A terrific surprise awaited members of Lehighton Cadette Troop 3583 from the White House.

"During the year, we talked about things like the air we breathe, to how to make a first aid kit, and a lot of other important lessons," said Audrey Kroboth, one of the leaders of Troop 3583. "One night, we got on the subject about school lunches."She said to the girls "Wouldn't it be a good idea to send a letter to the White House about our concerns since they are always looking for different ways to keep you children healthy?"All the girls agreed that the prices are too much for what you get and that you have to take the entire lunch even if you know you won't eat it and with the less you take, the more it will cost.All of the Cadettes sat down and wrote their individual letters containing their individual opinions and Kroboth sent them to Mrs. Obama.About a month or two later, and about a week before the Troop's Court of Awards Ceremony, which is held every year to hand out all of the awards or badges that the girls earn for the year, Kroboth received a big envelope in the mail (too big for the mailbox) marked from the White House.She kept it a secret for that one week so that when she was handing out our badges, she said she had one more announcement to make."They were so surprised to even get acknowledged from the White House," she said. "It was a terrific surprise. It had a letter thanking us and saying that the girls should be all that they can be and anything can be accomplished and to keep up the good work."Enclosed was a picture of Mrs. Obama and their dog, Bo. On the back of the pictures were biographies of each of them. "We also received "Art at the White House" pamphlets," she said. "We were thrilled."Kroboth said that this goes to show that even in a little town like Lehighton, anyone can be recognized for what they go through to change something they believe in.The troop has gone on several field trips. They have gone snow tubing, visited the DaVinci Science Center and Washington DC, taken part in Acute Rehab Bingo and have cleared Beltzville's trails, held parties, participated in parades, bake sales and cookie booths. They have worked at the Black Bear Triathlon and have taken CPR training. Kroboth said there are openings in the Troop for more Girl Scouts to join."We have lots of fun so if anyone wants to join, call Kathy Hosler at (302) 530-4386," said Kroboth.