Girl Scouts Who AMAZE Celebration!

CEO & Board of Directors

CEO: Tracy Keller

Board Chair: Carolyn Pittman

Vice Chair: LuAnn Klevecz

Treasurer: Luis Estrada

Secretary: Cheran Ivery

Members at Large

Dawn Brotherton

Dr. Leonard Brown, Jr.

Dr. Vera Combs Campbell

Amy Coyne

Amanda Howie

Dr. Sharon M. Jones

Sarah Linden-Brooks

Colleen Mollison

Laura Morgan

Christy Murphy

Kyle Price

Dr. Laura Sass, MD

Carletta Waddler

Dr. Michelle W. Woodhouse

Girl Scout Board Members

Jade Hawkins

Lillian Johnson

Alexis “Lisa” Vann

GSCCC Delegate Board Members

Leslie Atkins

Eileen Livick

Carolyn Pittman GSCCC Board Chair

Tracy Keller Chief Executive Officer

Congratulations to our amazing Girl Scouts who have achieved success using their Take Action determination to help others. From bringing awareness to the environment through ocean conservation and litter control, to creating community gardens, literacy projects and beyond, they made their mark as changemakers. Girl Scouts being recognized at our 2024 Girl Scouts Who Amaze Ceremony are truly making a difference and changing the world, one Girl Scout at a time.

Through their dedication to live the Girl Scout Promise and Law, they are creating a lifetime habit that will grow with them — transforming them into accountable, active citizens of their city, state, country and world. No wonder so many Girl Scout alumni have held, and currently hold, influential and leadership positions!

Those being recognized today have stepped up to challenges and pushed through using skills they have been empowered with as Girl Scouts, skills such as how to plan, organize and communicate a goal. As Girl Scouts, they knew how to work together as team-players and to expect to see other girls in leadership positions. They were empowered to recognize and acknowledge mistakes as only setbacks that resulted in a few more pivots and the use of problem solving, yet more skills learned as Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouting empowers and uplifts the youth we serve in all things. We do not force one definition of being a leader or being successful upon them, but rather encourage them to follow what they love and make a difference in the fields of their choosing. Through this, they come to realize that their options are endless — and that they shouldn’t be held back from any of their dreams. While your service and projects are commendable, be proud of who you are and what you have become because of Girl Scouts. You set an amazing example for everyone regarding your creativity and passion. Your perseverance is an inspiration to all!

Carolyn Pittman Board Chair, GSCCC

Tracy Keller Chief Executive Officer, GSCCC

Girl Scouts Who Amaze Celebration

June 1, 2024

L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center

Norfolk State University

Sarah Buck, Emcee

Gold Award Girl Scout Alum

Opening Flag Ceremony

Girl Scout Troop 511

National Anthem

Girl Scout Alum Bella Waite

Welcome

Norfolk City Council Member and Girl Scout Alum

Andria McClellan

Message

Carolyn Pittman

Board Chair

Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast

Buck Harris Award Presentation

Girl Scout Cadette Peyton Grubbs-Walker

Summit Awards

Bronze Awards

Silver Awards

Gold Awards

Gold Award Charge

Cheryl McGrenra

Highest Award Committee Representative

Scholarship Announcements

Graduates Bridging

Remarks

Tracy Keller

Chief Executive Officer

Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast

Buck Harris Award

The Buck Harris Award was established in honor of Buck Harris, a former executive director of the Virginia Tidewater Girl Scout Council. The award honors a Girl Scout who loves the outdoors, relates to others with respect, has developed values that give meaning and direction to her life, and uses her skills and talents to serve the community. The award is presented annually to one Girl Scout who has been nominated and approved by the Council’s Recognition Committee. The recipient receives a framed certificate and a free week at a GSCCC-sponsored summer camp.

2024 Buck Harris Awardee

Girl Scout Senior Cailyn Yerigan

Troop 510

Suffolk, VA

Cailyn Yerigan is a member of Troop 510 and is active with the Council’s Blazing Blue Herons canoe team, where she has competed in canoe regattas and racing tournaments. She has also participated in canoe facilitator training and shared her training experience with the canoe team’s adult volunteers.

She is known to be patient and generous, sharing her Girl Scout knowledge readily with others, especially younger girls in her troop. When the troop goes on an outing, everyone is eager to “buddy up” with her. When camping, or on an overnight activity, she doesn’t hesitate to take on a leadership role, showing and explaining what she knows to the girls in her patrol. Instead of doing things for them, or telling them what to do, she guides them and helps them grow through skill building and discovery.

She was also accepted as a Cookie Captain this year. In that role, she volunteered at the 2024 Cookie Kickoff, helped host a workshop, and assisted at Cookie Count-n-Go, the cookie distribution day. Cailyn has also stepped up to leadership in other ways within the service unit, such as entertaining children at our holiday party by dressing up and performing as a festive elf! Her extra-curricular activities include being a member of the Red Cross Club where she helps organize blood drives at her school, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, and she is also a member of her community’s Connecting With Kids Club, where she assists with teaching crafts and tutoring.

“I believe everyone has core values; my core values are accountability, kindness, respect, bravery, and community. Being a part of the Girl Scout community has helped me to connect with my core values and use them confidently. The Girl Scout Promise and Law have helped me to become a better person!”

Journey Summit Recipients

The Journey Summit Award Pin is earned by girls who have completed all three National Leadership Journeys at their grade level. The colored border around each pin corresponds to their grade level.

Those girls who have achieved Summit Awards for their current grade levels, from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, are being recognized as part of the Power of Girls ceremony.

Daisy Summit Awardees

Olivia Hernandez

Juliet McDonald

Philomena Mille

Brownie Summit Awardees

Adelaide Collins

Ahra Choi

Aiden Harrison

Ava Kimber

Camilla Stuart

Evelyn Katen

Evelyn White

Hadley Butler

Jadzia Hilton

Jocelyn Casey

Lucy Bunn

Mackenzie Crocker

Melody Newman

Quinn Butler

Surra Miller

Xaria Charles

Junior Summit Awardees

Alyvia Perry

Aubrey Bennett

Brooke Nichols

Claire Shelton

Ella Howard

Emily Vitale

Erin MacLuskie

Grace Chitwood

Juliet Meyer

Kambree Smith

Laila Hayes

Lauren Elrod

Lily Monteil

Magdalena Quilantan

MaKenzie Broberg

Mia Craddock

Michaela Amalla

Nora Finnegan

Olivia Gray

Sierra Packard

Cadette Summit Awardees

Alexa Tippey

Alleynah Miller

Evangaline Oyler

Grace MacLuskie

Madison Broberg

Martha-Ann Wells

Violet Finnegan

Senior Summit Awardees

Ellen Owen

Lana Janas

Yasmeen Fann

“Girl Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best.”

Juliette Gordon Low Founder of Girl Scouts

Bronze Award Recipients

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. Earning the Girl Scout Bronze Award involves the time to complete a Journey, a suggested minimum of twenty hours building a team, exploring the community, choosing and planning a project, and then putting the project into motion.

Michaela Amalla

Mickaylin Anderson

Lily Anthony

Kaitlyn Arrigo

Annabelle Ash

Lily Atkinson

Anna Ausband

Emma Babor

Piper Baedke

Saniyah Baez

Ahnnaleigh Bassett

Lindsay Batkin

Lillian Bell

Lacey Bock

Merilianie Bonilla

Skarlette Borden

Ryana Borrego-Drab

Amara Bowe

Pippa Bray

Savannah Brinkley

Makenzie Broberg

Rekinley Brown

Hunter Brown

Leila Buckel

Annabelle Chandler

Ashlyn Chavez

Jocelyn Cheary

Sophie Christensen

Mia Craddock

Annabelle Daniels

Adeline Derby

Emma Dobschuetz

Zoey Dolan

Davida Dorsey

Julene Drew

Pyper Dulaney

Everleigh Epps

Dixie Esbrandt

Kennedy Evans

Paige Farris

Kiley Farris

Nora Finnegan

Natalie Foxx

Wren Gauthier

Kamryn Gelle

Chloe Germosen

Ireland Glenn

Ashlynn Goerger

Sienna Gordillo

Anneke Graf

Claire Graves

Mollie Graves

Ella Greene

Gabriella Hailey

Nadia Hannah

Ellie Hardin

Jillian Harrington

Catherine Harrold

Olivia Hayes

Alessandra Hemesath

Danica Henry

Haylie Henson

Parker Hernandez

Madelyn Hudson

Karen Humphrey

Emma Isaacs

Mi’Asijah Jackson

Katherine Jacob

Gabriella Jasso

Haleigh Jenkins

Natalie Johnson

Margo Johnson

Elianna Joyner

Emily Kennedy

Emily Kim

Abigail Kroll

Audrey Lassiter

Reagan Lastinger

Hana Lawlor

Abigail Liddle

Chloe Long

Emma Lyle

Erin MacLuskie

Charlotte Malone

Adriana Mapes

Lilly Martin

Jaida McFadden

Kelsey McGee

Evelyn Mead

Laila Mejia

Skylar Miller

Emily Miller

Mia Miranda

Haley Mosier

Ava Najera

Annika Nassif

Amanda Nawarathna

Devin Noblitt

Lily Nowak

Shoshanna Olander

Quinn Otani

Sierra Packard

Alyvia Perry

Eleanor Pierson

Leah Preas

Lauren Pye

Rebecca Pye

Stella Ramstad

Maddy Richardson

Kali Sayles

Alice Seidensticker

Liberty Shoemaker

Rhowan Sigler

Miracle Smalls

Ava Smith

Aleena Smith

Lyla Smith

Emma Smith

Kambree Smith

Piper Snow

Emma Sorrells

Katelyn Sorrells

Marlie St. George

Addison Stair

Isabella Stanek

Athena Stephenson

Cherish Stiffler

Maranda Stiffler

Daphne Stone

Lillian Suit

Emily Swanson

Madeline Swets

Avery Swets

Hadley Szilagyi

Lillia Todd

Marit Toombs

Morgan Toombs

Amelia Topping

Elizabeth Tucker

Anabella Udovich

Sithara Ulleri

Leela Unnikrishnan

Audrey Wade

Caitlyn Walker

Ryan Wall

Logan Warlick

Harper Willis

Honure-Faith Winbush

Catherine Windemiller

Adelynn Wyne

Silver Award Recipients

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can achieve. It gives girls the chance to show that they are leaders who are organized, determined, and dedicated to improving their community. When Girl Scout Cadettes focus on an issue they care about, learn the facts, and take action to make a difference, they gain the confidence and skills that will catapult them to lifelong success.

Makayla Adcock

Community Wedding Garden

Amaejah Alexander Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Cristalena Arbogast Famous Women App

Erin Barry Get Healthy

Merenie Bonilla Animal Shelter Assistance

Bella Bray I Spy a Butterfly…

Da’Vey Bynum

Necessity Kits for the Homeless in Virginia Beach

Alicia Carson

Little Book Library for Thurgood Marshall Elementary School

Sariya Carswell

Coping with Coloring

Danica Carter Wooden home boxes for Squirrels

Avery Cartwright LifeBooks for Children in Foster Care

Isabella Chviek Buddy Benches Project

Kourtney Connor Activity Booklets for CHKD Urgent Care Patients

Samantha Crane Pet Adoption Bags

Megan Danovich Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Lily Daves Horseshoe Dreams

Leah Day Benches for Churchland

Adalyn DeJoy Lending a Helping Paw

Zoe Delyannis Beach Plastics: Art to Save Our Beaches

Claire Domzal Color Me Calm

Kadence Dougherty Get Healthy

Emily Dreyfus Garden for Goodness, Let’s Grow It Together!

Saheli Durage Helping Underprivileged Kids in Sri Lanka to Achieve their Education Goals

Reagan Dwyer Rehabilitation of the Taylor Elementary Butterfly Garden and Addition of an Affirmation Board

Victoria Edwards The Wonder of Flowers

Averi Evans Garden for Goodness, Let’s Grow It Together!

Kayla Evans Garden for Goodness, Let’s Grow It Together!

Aidan Fackler Camp Feminist

Esa Fernandez Spreading Peace and Joy through Paper Cranes

Vanessa Ford Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Annabelle Friedman Girls Rewrite the World

Bailey Funk Buddy Bench for New Little League Players

Riley Gilreath Pet Adoption Bags

Binx Glomski The Bat Project

Genesis Green Cyberbullying

Abra Hardman Challenged and Banned Book Awareness

Morgan Harrison PROJECT ART

Campbell Haynes Activity Booklets for CHKD Urgent Care Patients

Madeline Head Care Packages for New Pet Owners

Claire Elise Helmick Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge Project

Catherine Hodnett Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Cailin Houlihan Color Me Calm

Emily Jacobs Garden for Goodness, Let’s Grow It Together!

Elizabeth Janison Chill “Axing” Benches for Camp Apasus and Azalea Baptist

Azula Johnson Food Pantry and Pet Rescues

Charlotte Johnson Girls Rewrite the World

Sonya Johnson Packages for Pets

Olivia Joseph Garden for Goodness, Let’s Grow It Together!

Jada Joyner Cyberbullying

Brooke Kral

Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Teagan Lewis Diaper Need in my Community

Anastasia Livermore

Make Math Easy

Grace MacLuskie Women Worth Knowing

Corrine McCalla Girls Rewrite the World

Addison McCann Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Avanni McDaniel My Mini Library

Kira McIntyre Get Healthy

Tristun Mercer Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Lilly Metzcus

PROJECT ART

Autumn Meyers

Chill “Axing” Benches for Camp Apasus and Azalea Baptist

Gabriella Meyers Garden for Goodness, Let’s Grow It Together!

Zoe Miller

PROJECT ART

Maylee Montgomery Food Pantry and Pet Rescues

Adrianna Moore

The Bat Project

Madison Morris Community Wedding Garden

Mischai Morris-Beck Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Aniya Murray Snug as a Bug Project

Zoe Nelson

Rehabilitation of the Taylor Elementary Butterfly Garden and Addition of an Affirmation Board

Stephanie Outland Community Garden

Braelyn Perry LifeBooks for Children In Foster Care

Morgan Ramsey

Spreading Peace and Joy through Paper Cranes

Zoe Redel

Seed Library at Pretlow

Amelia Reeves Girls Rewrite the World

Alexa Richardson Alexa’s Free Little Libraries

Riann Rippons Pet Adoption Bags

Kinshaia Rivera A Gift of Hope

Krissalan Rudolph Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Shauna Rudolph Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Shiloh Rudolph Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Kaitlyn Salway You Can’t Buy Love, But You Can Rescue It

Penny Scheid Community Wedding Garden

Megan Schloss Activity Booklets for CHKD Urgent Care Patients

Gidget Schlossberg Buddy Bench Recycling Project

Sarah Schwartz Pet Adoption Bags

Peyton Scott PROJECT ART

Anna Sherman

Spreading Peace and Joy through Paper Cranes

Aria Song Ecosystem: How We Can Help

Morgan Speller Packages for Pets

Brooklynne Stark Music Mural

Mary James Steadman Beach Plastics: Art to Save Our Beaches

Sofia Sutterluety Activity Booklets for CHKD Urgent Care Patients

Katherine Swanson Rehabilitation of the Taylor Elementary Butterfly Garden and Addition of an Affirmation Board

Alexis Tasber

PROJECT ART

Lily Taylor

Buddy Benches Project

Lillian Thompson

Community Garden Rain Barrel and Compost

Kiley Thompson Garden for Goodness, Let’s Grow It Together!

Lilian Thompson Selling Cookies in Other Languages

Lorelei Timmons Rest Stops

Alexa Tippey Pet Beds/Cat Scratchers

Gabriela Torres Garden for Goodness, Let’s Grow It Together!

Madeline Tredinnick The Wonder of Flowers

Grace Trout The Pantry For Women Project

Hannah Twiddy Packages for Pets

Julianne Van Auken Lending a Helping Paw

Karen Voloudakis Furry Friends Comfort Project

Martha-Ann Wells Learn. Change. Period.

Amelia White

Food Pantry and Pet Rescues

Lillian Willis Little Library

Morgan Wilson

Read to Lead, Reading is Fundamental

Katrina Wilson

The Education and Beautification of Norfolk Highlands Elementary School

Jocelyn Zhe Cat Tree Project

Lucy-Gage Zimmerman

Beach Plastics: Art to Save Our Beaches

Changemaker Award

The Changemaker Award is a puzzle piece, and each piece of the puzzle represents the highest award a Girl Scout has earned for her grade level. Girl Scout Juniors who have earned their Bronze Award received the Bronze Award patch. Girl Scout Cadettes who have earned their Silver Award received the Silver Award patch. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors who have earned their Gold Award received the Gold Award patch. If a Girl Scout earns all three awards, she receives the final Changemaker patch.

Gold Award Girl Scouts Change the World

Gold

Award Girl Scouts are changemakers. They have changed the world, changed their lives, and earned the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.

To earn the Gold Award, a Girl Scout identifies an issue in their community, drafts a plan to address a root cause, and leads a team of volunteers to implement it. When the project is complete, the Gold Award Girl Scout and their team have made a sustainable impact on the world that continues to last beyond their involvement.

It’s a huge accomplishment that also impacts the Gold Award Girl Scout as a person. How they see the world—and how the world sees them—is forever changed.

Many thanks to the dedicated volunteers who serve on GSCCC’s Highest Award Committee.

Trish Armstrong

Diana Behling

Linda Linke

Cheryl McGrenra

Susan Ramsland

Cathy Six

Ann Stenberg

Debbie Trate

Benefits of Becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout

Gold Award Girl Scouts do well in life! They rate their general success significantly higher than their peers and report greater success in reaching their goals in many areas.

Here are some of the benefits of earning the Gold Award:

• Girls distinguish themselves in the college admissions process. Only six percent of Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award—imagine how much your application will stand out in the general applicant pool!

• Earn college scholarships with the distinction. Scholarships are available on a national and local level.

• Enlist in the military one rank higher. Jump start your military career by earning the Gold Award.

• Be seen as a role model and distinguished leader.

• Master time management skills. Girls learn to balance their academic studies and social life before living independently and present themselves as a stronger applicant in the job market.

• Make the world a better place.

• Use your vision for change.

• Tackle an issue, locally or globally.

• Establish a lifetime network.

• Create your community legacy with a sustainable solution to a problem.

2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts

Gold Award Girl Scout

Claire Askew

Troop 5357

Suffolk, VA

Growing Healthy Habits

Claire took action to help kids in her community get the tools they need to stay healthy. After learning that childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, putting children and adolescents at risk for complications later in life, Claire decided to take action to help kids in her community stay healthy.

She partnered with childhood health experts from Edmarc Hospice for Children, a Portsmouth-based facility, and the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Her goal was to help address the underlying causes of childhood obesity, namely, the lack of accessible recreational spaces and miseducation about healthy habits. Thanks to an equipment donation by the Suffolk Salvation Army, she renewed the playground at Main Street Day Care and Preschool in Suffolk with help of volunteers she enlisted to take down old equipment and install new playground features. In addition to installing new equipment, Claire also had the outdoor area re-mulched and installed a picnic table and benches for seating.

Along with the playground renovation, she educated the wider community about the importance of outdoor play, so she hosted two “Healthy Living” workshops for kids and adults at the Suffolk Salvation Army and at Main Street Day Care. Participants had fun completing hands-on activities while learning about healthy habits.

“Obesity, in general, is highly influenced by one’s environment, which determines the ability to lead a healthy lifestyle. In providing adequate sources for children to get physical activity and information on healthy eating, my project aims to eliminate childhood obesity within my community and to inspire those around me, along with future generations, to do the same.”

Gold Award Girl Scout Susie Ayres

Troop 52

Moyock, NC

More Than Art — A Fine Arts Con

Susie has a passion for fine arts. She took action to help others appreciate fine arts by hosting an event where children could learn about various art forms. Susie organized an event, “More Than Art — A Fine Arts Con,” with a focus on elementary, middle, and high school students.

She coordinated with the Currituck County Family YMCA to plan and host the event, where families were invited to participate in several hands-on fine arts experiences.

More than 300 guests rotated through activity tables where volunteers were on hand to guide them through offerings such as crocheting, origami, and painting.

This event had a lasting impact; the Currituck Family YMCA Teen Advisory Committee made a commitment to a partner with the Currituck County Arts Council to sustain and improve the event for future years.

Susie’s event was a fantastic way to inspire creativity and foster a love for the arts in her community. By providing a platform for children to learn about various art forms, Susie helped them develop their artistic skills and nurtured their passion for creativity.

“There is a lot of emphasis on sports in our community, as with most communities, but there’s a whole other group of people who enjoy art, and there aren’t enough opportunities in our area to explore that. The most successful part of my project was exposing the kids to fine arts and letting them know that art is so much more than crafts and painting. They were able to express themselves through many different mediums such as photography, costuming, crocheting, self-care, theater, music, and the list goes on.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Macayla Barry Troop 57

South Mills, NC

Reading and Literacy Access for Students

Macayla attends a special school in North Carolina Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies, a school focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies. While the school offers excellent academic studies, unfortunately, it did not have a library. When the school was founded, it was located at an area college and did not need a separate library. However, it recently opened its own facility in a space that was once a mall, and a library, while not in their budget, was on the school’s wish list. In addition, the school is listed as a Title I school where at least 40% of the student body comes from a low-income household and students may not have ready access to reading materials elsewhere.

Macayla decided to take action to help the school and students with this added resource as her Gold Award project, “Reading and Literacy Access for Students.” She created a mobile lending library where students would have access to the library throughout their time at school and would be able to check out books and take them home. With the help of volunteers she recruited, she was able to get 850 books donated and labeled along with creating an online inventory system. She then set up and organized a library space with bookshelves that were donated and put into action a check-out system which the school will continue to maintain.

“This project would not have been made possible if I had not had the courage to stand up and create change in my community. With this change, I hope that other students will also feel inspired to create change where they see fit, and not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Chardan Bonheur

Troop 505

Norfolk, VA

Sustainable Pollinator Roof Top and Ground Level Garden at ForKids in Chesapeake,

Virginia

Chardan took action to make the world greener, and earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, for completing a service project she called, “Sustainable Pollinator Roof Top and Ground Level Garden at ForKids in Chesapeake, Virginia.” She developed two garden spaces and an educational experience at the ForKids community shelter. Her project provided families with access to outdoor learning spaces while also offering educational opportunities to learn more about where our food comes from.

To complete her project, she enlisted a team of volunteers to help with the construction of the gardens, one at ground-level and another on the building’s rooftop. Once the installations were complete, she invited residents of ForKids to explore the gardens and take part in hands-on learning experiences during a special event. Kids were able to have fun learning more about Chardan’s Gold Award project by participating in activities such as “BEEngo” and constructing mason bee houses. Chardan believes in the ForKids mission to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for families and children, and wanted to contribute to that goal through her love for environmental education. She also coordinated with community partners to ensure her project would have a lasting and sustainable impact.

“The pollinator garden was designed and planned in connection with Portsmouth Master Gardener Philip Peek and Granby Go Green, an organization at Granby High School devoted to raising environmental awareness and taking action to improve the ecosystem around the community surrounding the school. Twice a year, Granby Go Green will go to ForKids and spend one of their meeting times to clean up the gardens.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Paige Gregory Troop 126

Virginia Beach, VA Rain Garden

When Paige learned that the Lynnhaven River was full of pollutants from homes, neighborhoods, and commercial sites, she decided to take action to help. Urbanization of Virginia Beach has resulted in less forested land and an increase in impervious surfaces, resulting in untreated stormwater runoff carried into the river and its tributaries.

Paige worked with Lynnhaven River Now, a nonprofit with a mission to restore and protect the waterways and natural areas of the Lynnhaven River. In partnership with the nonprofit, Paige created a rain garden behind Lynnhaven River Now’s Holland Road office to help address the root cause of stormwater pollution. The process included recruiting and training volunteers, so they understood the importance of a rain garden, how they worked, and the steps in crating one. In addition to designing and creating the garden, using native plants, Paige and a few of the volunteers built a wooden bridge they placed in the garden and a kiosk that is used for education and information purposes.

At the conclusion of her project, she prepared and offered a presentation to members of a local garden club, talking about the importance of rain gardens to support the environment and encouraging them to support more rain gardens in the area. It is a fully functioning garden that filters the rainwater for the surrounding neighborhood, and it is also used as a demonstration garden for prospective builders and those in the community who want to learn more about eco-gardening. The garden was made possible with the help of funds from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and Wetland Watch Coastal Resilience and Tree Fund.

“These gardens help the environment in many ways such as controlling erosion, providing a habitat for wildlife, and creating an aesthetically pleasing addition to a yard.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Jenna Howorth

Troop 1288

Yorktown, VA

Homebound Care Package Program

Being kind and caring is important to Jenna, and she used both of these when completing her Gold Award project, “Homebound Care Package Program.” She created an outreach program that connected the youth of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church located in York County, Virginia, with homebound senior parishioners. Her mission was to make all parishioners feel connected and unified, regardless of age or physical location. She took action knowing that more than 15 members of her church are homebound or in long-term care facilities, out of medical necessity, and are unable to regularly attend service at St. Kateri.

She organized four events for the youth of St. Kateri to learn about the challenges faced by homebound parishioners and simple, yet meaningful, ways they could show their support. During each event, Howorth shared a presentation that discussed medical challenges faced by seniors like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and mobility changes. Following the presentation, the students were invited to participate in hands-on activities like making cards and preparing freshly baked goods for the parishioners. The ultimate goal of my Gold Award project was to connect the younger generation of our parish with the homebound by providing encouraging messages through homemade cards and a little taste of our love with baked goods.

“I wanted to ensure our homebound parishioners feel connected with St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church. Additionally, my Gold Award project was to educate the youth on the conditions that homebound parishioners are experiencing. I am thrilled that the youth minister is going to continue the project I started!”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Kate Holland

Troop 5357

Smithfield, VA

Smart Reading Cookies

According to the National Literacy Institute, approximately 40% of students across the nation cannot read at a basic level. Of the low-income population of children in the U.S., that number jumps to almost 70%. In addition, families living in poverty do not usually have access or resources to books.

Kate decided take action and improve literacy opportunities for the students in her area through her Gold Award project. With the help of the members of the Isle of Wight Academy Key Club, she hosted a book drive and collected more than 500 pieces of literature from students of all grade levels.

The collection was held through drop boxes located in classrooms throughout the school. Using the books collected throughout the school year, Kate hosted a summer reading program, Food for Thought, and she invited those from the community to explore various topics and read popular children’s books, free of charge.

She also partnered with a Christian outreach ministry, Isle of Wight COP, and was able to connect with families who needed reading resources. Books were provided to these families as they scheduled their monthly food pick-ups.

“After talking with the guardians of the children who returned the packets, the wonderful comments they had were a clear indication that the project was a success. My Gold Award project indicated that children who read develop many important life skills and gain knowledge that will stick with them forever.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Kendal Keough

Troop 1104

Williamsburg, VA

CPR Saves; What You Need To Know

People of all ages can benefit from knowing how to do

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR for short.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a technique used to force blood to the heart and the rest of the body to save someone’s life. About 100,00 to 200,00 lives can be saved each year in the United States if early intervention of a by-stander did performed CPR.

Knowing that there is a great need for CPR education, Kendal took action to design a project whereby she created training tools and taught CPR classes to middle school students and senior citizens at The Chesapeake Retirement Community.

She created a video that was used at several middle schools in the Williamsburg area, with the goal of helping prepare them for high school certification. It was used during the schools’ health care lesson times. To do this, she first started by attending the instructor, Al Materia’s CPR and first aid classes to become certified. She then planned out the video using a power point before recording a video which was done in four parts. While creating the video, she became more proficient in Adobe Premier Pro, the videomaking software!

In addition to the video production, she also presented the video to several school principals. She also showed the video and lectured to those at The Chesapeake Retirement Community to spread awareness on the importance of first aid and CPR and distributed literature for them to take home to discuss with their family and friends.

“This age group can benefit greatly from this information. The more people that can recognize a person in cardiac distress, the more quickly they can act and save a life. Everyone enjoyed playing CPR Jeopardy and some of the other games I presented.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Cathy Paulson

Troop 126

Virginia Beach, VA

Making Education Accessible for the Less Fortunate

In wartime or during times of crisis in a country, children’s education is disrupted by air raid alarms and power cuts. Many children are studying online because there are not enough schools that have safe places for them to shelter. Lack of resources also limits some children from having the equipment they need in school, either because their parents have a low income or because they have had to flee their homes. By giving these children books, stationery and school bags they receive equal opportunities to benefit from school.

Cathy took action to help children, particularly those in areas of conflict. She developed a supply list with the help of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) a nonprofit organization that offers worldwide emergency relief and development programs to those in need. Then, she sought and received donations from her community to create 200 supply kits! The kits contained items such as glue sticks or school glue; children’s scissors; crayons, pencils/pens/markers; notebooks/scribblers; pencil sharpeners; rulers/pencils/erasers; and other items such as stickers and coloring books.

During the two sessions, Sunday school students of Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Virginia Beach and members of Girl Scout Troop 126 of Virginia Beach helped pack the 200 kits and get them ready for shipment. Her enthusiasm and passion has motivated her peers and others to take action as well, resulting in more school supply kits being created.

“As of September 2022, over half a million students have been reportedly displaced from Ukraine alone. Creating the kits allowed me to provide an important sense of security for children in uncertain times. This directly affects children who are growing up in crisis and have had to leave everything behind. The IOCC determines exactly where kits are sent based on areas of greatest need.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Avery Rinschler

Troop 5836

Chesapeake, VA

Hugo Owens Middle School Courtyard Beautification

Leadership skills, creativity, and passion were the ingredients used by Avery to complete her Gold Award project “Hugo Owens Middle School Courtyard Beautification.” By transforming the middle school’s courtyard space into a vibrant and inviting area, she made a positive impact on supporting local ecosystems and promoting the importance of pollinator conservation.

To start, she organized a community fundraiser yard sale with the support of Deep Creek United Methodist Church, a ministry of which she is a member. With the funds earned, she secured the building and landscaping materials needed for the renovation. Once the existing garden was deconstructed, Avery was able to build two new garden beds with the help of a team of volunteers.

The flower beds were planted with pollinator-attracting, Virginia-native plants. In addition to constructing the new garden space, Avery held two plastic collection drives which resulted in over 2,000 pounds of plastic being kept from our local landfills.

Through the collection, she was granted two outdoor benches for the garden space from TREX’s community recycling program.

“The biggest goal of my project was to make the courtyard safe and usable again for the staff and students. I made it so that the environmental club at the school can keep up and maintain the area, and that teachers and students can use it for classes.

Gold Award Girl Scout

Emma Rotzler

Troop 946

Franklin, VA

Planting the Seeds to Reroot Our Agriculture

Thanks to Gold Award Girl Scout Emma Rotzler, people in her community have access to hands-on agricultural experiences when visiting the Southhampton County 4-H Club livestock barn. Her Gold Award project, “Planting the Seeds to Reroot Our Agriculture,” was done in three phases.

The first phase involved creating a sitting room and dressing area in the barn that would provide a common area for eating and relaxation, as well as for wardrobe change, for youth participating in the 4-H shows. This is essential because the youth spend approximately 12 hours a day at the fairgrounds with their animals.

The second phase focused on the creation of learning stations around the barn. This consisted of posters describing different livestock, meat cuts, and kid-created posters. The third phase was dedicated to designing and creating educational and play areas on sensory exploration, reading, and crafting. She also published an educational brochure to help visitors understand barn safety.

In addition to leadership skills gained through this project, Emma gained hands-on experience using power tools and developing blueprint plans!

“As a future agriculture education teacher, I have seen firsthand the lack of knowledge and concern for our agriculture industry in the younger generations. I promote agriculture as a Miss Agriculture USA queen and as a member of two different 4H clubs. Many people do not realize how essential our agriculture industry is to our survival and sustainability.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Claire Taliaferro

Troop 5357

Suffolk, VA

Cyber Savvy Seniors

Technology helps people around the world stay connected near and far. Beyond sending text messages and making phone calls, smartphones, tablets, and computers have limitless benefits, but unfortunately, they aren’t always user friendly for all.

For one of our most vulnerable populations, older adults living alone, technology is a great resource to help battle isolation and feelings of loneliness.

While families often have the best intentions and set up a mobile device to help their loved ones stay connected, seniors may still need to learn the skills required to operate their devices with confidence. Through her Gold Award project, “Cyber Savvy Seniors,” Claire helped with a solution.

She developed and published a free website called Cyber Savvy Seniors which was designed to help older adults gain competence and confidence in the use of technology. The website features easy to use tutorials covering tech topics such as social media usage, smart phone basics, and online safety.

Along with publicly promoting the website within her church and community, she also hosted free Cyber Savvy workshops for seniors at Port Anne Senior Group and at Main St. United Methodist Church, both in Suffolk, Virginia. At the events, the community was able to learn, have fun, and receive one-on-one help from Claire.

“Technology can be used to improve connections with family and friends by everyone, especially our seniors. AARP notes that two thirds of older adults have felt socially isolated at one time in their lives. Social isolation is linked to an increased risk of premature death, heart disease, stroke, and dementia.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Caitlin Watson

Troop 15

Chesapeake, VA Living Classroom

Did you know one in every three bites of food eaten around the world is made possible by animals like bats, birds, bees, and butterflies — also known as pollinators? Worldwide, pollinators are responsible for contributing nearly all of the globe’s flowering plants with the pollen that they need to produce the fruits, vegetables, coffee, nuts, and spices we see in the supermarket. Unfortunately, bee populations have dropped alarmingly across North America, as have the populations of many other pollinator species.

Girl Scout Ambassador Caitlin addressed the decline of pollinator habitats in her community through her project, Living Classroom. She created an outdoor learning space at Great Bridge Intermediate School described as an outdoor pollinator habitat with educational features for students to enjoy. Her goal was to help students gain an understanding of the role of pollinators in the ecosystem and agriculture while increasing their exposure to STEM and the outdoors.

With the help of volunteers she recruited, she set about weeding and mulching, then planted known butterfly-attracting plants, such as milkweed, to feed the nectar-seeking butterflies. Her project also involved hatching native butterfly species from pupae and introducing them into the garden, a life cycle experiment she conducted with students. After the garden was complete, Caitlin shared learning materials and objectives with teachers and students to help them get the most out of their time in the outdoor classroom.

“The decline of butterflies comes from the destruction of natural habitats and the use of chemicals and fertilizers. I addressed the root cause of this issue by creating a safe ecosystem, free of outside threats.”

Gold Award Girl Scout

Lydia Williams

Troop 15

Chesapeake, VA

EDucation: Learn about Eating Disorders

Did you know that nearly 1 in 10 teens struggle with eating disorders, a serious mental illness? According to data by National the Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), eating disorders affect at least 9% of the population worldwide. ANAD also states that 35-57% of adolescent girls engage in crash dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, diet pills, or laxatives, in order to stay thin. This often results in unhealthy habits that affect the physical and mental wellbeing of preteens and adolescents, especially girls.

After learning this shocking statistic, Girl Scout Ambassador Lydia took action to make a positive impact by spreading awareness about the impact and presence of eating disorders among teens. By completing a service project she titled, “EDucation: Learn about Eating Disorders,” Lydia brought awareness to the signs, symptoms, and resources surrounding an issue that disproportionately affects adolescents.

Lydia compiled research about eating disorders in adolescents and created a lesson plan with accompanying pamphlets about ways to recognize if you or a loved one are suffering, and where to seek help. She presented the 30 minute lesson during three Health and Nutrition classes for students at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake. She also shared her program outside of school with other students, educators, and mentors in her community during school visits, Girl Scout troop meetings, and community fairs.

“There are numerous misconceptions about eating disorders out in the world, and these heavily influence people’s perceptions about them and those who struggle with them. Due to these stigmas around eating disorders, people don’t realize how serious they can be, and how a person can be affected by them. Only about 20% of people with eating disorders will ever be treated, and the percentage is partially low because many people do not know they’re struggling or because others can’t recognize someone else struggling.”

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities

National Gold Award Scholarship

The GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship recognizes girls for outstanding projects and provides financial support to one Gold Award Girl Scout per council. GSCCC's Gold Award Committee and CEO review the candidates against stringent criteria to nominate a graduating Girl Scout for this national honor. Locally, former board members are creating a local scholarship to match the national funds to offer twice the scholarship's impact.

She Believes She Can, So She Does Scholarship

The She Believes She Can, So She Does scholarship supports Girl Scouts pursuing higher education opportunities. Girl Scout Alum, Kate Godby, created the scholarship to recognize graduating Girl Scouts' achievements. The application features an essay for the applicants to describe how they personally exemplify the principles contained within the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Maylea Brockington Beasley Love and Laughter Scholarship

Maylea was a member of Troop 475 and a Gold Award Girl Scout who lost her life in a tragic accident as a college student. Maylea embraced all things in Girl Scouts and spread kindness to all. To honor her commitment to making the world a better place, her family recognizes a Gold Award Girl Scout with a scholarship to honor Maylea’s commitment to making the world a better place.

Girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character Scholarship

After 20 years as a troop leader for both of her daughters, Jennifer Lynch is giving back to graduating Girl Scouts who are continuing their education. As Michaella and Morgan's mom, Jennifer saw how Girl Scouting contributed to their achievements, especially in their courage, confidence, and character. The Lynch family is excited to offer this opportunity to girls who have grown throughout their years in Girl Scouting.

Helen Kattwinkel Lifetime Membership Endowment

The Helen Kattwinkel Lifetime Membership Endowment conveys Lifetime Memberships upon graduating Gold Award Girl Scouts. Helen offered leadership and mentorship to girls seeking the Gold Award since it was introduced in 1980. Helen founded the Council's Gold Award Committee and supported the cause until her passing. Thanks to the endowment, Helen's legacy to girl leadership continues her cherished work.

Erin Ablaseau

Abigail Adams

Kayleigh Adamson

Destin Anthony

Sarah Archer

Susie Ayres

Riley Baedke

Elizabeth Bailey

Hannah Bailey

Camerin Banks

Macayla Barry

Arayiah Bentz

Adriana Bingham

Ava Binkley

Rachel Blythe

Zoe Bollinger

Hannah Bonheur

Bailey Bowles

Janelle Breitkreutz

Kaena Brewer

Sophie Britton

Deana Brown

Nicole Byrd

Reagan Calhoun

Griffin Caluag

Ava Cardenas

Danielle Carlson

Cheyanne Carpenter

Elizabeth Castano

Ella Clarke

Sophia Coleman

Darrees Copeland

Mackenzie Costello

Abigail Crandall

Sarah Davis

Isabella Dayton

Zoe Delano

Kiersten Dominek

Katrina Draughn

Samantha Driver

Abigail Duchemin

Elizabeth Engler

2024 Girl Scout High School Graduates

Charlotte Everhart

Hannah Fann

Lindsay Fournier

Effie Gallion

Sydney Germond

Danielle Glenn

Finnegan Glomski

Shayla Graham

Bermuda Granger

Paige Gregory

Kailey Grey

Katherine Griffin

Abigail Grimes

Kasia Gruetzmacher

Gabriella Guernsey

Elizabeth Hamner

Emily Hendrix

Sophia Hewitt

Catherine Hodnett

Kate Holland

Annastasia Holloway

Mia Hopper

Savanna Horn

Jordan Ivey

Samantha Jacobs

Ashley Johnston

Maureen Keller

Kendal Keough

Chloe Kiser

Maia Kouremetis

Addison Lane

Jessica Levin

Isabel Lewis

Sierra Lowe

Jaci Magee

Emerson Marling

Ella Marston

Avery Mauriello

Kyajah Mays

Gabrielle Mccants

Carmela Mckenney

Nevae McKenzie

Arizona McNicol

Montana Miller

Natasha Mingo

Camryn Moore

Madisyn Morris

Caroline Nelson

Kinzey Newsome

Jasmine Newton

Emma Nugent

Aiyanna Orozco

Gabrielle Ostroot

Piper Owens

Michelle Parker

Penelope Partamian

Cathy Paulson

Finley Payne

Brianna Peralta

Taylor Prado

Madeline Price

Kyra Pulley

Hannah Rafferty

Destany Randall

Lily Reagan

Kaitlynn Richardson

Avery Rinschler

Kriscilla Robinson

Qadira Rodgers

Mary Rumburg

Erin Russi

Jayna Saltisiak

Phoebe Sampsell

Sydney Satchell

Sarah Savino

Olivia Schwab

Haley Schwabenbauer

Zhiya Selby

Abigael Selkirk

Allison Shaner

Charlotte Shumate

Gracie Slovensky

Cora Smith

Sofia Sosnowski

Makaila Spratley

Kathryn Steadman

Delanie Steagall

Alexandria Steward

Constance Strausbaugh

Madalyn Svede

Heather Svenson

Colleen Sweeney

Nora Sweeney

Kayla Swiggett

Claire Taliaferro

Jordan Tausch

Aubrey Thames

Abigail Turner

Makenzie Tutone

Katherine Urrutia

Cheyanne Uvezian

Olivia Vanlandingham

Kaitlyn Villanueva

Alexis Washburn

Olivia Washington

Shealyn Weed

Taylor Westbrook

Quinnlyn Weyrauch

Kaitlyn Wilkinson

Abigail Will

Vanessa Williams

Lydia Williams

Lauren Wilmoth

Ella Wood

Samantha Wooldridge

Arianna Wyatt

Ophelia Ye-Germond

Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout. Reconnect

All Adult, All Camp Weekend

September 21–22, 2024

Camp Darden, Courtland

Camp Darden is reserved for s’more fun, just for adults. Food and beverages included, only $55 per person.

Outdoor facilitators are needed to coordinate activities. Sign up in your area of expertise and receive a 50% discount! Email your interest today to philanthropy@gsccc.org

GSCCC friends are cruising out of Norfolk, VA

Did you say CRUISE? Join Us for a Shipload of Fun!

February 16-24, 2025

Experience Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas!

The cruise is open to all adults 18 and up; however, if you are interested in bringing your family, you may do so knowing that certain activities being offered will not be available to children.

Find details on the cruise opportunity here: threetreasurestravel@gmail.com If you have questions, contact philanthropy@gsccc.org

Oh How Sweet It Is Congratulations Girl Scout Awardees! Thank you to Norfolk State

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE COLONIAL COAST THE COLONIAL COAST AND THEIR MISSION IN AND THEIR MISSION IN BUILDING GIRLS OF GIRLS COURAGE, CONFIDENCE, AND CHARACTER FOR A CHARACTER BETTER WORLD! BETTER WORLD!

Girl Scout Mission

Girl Scout Promise

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Girl Scout Law

On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.