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New Mexico resident Gabrielle Montoya, 17, became the first woman to reach Eagle Scout status in Valencia County

“This is super cool to be able to pave a path and make history,” she said of the achievement

Montoya shared her advice for other girls hoping to follow in her footsteps

A 17-year-old made history by becoming the first woman to reach Eagle Scout status in her county.

Gabrielle Montoya of Valencia, N.M., achieved the highest rank in Scouting after five years of dedication to the goal, per local outlets KOAT and Valencia County News Bulletin .

She joined Scouting at the age of 11 and is a founding member of Troop 831, which was created after the Boy Scouts of America's 2019 decision to have all-girl troops under the BSA program. (The organization subsequently

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