Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay has selected Melody Nelson, owner and president of Nelson Insurance Agency, as this year’s Lower Shore Woman of Distinction.

Each year the event celebrates a woman who has made a difference in her community, inspired others and provided a positive role model for girls and young women.

The Woman of Distinction Celebration brings together leaders and outstanding young women to celebrate the significant contributions made by women and celebrates courage, confidence and character.

The Woman of Distinction program is a wonderful leadership opportunity for teen Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts are invited to mix, mingle and make connections with elite business leaders and government officials at these signature events. Girls serve in leadership positions that make this event successful – including greeters, leading the pledge, and participating in the program.

Past recipients include the Karen Gordy, Debbie Abbott, Susan Purnell, Connie Strott, Paula Morris, Ginnie Malone, Jane Ellen Mengason, and Gayle Widdowson. 

Nelson has been the owner and President of Nelson Insurance Agency in her hometown of Princess Anne for the past 28 years. She and her husband of 45 years, Rick, live on a farm in Perryhawkin. They have two grown children.

Nelson has been actively involved in community service for the past four decades, working with children and serving in leadership roles: as a Sunday School Teacher; a 4-H Leader; PTA representative; past Administrative Council Chairman at Antioch United Methodist Church; past Board member of Somerset County Professional Women’s Club; past Board member and President of the Lower Shore American Red Cross; past Board member of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, and currently Board member and past Chairman of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.  She has received her greatest pleasure and growth while serving her community on the Boards of these many non-profit organizations.

Nelson attributes her initial leadership skills to her experiences and activities developed during her early years through participation in Girl Scouts.  As a Girl Scout Alumnae, she supports and encourages local girls to fully engage in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to help them develop their leadership skills and expand their education thru STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), arts, financial literacy, environmental awareness, and so much more.

A dinner honoring Nelson will be held on Saturday, April 29, beginning at 5 p.m. at Salisbury University’s Bistro Dining Room.

Dinner seats are available for $100 per person and sponsorship/advertising opportunities are available.  To reserve a seat at the dinner or find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities please contact 410-742-5107 or go to http://gscbticketinfo.ticketleap.com/lswod17 no later than April 20, 2017.  This year’s event Honorary Chair is Gayle Widdowson and the Co-Chairs are Susan Purnell and Ashley Bosche.