the commemorative quarter celebrates Low’s enduring legacy and features several iconic elements tied to Girl Scout history, including:
• The trefoil, a symbol patented by Low and still used as the organization’s logo, prominently displayed on her hat, lapels, belt buckle and pin
• A 1920s-era Girl Scout uniform
• Two awards she received: the Thanks Badge—the highest honor for adults in Girl Scouting, worn over her heart—and the Silver Fish—the top recognition in Girl Guiding in the United Kingdom, worn around her neck.