Manley Presents Certificates of Recognition to Scouts

State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, presented Certificates of Recognition from the Illinois House of Representative to brother and sister Angelo and Gina Velino for recently earning the rank of Eagle Scout and the Girl Scouts Gold Award. Both accomplishments are the highest achievements that scouts can earn. Rep. Manley delivered the certificates to the Velino’s home in Bolingbrook on August 13th with parents Gloria and Steven present.

“As a former Girl Scout, and the sister of an Eagle Scout, I’m proud to recognize Angelo and Gina for the hard work and dedication it took to achieve these honors,” said Manley. “I look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in the future. I expect great things from them.”

In order to earn the rank of Eagle Scout and the Gold Award, Angelo and Gina had to complete projects that benefited the community. Angelo built picnic tables for his church so young adults could meet for bible study, and Gina built bean bag games for a school that serves multiple-needs children to help them learn how to take turns, the value of good sportsmanship, and strengthen their social skills. This fall, Angelo will be attending North Central College and Gina will be attending Lewis University.

Both Angelo and Gina have learned important life skills through scouting. “Leadership skills, definitely. Communication too,” said Angelo. “I’ve learned a lot of life skills in general. How to communicate with everybody, encouraging everybody to do their part and that everybody feels included,” said Gina.