Her favorite point of the Scout Law is Helpful, and she lives it daily. Whether it’s picking up what someone dropped, brainstorming an idea, or simply being the buddy someone needs, Mary believes being helpful comes in every size and shape, and kindness is a power you should use often.

Outside of Scouts, Mary is full of fun surprises; starting with her two favorite animals: owls and giraffes, because why choose just one when you can love the wise and the wonderfully tall? And here’s a fun twist the Scouts would never guess: Mary collects salt and pepper shakers and has over 75 sets. (Rusty is already plotting which ones he can “borrow.” Mary is currently locking her cabinets!)

Looking ahead, Mary hopes her Scouts grow up remembering how it feels to help others, to belong to something bigger than themselves, and to walk through the world with kindness at the ready. Those are lessons that last long after the uniforms are packed away.