ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — This week's Everyday Hero has spent two decades working with Girl Scouts, watching them grow up.

Tammara Whitworth is preparing to officially retire as troop leader, and Troop 148-Zephyrhills will be no more.

For the past 12 years, the girls in the troop have become sisters. All high school seniors just days from graduation, their relationship began when they shared first grade.

And the "mom" they shared is Whitworth.

"I think Girl Scouts is an important organization and the girls learn a lot from it," Whitworth said. "Learn leadership. They learn independence."

Over the years the girls have learned and experienced a lot.

They've traveled to places like New York, Savannah and California.

And when it comes to Girl Scout cookies they've probably sold enough thin mints to fill up the U.S. mint.

But with high school graduation near, Tammara has decided after 21 years as a troop leader that it's time to move on, and so the troop will be retired.

"I'm sure it will be hard because I've done it for such a long time and the girls have become a very huge part of your life," she said.

One scout, Alexis, said, "We've literally been together for 12 years, and Tammy has been, like, the greatest mother in the entire world."

Another scout, Dale, added, "I'm kind of sad that it's going to be over because we've all grown so close. We’re like family now."

And like all loving families, the time has come for those goodbye hugs.