NSPIRED
Alana Hageman
A girl scout through and through
By JOE BUTLER Photography By JOEL RINER
Alana Hageman has devoted herself to Girl Scouts.
W hoever says that all youth organizations are strug- gling hasn’t yet met Al- ana Hageman and the dedicated parents/co-leaders from Girl Scout Troop No. 4923. Certainly, it’s not news that some youth organizations face chal- lenges finding good help. We’re all busy, right? But sometimes it comes down to just committing to being involved. And with a leader like Hageman, it’s hard to say no. “If there’s something out there, I’ll say, ‘we’re doing it,’ and then the kids are doing it right with us,” said Hageman, troop director. As of this spring, the troop includes 71 girls of all ages and skill levels, representing half the Girl Scouts
in the Coeur d’Alene/Hayden/Dal- ton area. It’s also the largest in the Eastern Washington/North Idaho Council, which includes 260 troops stretching from Yakima to the Mon- tana border. Along with always making room for more girls, Hageman said she’s proud that there are at least 16 par- ents and co-leaders ready to jump in anywhere, anytime. It’s always easy to say yes to re- quests to join—the more the merrier. The troop works throughout the year raising money, putting on com- munity events and helping the girls develop new skills and earn badges. “I can’t say no,” she said. “I love finding things for them to do.” Popular activities include moth-
er-daughter teas, father-daughter dances, breakfast with Santa, and various Brownie blitzes and cookie rallies. The girls sell cookies, nuts, chocolate and magazines, and also volunteer at the North Idaho State Fair. They rake leaves and march in community parades. “I’m passionate about all of this,” said Hageman. “I enjoy it so much. I had four girls who were in Girl Scouts who aged out, and I’m still do- ing this. Plus, I’m a go-getter. I don’t sit still well.” Her efforts are appreciated by the council leadership. “Alana is an incredible leader,” said Brian Newberry, CEO of Girls Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. “She’s one of the people who rolls up her sleeves and
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