The Girl Scouts Hornet’s Nest Council honored 169 local scouts who each sold more than 500 packages of Girl Scout cookies at the inaugural cookie coronation at Dan Nicholas Park in Camp Holly Hut.

Each girl was inducted into the 2014-15 Queen Bee Court and recognized during a celebratory ceremony. Nine of these girls received the “Queen Bee” distinction for selling more than 2,015 boxes of cookies. Two “Queen Bees,” Rachel Judd and Bailey Walker, broke council records by selling 3,500 packages each.

Through the Girl Scouts cookie program, young female entrepreneurs learn essential business skills that help shape their futures as leaders including setting goals, making decisions on where to sell, managing money, interacting with customers and adhering to strict business ethics. The introduction of digital cookie sales in 2015 also taught girls modern business elements like website customization and e-commerce.

“Being recognized as a top cookie seller is a notable achievement that we are excited to celebrate,” said Angela Woods, chief executive officer of the Hornets’ Nest Council. “These Girl Scouts are part of the largest girl-led business in the world, allowing them to develop skills that will help them as leaders. Their extraordinary dedication throughout a challenging cookie season illustrates drive and determination.”

The Girl Scout cookie program combines leadership development, financial literacy awareness and entrepreneurship for girls of all ages. The girls are able to select ways to utilize the money earned, including international travel, educational trips and giving back to the community. This year, troops gave back to local charities including animal shelters, food kitchens and children’s hospitals.

“I love selling cookies; it is my favorite part of Girl Scouts,” said Rush Johnston, a Senior Girl Scout and 2015 Queen Bee. “I’ve always loved interacting with people and convincing them to buy my cookies.”

Girl Scouts from the Hornets’ Nest Council were recognized Saturday, May 16.