Contact: Brenda Vento, (414) 443-3977
bvento@gswise.org

First troop in Wisconsin formed on the school’s playground in May 1917

Milwaukee, May 11, 2017Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) will host a celebration to commemorate 100 Years of Girl Scouting in Southeastern Wisconsin on Friday, May 19 at Clarke Street School(2816 W. Clarke Street, Milwaukee). By historical record, the first Girl Scout troop formed in the state of Wisconsin occurred on the playground of the school in May 1917.  Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has issued an official proclamation observing Friday, May 19, 2017, as Girl Scouting in Southeastern Wisconsin Day for all citizens to join in celebration of the Girl Scout movement; and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will participate in this historic event to present an official proclamation.

Christy Brown, GSWISE Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Darienne Driver, MPS Superintendent and Girl Scout Alumna, will lead the inspirational celebration for the students, Girl Scouts, public officials and community leaders which begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium, and concludes at 11:00 a.m. Clarke Street School students will continue their celebration in the classroom with Girl Scout-themed activities to include math, environmental studies, reading, art, and English.

“We are honored to celebrate our 100th anniversary milestone of Girl Scouting in Southeastern Wisconsin at the birthplace of the first troop. As the premier leadership organization for girls, we are committed to helping all girls reach their full leadership potential to make the world a better place,” stated Brown.

About Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast

Celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouting in Southeastern Wisconsin in 2017, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) is more than 37,100 strong – serving 29,200 girls in grades K5-12 and 7,900 adults who believe in our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, and take the lead in making the world a better place. Girl Scouts is a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader) ™ community focused on practicing everyday leadership. Girl Scouts began over 105 years ago with one woman, Girl Scouts’ founder Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every girl. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls and GSWISE is ranked #2 out of 112 councils nationally in overall girl market share, offering programs in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties, and a chance for every girl in our council to do something amazing. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit gswise.org or call 800-565-4475.

About Milwaukee Public Schools

Milwaukee Public Schools is committed to accelerating student achievement, building positive relationships between youth and adults and cultivating leadership at all levels. The district’s commitment to improvement continues to show results:

  • More MPS students are taking college-level Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses;
  • The MPS Class of 2016 earned $51+ million in scholarships; and
  • MPS is home to seven of the state and nation’s top high schools according to U.S. News and World Report and the Washington Post.
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