Local ‘Girls of Merit’ prepare for expo

VERNON, N.J. — Girls World Expo is returning to the tri-state area and will once again be honoring local Girls of Merit between the ages of 11 and 18 for their community service through their actions, activities, leadership and positive influence on others.

The Expo and awards brunch will be held at Minerals Hotel in Vernon on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 12-5 p.m.

Two of the ten young women to be honored are students at Warwick Valley High School.

Erin Langdale
Erin Langdale is a junior at Warwick Valley High School who “got hooked” on the Future Farmers of America club after being asked to join by friends in eighth grade.

Now the president of the Warwick Valley chapter, she said the club has helped shape her future education and career goals—which start with a college major in agriculture business and dairy production management.

Through the FFA, “I realized how passionate people are that are involved with agriculture,” Erin said.

Born with 75 percent high-frequency hearing loss in one ear, Erin loves music and is a member of the women’s and mixed chorus at her school. Also an avid bowler, she was awarded the most-improved bowler award through the high school club, raising her average by more than 40 pins and earning a free bowling ball.

Casey Magee
Casey Magee also is a junior at Warwick Valley High School who helped refurbish an old hotdog cart with a friend and opened Sydney & Casey’s Hotdog Business, now an established part of the Warwick business community.

Her interest in health and medicine prompted her to enroll in a three-year science research college course at Warwick Valley High School under the mentorship of an area psychologist.

In her spare time, Casey volunteers with elementary science enrichment at Park Avenue Elementary, where she teaches the scientific method.

“I just wanted to teach them to experiment so they can love science like I do,” she said.

Casey takes care of her younger brother and sister at home when her mom works late and says her EMS training makes her confident she can handle any situation that arises.

- Scott Baker