Anna Theiss joined the Girl Scout troop at Alabama School for the Blind (ASB) during her senior year of high school. It had a profound impact on her life. After graduation, Anna’s local Girl Scout council, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, provided her with a grant to support her during her transition to E. H. Gentry Facility (EHG), Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind’s (AIDB) adult program that provides job skills, adjustment and academic training.

Throughout Anna’s time at EHG — and as she began her career at AIDB — Anna remained in contact with Ginger Garner Hanson, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Membership Manager. In August 2021, Anna received a call from her mentor inviting her to become the Troop Leader at her alma mater.

“Girl scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character – girls who make the world a better place,” said Hanson. “We are proud to welcome girls of all backgrounds and abilities to be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges!”

A recent focus of the ASB troop has been on leadership and team building through STEM education. The troop was charged with creating small-scale models of bridges and designing an assistive technology device.

“I’m thankful for the mentorship I received from Girl Scouts,” said Theiss. “And as a Troop Leader, I’m thrilled to continue that legacy and mentor the next generation of students at Alabama School for the Blind. Whether it’s running their own business, advocating for their community, or discovering adventure, the Alabama School for the Blind Girl Scout Troop members will work together to discover their strengths and know that they are limitless!”