Contact: Jenni Brockman
Telephone: 804-443-3357
Fax: 804-443-6781

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SMS Students Bring World to Scouts

Tappahannock (March 11, 2002) - At a time when understanding other cultures has become more important to many Americans, local Girl Scouts recently spent a morning at St. Margaret's School celebrating the global nature of the scouting movement.

Photo left: Cecelia Farfan and Gaby Vargas, St. Margaret's School students from Mexico, shared their country's food, customs and culture with local Girl Scouts at a special Thinking Day celebration.

The event marked the 76th annual observance of "Thinking Day," a holiday celebrated by more than 10 million Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in 140 countries around the world. It was a win-win opportunity for both the scouts and the school's international students.

"The scouts got to sample games, crafts and food from other countries, and the students got to share their culture with others," said Girl Scout Leader Nancy Smith of Warsaw. Smith, who also serves as SMS chief financial officer, added, "St. Margaret's really appreciates these kinds of opportunities to involve our students with the community."

Participating Girl Scouts came from five troops in Essex and Richmond counties. International students at St. Margaret's School this year represent seven countries, including China and Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, and Taiwan.

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