Affton Senior Wins Scouts' Girl of Distinction Award

senior Claire Heckenkamp has been named one of Missouri's 2011 Girls of Distinction, an award given by the Girl Scouts. She will receive the honor at a ceremony on March 29.

"Winning the award was really unexpected," Heckenkamp said. "I didn't even know I was nominated, so I was in a state of shock. I just couldn't stop smiling!"

The Girls of Distinction award was based partly on Heckenkamp receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award for writing and implementing lesson plans on healthy living for special education students. Her project, which she worked on with the Special School District, focused on food measuring, portion sizes and nutritional healthy snacks.

Grants Program Manager Michelle Johnson of the Girl Scout Council of Eastern Missouri knew about the work Heckenkamp did for her Gold Award, and thought she might be a good candidate. Although Johnson could not nominate her, she saw to it that she was nominated and letters of recommendations were submitted by community leaders.

“We are tremendously grateful to the Girl Scout Council of Eastern Missouri,” said Heckenkamp's mother, Diane Heckenkamp, “as well as to the Special School District of Missouri for giving Claire the opportunity to serve with them and to be guided by them” 

Claire Heckenkamp’s mother was notified that she had won by Gail Weller, Development Manager for the Girl Scout Council of Eastern Missouri. 

“I was so happy I cried,” said Diane Heckenkamp. “I just could not wait to tell her the exciting news.”

The Heckenkamp is busy finishing up high school, deciding on college, and working at Hanneke’s Hardware Store. The Gold Award project, however, was not the first time the young woman has served her community.

“We appreciate all the help she has given us with Rainbows For Kids,” said Barbara Jochens, a board member with the Rainbows For Kids charity, which helps families of children with cancer. Claire has volunteered with Rainbows For Kids over the past 10 years, working with the children and helping with fundraisers both with her Girl Scout Troop and by herself. When she was in fourth grade, she lost a friend to cancer—an experience that has spurred her to help others.

"I believe everything that's happened to me has helped me to shape my character," Heckenkamp said. "I try to think that everything happens for a reason, and that helps me to have a pretty good outlook on life and affects how I treat others.

The Women and Girls of Distinction awards includes a reception to honor those who have outstanding achievements in categories such as creative arts, entrepreneurship, government and legal, inspiration, numbers, practical arts, social sciences, sports and fitness, technology and the sciences.

The awards ceremony will be 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29 at the Mariott St. Louis West. For more information, contact Gail Weller, (314) 592-2373 or e-mail her at gweller@girlscoutsem.org.