By Raci Levine
Features Editor
Junior Camille Jorenby carries winning banners at the 133rd annual Rose Parade. On Jan. 1, Jorenby got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk over five miles holding up signs as a volunteer for the Rose Parade.
Jorenby has been a part of Girl Scouts and in February of 2019 joined Eagle Scouts after they opened the organization up for girls. She got this opportunity to be in the parade by being one of the five elected from Eagle Scouts and accepted after being interviewed.
“Being one of the few women Eagle Scouts chose for the parade meant a lot,” Jorenby said.“Being [in] the first group of female Eagle Scouts, I hope to be a role model for other females in the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) and younger kids out there.”
Jorenby had the honor of carrying banners in the parade for all the winning floats and announcements for awards. Additionally, Jorenby carried the Rose Parade flag during the ceremony.
“[My favorite part] was seeing a lot of people on the sidelines,” Jorenby said. “It was [inspiring] to see kids looking up at me, and I felt kind of like a role model. Everyone was supportive, and all the floats were decorated beautifully”
Jorenby was carrying the banner for the Louisiana float. The Louisiana float won the Wrigley Legacy Award for best floral and design on their float. To prepare for the parade, she had to do a practice five-mile walk with the banners. Jorenby got to meet different Eagle Scouts from her class and make friends with all the scouts.
“Being a part of the parade was really fun, and the atmosphere was great,” Jorenby said. “It was a great way to welcome 2022. I know 2021 was very hard for a lot of people, so it’s nice to see and get to know new people.”
Through Jorenby’s Eagle Scout journey, she has developed many life and leadership skills. She hopes to continue Eagle Scouts and obtain her Gold Award through her last few years of high school. The Gold Award is the highest ranking award one can be given in Girl Scouts.
“[I like] to focus a lot on leadership, the outdoors, and being a part of a community service group,” Jorenby said.
Girl Scouts is a huge community for Jorenby, and she is impacted by the community service and leadership. She loves helping others, and scouts give her the chance to do so, according to Jorenby.
“Helping people out and helping the community out is something I am really passionate about,” Jorenby said. “It’s nice to have a reminder of giving back to the community and doing things for others.”
Jorenby loves the scouting community and was inspired to join it by her family. Girl and Eagle scouts have opened up many doors and new experiences for her like participating in the Rose Parade.
“My brother was a boy scout, so I thought it would be a great opportunity [to join Eagle Scouts],” Jorenby said. “It was very nice, and was my first time walking the Rose Parade and seeing it.”
The Rose Parade is broadcasted nationally on television, featuring this year‘s theme “Dream. Believe. Achieve.”
“Having [the parade] so locally is nice for us,” Jorenby said. “If you haven’t seen [the parade], I highly recommend it.”
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