Local student learns the advantages of hard work

When students get a break from school, they often tend to find more exciting things to do with their free time. That does not apply to 15-year-old Mackenzie Stacher, the Gatesville representative selling Girl Scout cookies.

On her two-day break from school last week, joined by her mother, Shelia, the 10^th grade student decided to hit the road and visit various businesses in Gatesville. Her adventure began by visiting the courthouse square. With two wagons full of cookies in tow, the pair walked around the square visiting businesses and even the employees on three floors of the courthouse.

When asked why she was out selling cookies instead of taking advantage of her break from school, she said, “I am opening doors for myself that others couldn’t open if they are lounging around the house on their day off.” She continued by saying, “I’ve always noticed that I work harder than the average person. Between my extracurriculars and school, I hardly have any time to relax. I suppose that is no different for Girl Scouts. I work and work because I know that what I’m working for could impact my future.”

Mackenzie also devotes her weekends to selling cookies. She sets up her tent for business at the Gatesville Walmart every weekend from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Last year, she sold 4,068 boxes of cookies. This year, her goal is to sell 5,000, and she’s well on her way to reaching that record. She has endured a few setbacks along the way due to the recent cold weather, high winds, and ice, but she remains steadfast about reaching her goal.

By selling cookies, working at concession stands at Baylor, and by selling fall products (nuts, candy, and trail mix), Girl Scout participants can raise enough money on their own to help sponsor learning involved trips. Last year, area Scouts visited Hawaii, including a trip to Pearl Harbor.

“My other motivation for my work ethic is the life changing experiences I will get to be a part of,” she said. “This summer, I am going on a cruise to the Bahamas. I will be going to Japan in 2024 and lastly, in 2025, my last year as a Girl Scout, I’ll get to go to Paris. I know if I work my tail off, I can go to the Bahamas, Japan, and Paris,” she said. The Girl Scout cookie sale was originally scheduled to end on Feb. 26, but has now been extended to end on March 5 due to the recent ice storm that hampered cookie sales.

Stacher is considered a “senior” in the Girl Scouts. Next year she will become an “ambassador.” She said that she has learned so much from being in the organization for the past seven years. “Being a Girl Scout has been a very good experience for me,” she said.