Jacqueline “Jackie” Withey, a student at the Webb Schools, will be presented with the Gold Scout Award—the highest award a Girl Scout can earn—in Pasadena on June 8.

Jackie’s Gold Award project was sparked by her concern for the underserved poor in her community that are in need of food and blankets. Because of unemployment and a poor economy, food banks are receiving less food. Through her leadership and organizational skills, she generated over 5,500 pounds of food and 75 blankets for the “His Hands Ministry” at St. Joseph’s Church in Upland.

In addition to her 12-year Girl Scout career, Jackie, 17, is a Webb Schools three-sport varsity athlete in volleyball, basketball and high jump. She received the Webb Schools Rogers’ Scholarship for academic excellence, leadership, honor and community service and the Global Works Scholarship (Africa) and is a Hefner Award Finalist.

Jackie is an Irish dancer who performs with the Irish Dimensions dance group. She would like to acknowledge everyone who helped her reach this memorable landmark.

“Special recognition goes to my troop leader Mrs. Barbee and Claremont Troop 2214, to my Girl Scout Gold adviser Mrs. Stecher and to my family and brother John,” she said. “And I’d like to give an extra-special thank-you to St. Joseph’s School in Upland for their generosity and participation.”

Her mother Lynn Withey congratulates Jackie on her “amazing journey,” and says she couldn’t be prouder of her high-achieving daughter.