ST LOUIS —The United States Postal Service and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri honored the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts with the dedication of the U.S. postage stamp commemorating the organization that helps young women find their way in the world.

“We are so pleased the Post Office is honoring Girl Scouting with this beautiful stamp,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, Chief Operating Officer, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. She added, “Girl Scouting has evolved over the years into a leadership experience organization and the skills depicted in this stamp — courage, confidence and character — remain the hallmark of our organization.”

Special guest and lifelong Girl Scout, 100 year old Opal Otis, Ambassador Girl Scout Carly Beard, Brownie Scout Elizabeth Kress and U.S. Postal Service Area Vice President and Girl Scout Jakki Krage Strako ceremoniously unveiled the stamp design on the landing in front of the St Louis Main Post Office on Market Street.

The stamp features a large silhouette of a girl with binoculars looking into the distance — perhaps sighting a soaring bald eagle or a faraway destination. The scene within the silhouette features a girl in mid-stride with a walking stick, shorts, and backpack on a serious summer trek.

Krage Strako shared personal stories and reflections about her experiences as a Girl Scout. She said, “Girl Scouts helped me grow as an individual, taught me the value of being part of a team, and prepared me for a leadership role in the Postal Service. It was a wonderful experience.”

Following the unveiling, Girl Scouts mailed over 1,000 prepared postcards to our military men and women overseas. Krage Strako recognized the Girls Scouts, Eastern Missouri and Otis with framed artwork featuring the Celebrate Scouting stamp and block of four stamps.

The Celebrate Scouting stamp is available at St. Louis Post Offices today. It is issued as a Forever stamp and is always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce postage price. The stamp was created by Craig Frazier of Mill Valley, CA, under the guidance of art director Derry Noyes of Washington, DC.

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