Edmond Life and Leisure - May 1, 2025

Edmond girls named Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma 2025 Gold Award recipients

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma has named its 2025 Gold Award recipients. Addison Dodd and Lauren Patton of Edmond are two of 12 Girl Scouts recognized for their outstanding leadership and community impact achieved through a handson project.

“Girl Scout Gold Award winners are changemakers. They proactively identify issues in their communities and work to create sustainable solutions. Along the way, they develop the essential life skills needed to succeed in college, career and beyond,” said Kat Marran, interim CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma.

Dodd’s project focused on building an inclusive playground at Orvis Risner Elementary. She installed a Gaga pit, a sound garden and an accessible swing so all children could play together. Dodd also introduced inclusive games, partnered on a

kindness rock garden and collaborated with teachers to ensure the playground remains a welcoming space for years to come.

Patton’s project addressed a pressing need at her local, donation-funded animal shelter. With equipment frequently deteriorating due to constant use and exposure to the elements, the shelter struggled to keep up with replacements. Lauren constructed a durable, weather-resistant storage structure with a sturdy frame and angled plastic roof to protect the traps from rust and extend their usability. Her project helped extend the lifespan of essential equipment, reduced long-term costs and supported the shelter’s ability to continue its important work.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. It acknowledges the passion, creativity and time commitment behind each recip-

ient’s dedication to changing their local communities.

According to the organization’s statistics, Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to graduate from college, take on leadership roles and engage in community service activities.

Gold Award recipients, along with Bronze and Silver Award recipients, will be recognized at Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma’s Highest Awards Ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 3, 2025, at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City.

About Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma

Located in 39 Oklahoma counties in the central, southwest and northwest region of the state, Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.