Three Shenango Valley women have gone on to accomplish great things in life, and this summer they all came back to visit one of the women who inspired and helped them on their way.

Becky See Rado, Dianne Clarke-Kudless and Betsy Keefer were all Girl Scouts and all remember one particular woman who made an impact on their lives, Betty Hudspeth.

Mrs. Hudspeth, of Hermitage, said she got involved in the Girl Scouts in 1954 as an assistant Brownie leader and remained active in the organization until 1982, holding various positions including Mercer County field director.

"She was a major role model for a lot of us," Ms. Keefer said.

"It was kind of fun to watch them go through life," Mrs. Hudspeth said of her former scouts. "They used their talents to make a difference in the world. I'm proud of them."

Mrs. Rado, a Sharon native who now lives in Crown Point, Ind., said when she started in Girl Scouts in 1955 she was very shy and self-conscious. Mrs. Rado said she stuttered but eventually overcame it and was able to give a progress report for the Girl Scouts on WPIC -- something Mrs. Hudspeth called "one of the real successes."

Mrs. Hudspeth said she believed in having the girls take turns in leadership positions and getting the girls interested in trying new things.

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