Girl Scouts honor Betty White with commemorative patch

FARMINGDALE, N.J. — When the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore chose Betty White as part of their “Amazing Woman of the Month” series in December, the service organization had no idea how poignant the selection would become.

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According to People, the series was developed in October 2021 by GSJS staffer Stacy Petti in a bid to introduce young women - and member adults - to inspiring leaders.

The wildly popular program elicited interest from 712 people, but then the beloved actress died Dec. 31, just 17 days shy of her 100th birthday, and interest in earning the commemorative patch exploded.

>> Related: Betty White dies at 99

According to the magazine, registration numbers have since swelled nearly three fold to 2,059, and the program is now being offered nationwide, People reported.

“We are truly saddened at Betty White’s passing, but the incredible response to the patch program is a wonderful tribute to her impact on women,” Heather Coburn, interim CEO of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, told the magazine.

“She is a strong role model for girls — a feminist, civil rights supporter, animal activist, brilliant actress and overall nice human being,” Coburn added.

According to the program’s official website, the “Amazing Woman of the Month” series focuses each month on an iconic female figure through self-guided activities. Once completed, participants earn a customized patch honoring the woman studied.

Specific to White, the series will allow the young women to construct a pretend TV, create their own game show, advocate for animals and learn to coexist with others, People reported.

In addition to White, the program has offered patches to date honoring Shirley Chisholm, Eleanor Roosevelt and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Registration is still currently open and anyone can sign up for $10. An introduction to the program will be held live on Jan. 12 from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST via Zoom. Those who sign up after Jan. 12 will receive a link to the recorded Zoom program.

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