Sam Fretz has a reason to be proud in 2018.

She was the only Girl Guide in Canada to with the Girl Greatness Award in 2018, an award that recognizes a guide that excels in confidence, resourcefulness and courage, and who has over all made a difference in their communities.

The Guides celebrated Fretz’ achievement in May, along with five other guides who met the standards of achievement for the Lady Baden-Powell challenge — the highest award girls earn in the Guide program, which takes at least two years to complete.

The award ceremony, held at Grace United Church, also celebrated the accomplishments of NOTL Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Guiders for the 2017-2018 meeting year. 

A celebration cake was cut by Shirley Olley the most senior Guider, with the help of the youngest Guider Violet Irwin, a six-year-old Spark.

The theme of the event was beach party — “hence the leis,” said Leigh Goring of NOTL Sparks.

Fretz, who has been in Girl Guides for three years, and started out as a “quiet and shy girl” according to Goring, is now a patrol leader and has sold over 40 cases of cookies.

“We have seen her confidence increase over the years. She has become more vocal at meetings and has also been a driving force in our cookie sales. Samantha is more than deserving of this award and we want to applaud her for this accomplishment.”