Miss Bailee "the Cookie Rookie," age 8, from Riverside, CA, wins the San Gorgonio Council's 2012 Best Walk-About or Lemonade Stand Photo Contest
Miss Bailee "the Cookie Rookie," age 8, from Riverside, CA, could barely stay seated in anticipation of her award and grand prize: a shiny, new iPod Touch.
Winner of the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council's Best Walk-About or Lemonade Stand Photo Contest, this little jitterbug orchestrated a landslide win - capturing 265 votes to victory. Her closest contender, Raelynn of Big Bear Lake, CA, collected a noteworthy 186 votes. According to contest rules, participants could only vote once and votes were authenticated as they were tallied.
The winning photograph showcases Bailee, holding up a package of Thanks-A-Lots, beside her first-ever "Lemonade" stand. A Girl Scout only since September, she is already making a name for herself.
The winning photograph: Bailee beside her "Lemonade" stand.
"She sold over 30 boxes in two hours!" boasted Leann, a very proud mom, indeed.
At 655 boxes to date, Miss Bailee is just shy one-hundred boxes of reaching Cali Girl. And there's no doubt this new Girl Scout will strike her 750-box target soon.
Bailee owes her victory to the love and support of family members across the globe. On the last night of voting, while Southern California peacefully slumbered, her faithful relatives in the Philippines casted their own votes, catapulting her to triumph the next morning.
Bailee's gratitude extends far beyond geographic boundaries and, with a shy smile, she proffered her family a warm, "Thank you for voting for me."
The contest winner was presented with a colorful award honoring her achievement by the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council's President and CEO, Cynthia Harnisch Breunig. Joining Cynthia in honoring Bailee's accomplishment was Elizabeth "E" Locke-Thomas, VP of Retail and Product Sales, best known around town as the "Cookie Queen."
Cynthia Harnisch, President and CEO, and Elizabeth "E" Locke-Thomas, VP of Sales, present Bailee with her prize.
Bailee has a quiet moment with GSSGC's CEO Cynthia Harnisch, comparing badges they've both earned.
During the ceremony little-sister Kenlee began to feel left out, but the gift of a Brownie vest with plenty of room to grow brought a huge smile to her face.
While Bailee most surely admired her award, the real excitement came with the presentation of a brand-new iPod Touch. The freshly polished prize was engraved: I rock, therefore I am. GIRL SCOUTS ROCK!
"I'm going to play with it as soon as I get home," she declared, "and put lots of music on it."
When asked if she was a Justin Bieber fan, Bailee shook her head, "No way!" Yet a playful twinkle could be seen in her eye.
The grand prize: a shiny, commemorative iPod Touch.
After the award ceremony the entire family took a guided tour of the Council. "E" led the way, introducing them to the Council staff, while brother Noah explored the property with his sister, energetically leaping up stairs and trying out the multicolored sofa cushions in the upstairs visitor's area.
Chris, Bailee's father, was also very pleased with his daughter's Girl Scout work.
"It's great because it's competitive," he affirmed about the Girl Scout Cookie Program. As a dad, he loves a little competition.
Bailee and her brother, Noah, explore the local Girl Scouts Council facility.
During the tour Bailee shook hands with several key Council members. Each was impressed with her work ethic, positive attitude, and ambitious goals.
At the end of the night, Bailee was asked what she looked forward to the most.
She answered, "My favorite thing about Girl Scouts is to go camping!" Bailee and her mom are excited to sign-up for camp later this year.
by Katherine Li
kli@gssgc.org
Bailee with her dad, Chris, mom, Leann, brother, Noah, and little sister Kenlee.
A week later, Bailee returns to her Cookie Booth, determined to make Cali Girl this year!
Click to see more photos from this event at GSSGCGirls Flickr page.
Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio builds girls of courage, confidence and character who help make the world a better place. To find out how you can get involved with Girl Scouts, call 1-800-400-GIRL (4475) or visit us online at the www.girlscoutssangorgonio.org.
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