Have you ever looked around your neighborhood or school and wondered how you could make a change for the better?

That is what Tamaqua Girl Scouts Emma Osenbach, 13, of Tamaqua, and Victoria Carrell, 14, of McAdoo, did to earn their Silver Award while carrying on the mission of the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania; To build courage, confidence and character while making the world a better place.The awards presentation, which was held at the La Dolca Casa banquet room in Tamaqua, included the presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, Girl Scout Promise and Law, poem "Circle of Girl Scouting" award ceremony and presentation of awards.Nancy Paisley, Service Unit 310 Manager, said, "Earning the Silver Award puts you among an exceptional group of girls who have used their knowledge and leadership skills to make a difference in the world. Going for the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn, gives you the chance to show that you are a leader who is organized, determined and dedicated to improving your community."The steps required by a scout to earn a Silver Award consist of going on a Cadette journey, identify issues they care about, build a Girl Scout Silver Award team or decide to go solo, explore your community, pick your Take Action project, develop your project, make a plan and put it into motion, reflect, share your story, and celebrate. The suggested minimum time for earning a Girl Scout Silver Award is 50 hours.Some of the projects Osenbach organized or took a key role in were providing a 60 hour detailed Earth Day and recycling education to fellow scouts and community members.Carrell organized a volunteer group that completely revitalized Centennial Park in McAdoo.Both girls also participated in many local and community improvement projects held via the Tamaqua Girl Scouts.The Girl Scout promise reads: "On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law."Both Carrell and Osenbach received signed Letters of Appreciation from Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Letters of Recognition from Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-124).Paisley added, "Each step you take toward making a difference in the world around you gives you a great chance to learn and grow, and that will make your award project an amazing one!"For more information about the Tamaqua Girl Scouts, contact Nancy Paisley at (570) 578-5176.