Johnson City Girl Scout Produces A Gold Award-Winning Performance
07:53 PM – Apr 01, 2008
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/-TRI_2008_04_01_0041/7915/
Johnson City Girl Scout Produces A Gold Award-Winning Performance
A Johnson City Girl Scout is using her Gold Award project as a golden opportunity to help others.
Margaret Bonfardin created a puppet theater program for sick children at Johnson City Medical Center.
“I just knew I wanted to do something at the hospital because that’s a place in the community where there is a need,” said Bonfardin.
The puppet plays are part of Bonfardin’s Gold Award project. The Troop #18 senior scout earned the honor mid-February. Bonfardin’s play features a 15-puppet cast and focuses on racial diversity and hospital issues.
Hospital volunteers perform Bonfardin’s plays to teach youth patients how to cope with staying in the hospital.
“The puppet theater brings in a little something to help liven up the day and change up their routine and bring a little smile,” said Child Development Specialist Rebekah Huggins.
The youth practitioner says the medical center’s children’s floor can house about 30 youngsters in its in-patient and intensive care units. Huggins says Bonfardin’s plays help move patentees down the road to recovery.
Bonfardin is approaching an academic crossroads in as a rising senior at Science Hill High School. She has been a Girl Scout since the first grade. She will graduate this spring.
Bonfardin says kids of all ages need inspiration to get through tough times.
“I just wanted to brighten the kids’ days that have to stay here, and so that’s what I thought it would do, “said Bonfardin.
