WACO, TX — Jaylynn Merrell has loved being in Girl Scouts. At 12 years old, she is a Cadette in troop 7064.
For the past three years she has held the title for top cookie salesperson in Waco, selling more than 2,000 cookies each year. But she says being in the organization means a lot more than selling cookies.
"I get to travel at least once a year I mean, and I meet a lot of great people in it too," Jaylynn said.
She is also working to be a Girl Scout National Delegate where she will travel around the state spreading her love of the Girl Scout community. Jaylyn used to be described as shy, timid and not very willing to try new things, but since being in girl scouts - her outlook on life has changed.
"I've gotten a lot more confident and louder since then," Jaylynn said.
Troop leader and mom, Rachel Merrell, has loved seeing her evolve into the young woman she is becoming. Selling cookies along side her makes the long cookie booth days worth it,
"I'm very proud of her she sells a lot of cookies she has a lot of fun and learned a lot of different things,' Merrell said.
Money managing, inventory and being personable are all skills Jaylynn has learned and can take into the real world.
"It'll help actually get a job because then they'll trust me a little bit more, like working a cash register," Jaylynn said.
She doesn't see an end anytime soon in her Girl Scout journey. So far this year, Jaylynn has sold 2,100 boxes of cookies.
"You'll make friends you'll be happy and you'll just be who you want to be," Jaylynn said.
Girl Scout cookie sales end on February 23.
