Gahanna honors Troop 7456 as city’s first girls’ Boy Scouts troop and recognizes Eagle Scout achievements

Gahanna City Council on March 17 presented a joint resolution recognizing Troop 7456 as the first girls’ troop of the Boy Scouts of America in the city and praised members’ leadership and community service.

“Troop 7456 was founded in 2019 by a determined group of sixth‑grade girls paving the way for young women in Gahanna to fully participate in the time‑honored tradition of scouting,” Councilman Steven Renner read as he introduced the resolution.

Scoutmaster Jeff Blazy accepted the proclamation on behalf of the troop and several scouts spoke to council about their experiences. Founding member Jane Blazy described activities that built skills and confidence; scout Mara described overcoming a fear of heights on a high‑ropes course and serving as a camp counselor; Sophia Engle said she is a first‑class scout working toward Eagle; and Kira Shaluha and other leaders highlighted that three girls in the troop had already earned the rank of Eagle Scout and are now in college.

Leaders described the troop’s activities—high‑adventure camps, winter Klondike competitions, community service projects (including a recent winter display at the public library) and fundraising—and announced two near‑term events: a period‑product collection drive to support the Franklin County Period Pantry through March, and a fundraising pasta‑bar dinner with awards and a talent show scheduled for May 17 at the Gahanna Community Congregational Church.

Ending — Community notes

Council members praised the troop as “trailblazers” and thanked leaders and parents. City officials presented sustainable seed‑paper bookmarks and Gahanna flags at the ceremony. The proclamation recognized troop achievements and encouraged community partnerships and mentorship to support youth leadership.