Fox Chapel area Girl Scouts host bike safety check to earn Bronze Award

Members of Fox Chapel Area Girl Scout Troop 52751 earned one of the highest honors doled out by the organization, the Bronze Award, after hosting a bike rodeo on April 27 for other children.

The troop includes Olivia Ferguson, Adele Grady, Nadia Grady, Lexi King, Emily Korczynski, Julie Patterson, Elyse Ritchie and Kayleigh Sejvar.

The Bronze Award is the highest recognition of achievement in Girl Scouting for students in grades 4-5. It recognizes leadership efforts through projects that address community needs.

Troop Leader Ann Ritchie said the girls began working on their project in March, planning “Bike Safety 101 4 Kids,” which was hosted at the campus of Hartwood Elementary in the Fox Chapel Area School District.

The girls, who are fifth-graders, organized the safety event with help from local police, Ritchie said.

They learned about bike safety checks by research through the National Highway Traffic Administration and they distributed safety tips at the event.

Indiana Township police Officers Dominic Rigous, Kirk Vandenbord and Marc Myers were on-hand to deliver a safety presentation.

“The members of Troop 52751 used their strengths, talents and skills and put their plan into action to earn the award,” Ritchie said.

“Girl Scouting’s highest awards, the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, are a girl’s chance to make a lasting difference in the world.”