Prairie Sky Girl Scout troops in Eden Prairie participated in a community initiative called “Chalk the Walk” on Sunday.

The project involved crafting welcoming messages outside various schools across the city to express appreciation for teachers and staff as they prepared for the upcoming academic year.

According to Amy Kornis, troop leader for Troops 17910 and 18710, the Girl Scouts began leaving these messages in 2019, turning it into an annual tradition. This effort serves to extend gratitude to educators and staff for their continuous support.

Troops led by Kornis devoted hours on Sunday afternoon to chalk their messages outside Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion School (EHSI). These troops consist of girls who attend EHSI.

Similar messages were left by other troops on sidewalks leading to schools throughout Eden Prairie.

Jody Ward-Rannow, a service unit manager for the Eden Prairie Girl Scouts, says the local Girl Scouts are dedicated to giving back to the supportive community. Ward-Rannow joined Troop 17913 outside Central Middle School on Sunday. This particular troop was formed in 2016 when the girls were in first grade together. Now in seventh grade, the girls shared their excitement about upcoming classes and teachers while diligently working on their messages.

Troop 17913 has a history of community involvement. Troop leader Erin Gunelson shared that they received a Sustainability Award from the City of Eden Prairie for placing collection boxes in schools to gather used school supplies at the end of the academic year. The girls then sorted through the collected items for recycling, reusing, and repurposing. They were featured on KARE 11 News for their $1,200 donation to Toys for Tots, with an emphasis on buying gifts for older children who often go overlooked.