Whitney Sims-Rucker, 18

"I am a senior at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. I have been a Girl Scout for 13 years. Girl Scouts has taught me leadership, communication (i.e. listening), and the importance of community service.

In Girl Scouting, I have had the opportunity to travel to places including California (Joshua Tree National Park -- rock climbing); and Georgia as a delegate at the 50th National Convention in Atlanta. I was also named a National Young Woman of Distinction in 2008."

Pictured: Whitney Sims-Rucker