A number of Middleboro and Lakeville residents have been recognized by Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts for their contributions to build young girls’ confidence, courage and character.

Lakeville resident Michelle Whitman Hecht was elected to serve on the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Board of Directors during the council’s meeting on May 19, the organization reported.

Hecht is Head of Corporate Affairs of Citizens Financial Group. She leads the bank’s corporate responsibility efforts through public affairs, strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, charitable giving, and volunteerism.

Under her leadership in 2023, Citizens invested more than $20 million in the communities it serves, and through partnerships logged 232,000 hours of volunteer service, according to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts stated.  

Hecht is no stranger to Girl Scouts. An alum herself, Hecht leads two Girl Scout troops in Freetown and Lakeville. 

Middleboro and Lakeville girl scouts have also been recognized for selling over 500 packages of cookies during the 2023-2024 Cookie Program. 

The following Lakeville residents have been nominated to the Girl Scouts ‘500 club’: Nora Hecht, Reagan Jacome, Isabella Hernandez, Violet Morado, Mila Saliby, Ariella Hecht, Ariana Jones, Autumn Desmarais, Hailey George, Austyn Bartlett. Middleboro residents Olivia and Victoria Miller also sold over 500 cookie boxes. 

At the Girls Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts annual Volunteer and Donor Recognition Celebration on Sunday, May 19, 130 volunteers were recognized for their dedication and service, according to the Girl Scouts group. 

Honors are awarded based on an individual or group's exemplary service in support of delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Among those recognized for their service were Middleboro residents Joanna Lenahan and Melissa Miller.