Spotlight on Scouting: Girl Scout shares passion for Irish dance with local youth

Aug. 25, 2014 3:44 PM PT

Each year, local Scouts complete projects in the community to earn the highest ranking in their various groups. The Glendale News-Press wants to share the Scouts’ good deeds with readers as they answer questions about their service projects.

Meaghan Susank

How many years have you been in Scouting and where do you go to school?

I have been a Girl Scout since first grade, 12 years.

What was your Gold Award project?

My project was called “Dancing With the Stars.” My project addresses the community need for a different type of dance class that these children would never be exposed to. First, I taught the children about the history of Irish dance, then I taught the children a few dances. I collected donations from my church of dance equipment, including shoes, costumes and other dance accessories. My target audience was the children of the Boys and Girls Club of Burbank and the Girl Scout troops of Ivanhoe School.

Why did you pick your Gold Award project?

I chose this project because I have been dancing for 12 years and it is one of my great passions. I wanted to share my passion with people who are not able to be exposed to Irish dance because of economic reasons.

What is your favorite memory of your project?

I loved seeing the faces of the children as they accomplished Irish dance. I also loved seeing the Girl Scouts perform the dance I taught them. I love working with young children.

What is your other community involvement?

I volunteer at Huntington Hospital. I also did service through my high school of working with mentally challenged kids at Ability First. I was a Les Fleurette Debutante, which is part of the Thursday Club of La Cañada. Through this group, I volunteer over 40 hours of service to various groups in La Cañada, Pasadena and beyond.

What are your future plans?

I am going to attend Creighton University in the fall in the nursing school. I want to be a pediatric nurse and work with children.

To let the News-Press know about more Scouting projects that helped local young people achieve their highest ranking, email mark.kellam@latimes.com or call (818) 637-3238.