Thank you, Jacqueline Rago, for your powerful email in support of Sydney officially joining her Scout Troop. If you agree, please send emails to the Scout Leaders below asking that Sydney Ireland be permitted to join her Troop now and that the work she has already completed be counted towards her rank advancement. Please read Jacqueline's email below. To: Randall.Stephenson@scouting.org, pr@scouting.org, myscouting@scouting.org, rs2982@att.com, michael.surbaugh@scouting.org, Charles.Dahlquist@scouting.org To Whom It May Concern: I am writing on behalf of Sydney Ireland. Sydney, as you may know, is a trailblazing young woman, living in Manhattan who is trying to become a Scout and earn the Eagle rank. I have actually known Sydney since she was a student at Corlears School, back in 2008! We recently re-met in the dog park with her family's new pup and my new pup and began to chat and re-connect over puppy play. Having the rare opportunity to have known the fun-loving, smart girl Sydney was years ago and being able to see the strong, persistent woman she has become is truly incredible! Sydney shared with me all of the incredible strides she is making and I am beyond proud of the leader and trailblazer she has become. I was excited about Sydney (and many other hopeful girls) when I read about the announcement that the BSA would allow girls to join. However, it appears that the timing will not work for her; unfortunately, she appears likely to age out before the Scouts have started their program for girls. For this young lady, we do not have the luxury of time. I am writing to request that the BSA allow Sydney to join Troop 414 immediately and recognize the work that she has already completed for rank advancement. Sydney Ireland is the kind of woman I want to know, I want to acknowledge and one day, I hope to raise. She is a great example of the qualities any and everyone should look for in a leader. If we do not to allow this young lady the chance to try earn the Eagle rank, it would be a tremendous missed opportunity both for Sydney and the BSA. I believe she would make a great Eagle Scout and will be a credit to our organization. Thank you for your consideration. -- Best, Jacqueline Head of Operations, The Wing @the.wing