Township Tween Loves Baking, Fashion and the Girl Scouts

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Rachel Cherrey, 10,

Accomplishment: This Washington Township resident is a member of the Girl Scouts and received a Bronze Award for participating in a project where the troop made hug pillows, bracelets, cookies and pencil holders for the pediatric oncology nurses of New York Presbyterian Hospital. Her mother Carla is one of the troop leaders. Rachel is also a straight A student and Carla said she's always striving for the A+.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Rachel is very creative, using her talents in the kitchen and on paper to express herself. She loves baking, getting her start as a preschooler with her mom. Now she's able to make creations on her own, including her favorite: key lime pie. Rachel also likes to draw and creates her own fashion designs, which is what she hopes to transition into a career in the future.

Q&A with Rachel:

• How did you become involved in Girl Scouts? How long have you been a scout? What is your favorite part of being involved in the group?
  I became part of Girl Scouts when I was in kindergarten. It was the earliest year I could join. I did it all of the years possible so far. I have done it for six years. My favorite part of Girl Scouts is being with my friends, being able to help people in our community and helping people stationed in Afghanistan.
  
  
• Tell me about your Bronze Award project. What made your troop decide on that project and how did you complete it?
  Our bronze award project was us making hug pillows, cookies, friendship bracelets and pencil holders for the Pediatric Oncology unit at New York Presbyterian Hospital. We chose this project because we thought it would bring joy to someone and hopefully make them feel happy and safe.
  
  
• I heard you're good in the kitchen baking. How and why did you start baking? What are your favorite items to bake? Why?
  I started baking cookies with my mom when I was in preschool. I enjoy making Christmas cookies with Mom but my favorite item to bake is key lime pie. I also like to bake lemon squares. I like baking these two items because I love eating them when I am done baking them.
  
  
• You also draw and create fashion designs. How do you come up with ideas for your work?
  I came up with the idea to create fashion sketches because I love just coming up with cool fashion designs and I have one book and one binder full of sketches I drew.
  
  
• Do you know what you want to do when you grow up?
  I want to be a fashion designer. I want to sketch and create fashions for fashion shoots and fashion shows. My dream is having my own boutique to sell my creations in.