Oklahoma's next governor found early leadership skills as a Girl Scout

"I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place ... and to be a sister to every Girl Scout," the oath states.

Gubernatorial nominees Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, were Girl Scouts, and both have told leaders of Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma that the leadership skills they learned to get them to the Oklahoma governor's race can be traced directly to the experiences they had as a Girl Scout.

"Leadership is the only program that Girl Scouts provides girls," said Cathy Stackpole, CEO for Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma. "The fact that we have two distinguished women running for the top leadership position in our state who also were Girl Scouts is a testament to the power of the leadership experience of Girl Scouts."

Fallin and Askins are proud of their Girl Scout experiences, and both remain active in the organization today. Fallin is a member of Troop Capitol Hill, an honorary Girl Scout Troop comprised of women serving in Congress. Askins is a member of the local Juliette Low Leadership Society, which supports Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, and is an adult member of the local council.