As the Girl Guard Troop at the Royal Oak Citadel gears up for its 23rd Annual Pie Sale, there are four high school girls especially excited about what the outcome of the pie sale means: a trip to the International Headquarters of The Salvation Army in London, England.  Having completed a several year process of accomplishing badges, completion of a service project and testing before a panel of leaders, they have achieved the highest award in the program, The Catherine Booth Award, named after the co-founder of the organization, is akin to becoming an Eagle Scout.

This year’s Catherine Booth recipients include:  Hannah Coakley, a senior at Clawson High School; Hayley Holman, a junior at Sterling Heights High School; Ashlee Morris, a senior at Royal Oak High School; and Becca Ruggerio, a senior at Lamphere High School.  The four have participated in the Girl Guard Troop since the sixth grade including selling and baking pies to help finance prior awardees’ London trips.

The lessons learned in pursuing this award teach character and life lessons that will serve these young ladies well in all areas of their lives.  “While preparing for my service project,” said Becca Ruggerio, “I used the things I learned in Girl Guards like organization, teamwork and time management.”

“Being able to go to London is very exciting,” declared Hayley Holman. “It shows us just how much our hard work has paid off.”

“The friendships developed and fun memories made while working hard to achieve this goal will last a lifetime,” said Ashlee Morris.  “We did the work together, and now we get to go to London together.”

Some of that hard work comes in the form of selling and baking. “The pie sale is our biggest fundraiser and without it we would not be given the opportunity to do any of the fun activities we do in Girl Guards,” acknowledged Hannah Coakley.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate the success of these young women,” said Corps Officer Captain Catherine Mount. “It’s an honor and special distinction to be in the fellowship with such talented future leaders.”

Pre-orders for pies are being taken on Facebook under the Royal Oak Girl Guard Pie Sale or contact the Corp office weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (248) 585-5600.  This year’s pie offerings include Apple Crumb, Sugar Free Apple Crumb, Pumpkin and Pecan.  Pies are available fresh baked or frozen ranging from $9 to $11. Pies are available for pick up at the Royal Oak Salvation Army Community Center located at 3015 N. Main St. just three blocks south of 13 Mile Rd. beginning Friday, November 22 through Wednesday, November 27.  

The Girl Guard program is available to young women in 6th -12th grade and focuses on four aspects of personal growth: spiritual, mental, physical and social. Through the Girl Guard program young women build self-confidence, explore positive options, take a look at potential careers, learn about the world, discuss current events, volunteer activities, dig into the Bible and discover how they can make a positive impact. Girl Guards also gives young women a safe place to get away from the pressures of middle and high school. They develop healthy friendships with other young women and are mentored by caring leaders. For more information about Girl Guards contact your local Salvation Army or The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Divisional Headquarters at 877-SALMICH or www.salmich.org .

The Salvation Army of Royal Oak Citadel was established by Ensign Eva Symmonds in 1923 and has been dedicated to serving southeast Oakland county ever since. Throughout its nine decades, the nonprofit has expanded the vital social services it provides to the community to include food and shelter, utility assistance, after school programming, outdoor activities, and music and performing arts. For more information about the Royal Oak Citadel, visit www.royaloaksal.org .




Editor's note:
Photo credit:  Jill Johnson
Pictured from left:
Ashlee Morris; Becca Ruggerio; Hannah Coakley; Captain Catherine Mount
Not Pictured:  Hayley Holman

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