Girl Scout Mission
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Promise
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.
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.
Girl Awards Ceremony
Board of Directors
Karen Archambault
Fatema Basrai
Carla Clarke
Patricia Claybrook
Danielle Esser
Erick Ford
Eileen Fuzer
Nicole Gillespie
Kim Kleasen
Catie MacDuff
Marla Meyers
Erica O’Connor
Bob Pantaliano
Valerie Mason-Robinson
Officers of the Board of Directors
Shelley Sylva | Board Chair
Valarie Gilbert | Vice Chair
Stephen Persche | Vice Chair
Amy Gopshes | Treasurer
Anne Williams | Secretary
Ginny Hill | CEO
Girl Scout Representatives to the Board
Josephina Corona
Eva Drennan
Alexis Elton
Amelia Finley
Nikita Goyal
J’Nya Pennington
Girl Award Keynote Speaker
Iyana McEachern
Iyana S. McEachern is entering her final year at Drexel University, where she majors in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience. During her time in college, she served as President of the Black Student Union and currently represents student voices on several university boards. Guided by the belief that you should be the change you wish to see in the world, Iyana embodies this mindset through her leadership, service, and academic excellence. A proud lifetime Girl Scout and Ambassador, she has been a Girl Scout for a majority of her life starting off as a Daisy! Iyana has earned the Bronze, Silver, and the prestigious Gold Award—culminating a journey marked by purpose and perseverance. Recognized as one of New Jersey’s top Girl Scout Cookie sellers for several years, she consistently exceeded her goals through determination and entrepreneurial drive. She also served as a Girl Representative to the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey and was appointed a National Delegate, where she played a key role in shaping policies that impact Girl Scouts across the country.
In middle school, Iyana founded The Giving Bookshelf, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting early childhood literacy in underserved communities, which was originally her Girl Scout Silver Award project. To date, her organization has donated more than 12,000 books and numerous bookshelves to daycare centers and schools across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia— continuing to help children discover the joy of reading.
Iyana’s passion for science and service has led her to conduct research at Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Research and Development and at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, focusing on cancer biology and metabolic diseases. In 2024, she broadened her global perspective through a research position at the Hellenic Center for Marine Research in Crete, Greece, where she lived and worked for six months. She now continues her scientific work as a Research Scientist studying how Lipid Nano Particle can be used as drug delivery devices at West Pharmaceutical Services in Pennsylvania.
Iyana exemplifies the Girl Scout spirit—not just in her accomplishments, but in her character. She is a Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker , and above all, a Leader .
Gold Awards
Gold Award Recipients
Atlantic Burlington
Savannah Spinelli, Troop 11439
Absegami Zen Path
Gold Award Project Absegami Zen Path was created by Savannah Spinelli who is from troop 11439 down in Atlantic County. Her project was aimed to help teens and young adults struggling with mental health. As we move toward a more modern world with stress, anxiety, and depression on the rise people have less time to get outside into nature. Nature has shown to make people happy and improve one’s mood so why stop going outside? This walking path was created around a retention pond right out front of Absegami High School. This pond holds massive amounts of biodiversity from Deer who stop for a drink and birds who stop for a rest on their long journey to the native turtles who stay in that pond all year long. Many don’t know what truly lives out there till you go and see for yourself. Since Savannah was also very involved with music during her high school career, she created a music wall out of old and new random objects along with some real musical instruments. The best part is that one day while Savannah and her family were working on her project a small kitten had come out of the woods at them hungry and hydrated. They were able to bring him home and named him Lenny after the LenniLenape tribe which has deep roots in the Galloway area.
Loren Ross, Troop 21097
Adopt A Friend
For Loren’s Gold Award project, she focused on helping adopted children and teens feel more connected and less isolated in their environments. Adoption can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness or being misunderstood, especially during adolescence. To address this, Loren partnered with The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey to create a peer support group specifically for adopted teens.
She designed and launched the group to provide a safe, welcoming space where participants could share their experiences, build friendships, and gain confidence through mutual understanding. The group met regularly and included guided discussions, team-building activities, and guest speakers who were either adopted themselves or worked in related support fields. Through this project, Loren aimed to promote emotional well-being, increase self-esteem, and reduce the sense of isolation many adopted teens face. She also created a resource guide for staff to continue the group in the future, ensuring its sustainability beyond her involvement. This experience strengthened her leadership, communication, and organizational skills. More importantly, it allowed her to make a lasting impact on a community that often goes overlooked.
Trinity Lynn Vitale, Troop 24267
Sustainable Animal Housing and Enrichment Project
For Trinity’s project, she partnered with Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge to create a sustainable instruction manual for their many volunteers, guiding them in the development of enrichment projects for the resident animals at the refuge. Additionally, she built several wooden mouse houses to support the Refuge’s efforts in rehabilitating and releasing mice back into the wild. To further assist the Refuge, Trinity organized a community donation drive to collect food, materials, and supplies necessary for creating the enrichment projects outlined in her instruction manual. Her work ensured that volunteers had the tools and resources to continue enhancing the well-being of the animals at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge.
Faith Toy, Troop 24267
Faithful Art Box
Faith’s project is dedicated to supporting children’s mental health, recognizing the strong connection between art and emotional well-being. Art serves as both a powerful form of self-expression and an effective coping mechanism. Leading a committed team, Faith has established a system designed to inspire children in the community through artistic expression. To ensure the long-term impact of the Gold Award project, Faith’s art teacher, along with Taunton Forge Elementary School, will continue fostering creativity and inspiring young minds for years to come. It is truly exciting to see the project come to life and to witness the enthusiasm it has generated. Faith feels deeply honored to have the Gold Award displayed on the grounds of her elementary school, a place that played a significant role in her early years.
Jocelyn Toy, Troop 24267 Walker Caddy
Jocelyn’s project aimed to support seniors with disabilities, particularly those who rely on walkers for mobility, by providing reusable walker caddies. She recognized the challenge seniors face in carrying their belongings while using a walker, as both hands are needed for balance and safety.
To address this issue, Jocelyn organized, created, and led workshops within her community, teaching participants how to make walker caddies while also raising awareness about the importance of her initiative. To ensure the long-term sustainability of her project, the curriculum she implemented at Shawnee High School will continue to educate and engage future participants in supporting seniors through this effort
Anna Becker, Troop 28105
Tangled No More
Anna discovered that fishing line was entangling turtles and birds in Mount Laurel parks and ponds, posing a serious threat to local wildlife. Monofilament, or fishing line, can significantly impact ecosystems when improperly discarded. To address this issue, multiple disposal bins were installed at popular fishing locations, with park staff responsible for their maintenance and monitoring.
Additionally, efforts were made to raise community awareness about responsible angler practices and the importance of sustainable recreation, helping to protect both wildlife and the environment.
Joie Jacobs, Troop 28105
High Achieving African American/Black Students Club
“How can I use what I observe to create meaningful change?”, Joie developed an action research project to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. She recognized that high-achieving African American/Black students often faced isolation and underrepresentation in advanced academic classes. In response, she created the Black Educational Advancement Club (BEAC), a safe space that connected students with academic resources, mentorship, and civic engagement opportunities. Joie led every step of the initiative—from conducting research and consulting experts, to drafting a proposal that was formally adopted by her local Board of Education. Her project not only created a lasting support system but also sparked her passion for using research and advocacy to address systemic inequities.
Reese Venable, Troop 29712 Blankets for Babies in the NICU
Driven by a desire to bring comfort and compassion to families with babies in the NICU, Reese Venable identified the emotional challenges these families face as the root cause of her Gold Award Project. To address this issue, she formed a club at her school, Crochet Club, which focused on teaching the members how to crochet baby blankets. These handmade blankets were then donated to the Knots of Love organization, which distributes them to hospitals nationwide. Through her project, Reese Venable not only provided warmth and support to families during this challenging time but also empowered others to make a difference through compassion and creativity.
Sally Stavash, Troop 29712
Creative Crafting For Mental Health Art Therapy Workshops
Sally Stavash’s project, Creative Crafting for Mental Health Art Therapy Workshops, united girls from various Girl Scout Troops and her local parish. Through her initiative, she aimed to demonstrate how art can serve as a powerful tool for relieving anxiety and addressing mental health challenges, particularly for preteens and teenage girls. By fostering creativity in a supportive environment, her workshops encouraged self-expression, emotional well-being, and meaningful connections among participants.
Camden
Maddy Forrest, Troop 30113
Project Rainbow
Maddy’s project, Project Rainbow, was a tremendous success. She led the implementation of a vibrant rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Woodlawn Avenue and Haddon Avenue in Collingswood, New Jersey. The project aimed to promote love and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community, creating a lasting symbol of acceptance.
The crosswalk serves as a powerful visual reminder to queer youth and the entire community that they are loved, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. Through her efforts, Maddy helped foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Arianna Rivera, Juliette
Escape the Indoors
Arianna, a Juliette with the Timber Creek Service Unit, revitalized key infrastructure at Camp Inawendiwin through her Gold Award project, Escape the Indoors, enhancing both safety and accessibility. She spearheaded the renovation of a deteriorating bridge and redesigned a handicap ramp to meet ADA standards, ensuring secure and inclusive access for all visitors. Her efforts created a lasting, positive impact, fostering a safer and more welcoming environment for future generations of Girl Scouts and outdoor adventurers.
Mercer
Bethany Marusky, Troop 70018
For the Kids
Bethany created five cornhole sets for her local elementary school, along with a slideshow presentation to help students learn and get accustomed to the game. The school incorporates the sets into recess, gym classes, and field day activities, providing a fun and engaging way for all students to participate.
She thoughtfully designed the sets to ensure that children with special needs could also enjoy the game, making it accessible to everyone. The project held special significance for Bethany, as she later returned to assist with field day and saw firsthand that the students were still using her cornhole sets, excitedly sharing how much fun they were having.
Anvitha Komarraju, Troop 70034
STEMpower: Bridging the Gap in STEM
Anvitha’s Gold Project was aimed to make STEM education more accessible and enjoyable for young students. She organized a series of STEM camps at her local recreation center, where she created a welcoming environment that emphasized hands-on activities. By focusing on interactive experiences, she aimed to spark curiosity for STEM without the stress of grades or In addition to the camps, she partnered with a nonprofit organization to teach classes, where she implemented creative and engaging lessons that allowed students to explore various STEM concepts in a fun and relaxed setting. She also taught Java programming to girls, encouraging them to explore coding and pursue their interest in technology, and pursue their interest in technology.
Kashish Arora, Troop 70054
Finance without Borders: Empowering Immigrants through Financial Literacy
Kashish’s project sought to break the cycle of poverty that often affects immigrant populations. One of the fundamental causes of this issue is the lack of financial literacy education for immigrant youth, which can hinder their ability to achieve financial stability. To tackle this challenge, Kashish developed a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum specifically designed for unaccompanied minors, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to navigate their financial futures confidently
Mrudula Pamireddy, Troop 70057
Building Junior Architects using CAD
Children in rural areas of India often face significant barriers to developing technological fluency compared to their peers in urban centers. Limited access to learning resources and exposure to modern advancements hinders their ability to build the competencies necessary for future job opportunities. Recognizing this disparity, Mrudula is committed to equipping these children with essential skills in architecture and introducing them to the technologies shaping the field today. Passionate about leveraging cutting-edge innovations, Mrudula envisions a future where technology revolutionizes architectural practices, making them more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive.
Shreya Mookherjee, Troop 70381 Environmental Art
Shreya led a class on environmental art, exploring the intricate dynamics of ecosystems and the profound impact of human activities—both beneficial and harmful—on these natural systems. Through engaging discussions and creative projects, students examined ways to restore and protect the environment using art as a powerful tool. From advocacy and recycled art to fostering a deeper appreciation for nature, the class highlighted how artistic expression can inspire positive change and environmental stewardship.
Dana Trotta, Troop 70586
NexTrex Community Recycling Project
Dana’s Gold Award project launched a community-wide recycling initiative in partnership with NexTrex to tackle the growing issue of plastic film waste—materials that are not accepted in standard curbside recycling and often contribute to landfill and ocean pollution. To address this challenge, Dana established multiple collection sites, educated the community on proper recycling practices, and collaborated with local organizations, schools, and Hamilton Township’s Ecological Facility. Initially setting a goal of collecting 500 pounds of plastic films, the project far exceeded expectations, gathering over 2,000 pounds, which Trex Company repurposed into sustainable decking and furniture. Through leadership, outreach, and collaboration, Dana’s initiative heightened environmental awareness, inspired ongoing community engagement, and created a lasting local and global impact. Today, plastic collection efforts continue at the Hamilton Ecological Facility, carried forward by another local Girl Scout Troop.
Aksheeta Bhasin , Troop 72815
The Role of Positive Thinking in Personal Development
As a high school student and dedicated advocate for mental health, Aksheeta has witnessed firsthand the impact that stress and anxiety can have on her peers. Driven by a desire to create meaningful change, she dedicated her Girl Scouts Gold Award project to empowering young minds with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Through interactive sessions, she guided children aged 8-11 in understanding the power of positive thinking, equipping them with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and optimism.
Aksheeta is deeply committed to the well-being of young people, believing that every child deserves to grow up surrounded by hope, joy, and boundless opportunities. However, the reality remains that many struggle with stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. Determined to make a difference, she developed a program that teaches positive thinking skills, providing children with the mindset needed to embrace life with resilience and enthusiasm. Witnessing their transformation and growth was an incredibly rewarding experience, as they developed a more optimistic outlook on their futures.
Proud of the impact her project has made, Aksheeta hopes her efforts will inspire others to take action and contribute to a world where every child can flourish, shine, and reach their full potential. She is grateful to the Girl Scouts for providing a platform that allowed her to embark on this meaningful journey and begin doing the work she is most passionate about.
Sameera Reddymeka, Troop 72828
The “For You” - Mental Health Book for Children
Sameera aimed to support children and young teens facing mental health challenges early in life, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her goal was to provide them with a valuable self-care resource they could easily access and benefit from.
To achieve this, she published an interactive self-care journal, available for purchase and online access, collaborating with a psychologist to ensure the content was both effective and meaningful. In addition, she led self-care and mental health workshops to educate young audiences on the importance of prioritizing their well-being. To further extend her impact, she distributed gift bags containing mental health and self-care resources to pediatric patients within the target age group.
Agriya Bansal, Juliette The Serenity Garden at WWP Community Park
Agriya’s project was designed to enhance community access to inviting outdoor reading spaces, addressing the need for environments that foster literacy, relaxation, and social engagement. To achieve this, an outdoor library was thoughtfully created, featuring benches and gardens that provide a tranquil setting where individuals can read, learn, and immerse themselves in nature. By seamlessly integrating literature with the outdoors, this initiative transforms public spaces into welcoming retreats that inspire curiosity and connection across all generations.
Anika Khedekar, Juliette Life Along the Hudson River
Anika’s Gold Award project, Life Along the Hudson River, focused on enriching public understanding of the river’s ecosystem and history through the creation and installation of three interpretive boards along the Jersey City waterfront. Each board highlighted a unique aspect of the Hudson River: one explored the diverse bird species that inhabit the area, another examined the aquatic life thriving within its waters, and the third detailed the river’s geography and rich historical significance. This initiative was made possible through collaborations with the Newport Property Owners Association, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, New-York Historical Society, and the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of the Hudson River.
Suri Patel, Juliette Lenni Lenape Heritage Garden
For Suri’s Gold Award project, she created a medicinal plant garden to honor the Lenni Lenape people, the original inhabitants of the land where she lives. Recognizing that their rich culture and traditions are often overlooked, Suri sought to raise awareness by planting yarrow, blackeyed Susan, milkweed, and coneflower—plants traditionally used by the Lenape for healing. To further educate the community, she installed informational signs highlighting the enduring significance of Lenape knowledge and heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for their contributions and lasting legacy.
Jillian Maingi, Troop 70034 Spotted Lanternfly Reduction
Jillian recognized the urgent need to protect disappearing habitats, as human actions—such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and the spread of invasive species—threaten ecosystems, leading to plant and animal loss.
One critical issue she addressed was the spotted lanternfly (SLF), an invasive species with few natural predators that is difficult to eliminate using conventional pest control methods. To help combat the problem, she created a video tutorial demonstrating how to make effective SLF traps, providing a practical solution for those dealing with infestations. The video was shared on the Environmental Commission website to raise awareness and promote action.
Priyal Tyagi, Troop 70872
Flowing Forward: Empowering Menstrual Hygiene for All
Priyal tackled the stigma surrounding menstrual health and the critical lack of access to hygiene products through educational workshops held in both India and the United States. In these sessions, she delivered informative presentations that explained the natural process of menstruation and shed light on the widespread issue of period poverty. To provide practical solutions, she taught participants how to sew their own reusable menstrual pads using readily available materials, equipping them with the resources needed to maintain their health and hygiene. Through her efforts, Priyal reached over 130 young women and facilitated the creation of 250 reusable pads, which were donated to those in need, ensuring a lasting impact on menstrual health awareness and accessibility.
Sana Daway, Troop 71606 Wings of Wisdom Initiative
The Wings of Wisdom Initiative aimed to provide underprivileged Nepali girls with a better means of education. Sana and the riseHER team at VolNepal fulfilled this goal by holding video conferences with young girls in Rolpa, Nepal. The girls were not only taught meaningful skills, but were empowered and motivated to stay in school, decreasing the drop out rate. Sana and other volunteers also wrote letters to girls in Nepal via a penpal program so that the students could form connections and gain exposure beyond their local community. Sana taught over 50 girls across three grade levels, ran conferences for over a year, and put in nearly 100 hours of volunteering through this project. Her efforts were recorded on all Volnepal social media and has left a lasting impact on the lives of the Nepali girls.
Ashna Kapadia, Troop 80308
Revive and Thrive
Ashna’s Gold Award project, Revive & Thrive, focused on revitalizing and improving the South River Community Garden, which had suffered from years of neglect and disorganization. Committed to creating a sustainable, accessible, and educational space, she led efforts to clean up the garden, organize the shed, and replace rotted compost bins with newly donated ones. To enhance the garden’s eco-friendliness, she implemented wood chips and cardboard for pathways and weed control, while installing informational posters to promote sustainable practices.
Ashna also conducted educational workshops, teaching younger Girl Scouts about gardening and environmental stewardship, fostering a deeper connection between the community and nature. Her project resulted in a cleaner, more organized garden, heightened community engagement, and a lasting impact through continued maintenance by high school volunteers. Throughout this experience, she developed essential leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills, making a meaningful contribution to her community while inspiring future generations to care for their environment.
Tanvi Narava, Troop 80395 Renew You Embrace You
Tanvi Narava’s Gold Award project, Renew You: Embrace You, was inspired by the growing opioid overdose crisis and the urgent need for awareness around life-saving intervention. After witnessing firsthand—both in her community and through personal family experience—how unprepared and uninformed people were in responding to overdoses, Tanvi took action. She educated hundreds of students and community members on overdose response and Narcan administration, developed digital resources, hosted a flag ceremony to honor lives lost, presented at conferences, and even shared her work on the news. Through her project, she hopes to continue to make everyone a life saver.
Viea Karthikeyan, Troop 80395 Myopia Awareness Campaign
In today’s increasingly digital world, children are spending more time on screens and less time outdoors—leading to a noticeable rise in cases of myopia, aka nearsightedness. Recognizing the long-term impact of this trend, Viea launched the Myopia Awareness Campaign to promote healthier visual practices among young children.
To address the root causes of myopia, Viea focused on encouraging families to prioritize outdoor time. Through art-based workshops, she engaged children with fun outdoor activities that highlighted the joys of screen-free play. At the same time, she worked with parents to raise awareness about the importance of reducing eye strain and building lifelong habits that support eye health.
Her campaign not only informed but inspired her community to take small, meaningful steps toward protecting children’s vision for the future.
Emily Bannon, Troop 80813
Cougars Feeding Cougars Food Pantry
Emily collaborated with Carl Sandburg Middle School in Old Bridge to establish a food pantry that provided essential support to families in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals faced job losses and resource shortages, making it increasingly difficult to feed themselves and their families. Beyond the physical hardship, this crisis also took a significant emotional toll.
To address this challenge, Cougars Fighting Hunger was created, offering an accessible food pantry designed to serve both schoolchildren and the broader community. By working closely with the school, the initiative helped meet the urgent need for food security, ensuring that members of the community had a reliable source of nourishment during difficult times.
Evelyn Springer, Troop 81424
Rambunctious Robotics
Evelyn’s project aimed to inspire and empower young girls to pursue an interest in robotics. She led multiple workshops in collaboration with the local school district and Girl Scout troops, providing hands-on learning experiences that encouraged engagement in STEM fields. To ensure continued opportunities for younger students, she developed an activities booklet for her high school, enabling future outreach efforts. As a final step, she created a series of instructional videos on robotics badges, allowing Girl Scouts worldwide to complete these badges independently and deepen their understanding of robotics.
Aanya Rana, Troop 81705
The Online Community Library
Aanya’s project aimed to foster community bonding by harnessing her passion for literacy to bring people together. To achieve this, she built a library box and developed an accompanying electronic platform, allowing individuals to read shared books and engage in discussions on an online forum. By blending physical and digital spaces, her initiative created meaningful opportunities for connection and collaboration, strengthening community ties through the power of reading.
Samantha Grossman, Troop 83803
The Monroe Special Sports High School Volunteer Coordinator Program
The Monroe Special Sports Program was created to provide year-round athletic opportunities for children and young adults with special needs. To support this initiative, high school volunteers were recruited, trained, and supervised to assist the director and coaches in facilitating sports activities. As the high school coordinator, Samantha played a pivotal role in the program, overseeing the recruitment, training, management, and mentorship of student volunteers, ensuring they were well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the program and its participants.
Josephina Corona, Troop 83824 Sprouts to Scouts
The Sprouts program was designed to address the problem of decreasing self-confidence among preschool girls due to the lack of programming for this age group. The Sprouts program consists of 10 sessions that were led by Josephina to inspire and teach girls through community service, songs, crafts, stories, STEM, and special guests. Girls were given the opportunity to explore and grow in an environment that welcomed new friendships and experiences to promote self-confidence. Josephina created lesson plans and provided materials for the next two rounds of the program including craft supplies and 20 picture books. Sprouts is currently being held in North Brunswick, Hamilton, and Egg Harbor Township!
Alexa Lopez-Chirinos, Juliette Project Period
Noticing how in this age around the world, accessibility to women’s feminine products being limited to many, and the stigma surrounding menstruation preventing important discussions — Alexa took action to diminish these barriers. Alexa addressed the root cause of this, seeing how these issues coexist in a world which often refuses to acknowledge the need for change. Through conducting seminars to spread awareness campaigns in school, her community, and workplace to educate people about menstruation, its importance, and how to battle stigmas and misconceptions. Alexa was able to advocate for the availability and affordability of menstrual products in public places, schools, and community centers by raising a count of over 4,000+ menstrual products including tampons, pads, underwear, disks and cups. Partnering with several organizations and no-profits such as the YMCA and Days for Girls International, Alexa further aided in empowering women and girls to talk openly about menstruation, creating safe spaces for discussion and support. Alexa took these actions, to help break the barriers that surround menstruation, contributing to fight period poverty, all the while making a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Emily Dyjak, Juliette Couponing Makes Cents
The main issue of Emily’s project was that many high school students, teens, and young adults didn’t know about the benefits of using coupons, especially digital ones. To solve this problem, she created a website that teaches young people how to save money by using digital coupons when they shop.
On her website, she made short, easy-to-follow videos—each under a minute—that showed where to find digital coupons on store websites and how to use them. I also led workshops at Highland Park High School in Highland Park, NJ, where she taught students step-by-step how to use digital coupons with the help of my website. These workshops helped them gain hands-on experience and learn smart ways to save money on everyday shopping.
Kushi Hebbar, Juliette Beyond Barriers
Kushi created Beyond Barriers, a mental health initiative designed to help teens ages 13–16 express themselves through nonverbal artistic outlets such as Bharatanatyam dance, Carnatic music, and painting. Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline in face-to-face communication and emotional openness among youth, she developed a series of workshops that taught participants how to channel their emotions through art.
To measure the project’s impact, Kushi conducted pre- and post-program mental health surveys and performed a matched-pair t-test, which demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in participants’ mental well-being. To ensure the initiative’s long-term sustainability, she partnered with the Kalagangothri Foundation to establish Beyond Barriers as an annual summer workshop in both the U.S. and India, providing continued support and artistic expression opportunities for young people.
Lucy Giasi, Juliette The Fabric of a Town
Lucy’s Gold Award project aimed to enhance residents’ understanding of the town’s history and strengthen their connection to the community. She recognized that limited knowledge and appreciation of local history stemmed from a lack of education on the subject.
Through her initiative, Lucy provided young residents with valuable lessons about the town’s history and its collections, ensuring they are now more informed and engaged with their heritage. Her efforts have fostered a deeper appreciation for the community’s identity and historical significance.
Megan Spears, Troop 94082
Honoring Veterans in Salem County, New Jersey
For her Gold Award project, Megan enhanced the preservation and teaching of local American history by updating the community’s veterans’ stories book. In addition to compiling these narratives, she developed lesson plans designed to bring these firsthand accounts into the classroom. She then presented the materials to educators, equipping them with resources to teach students about the sacrifices and contributions of local veterans, ensuring their stories remain an integral part of historical education.
Top Sellers
Cookie top Sellers
Emma Tomlin, Atlantic Troop 19711, Ambassador (2538 boxes)
AnnaBelle Webb, Cumberland Troop 50412, Cadette (2350 boxes)
Savannah Wagner, Cape May Troop 41012, Junior (2330 boxes)
Shelby Bush, Cumberland Troop 51251, Ambassador (2232 boxes)
Eliana Shukaitis, Camden Troop 30210, Junior (2222 boxes)
Alora Bailey, Gloucester Troop 66223, Cadette (2170 boxes)
Hailey Hofer, Cape May Troop 41375, Junior (2129 boxes)
Jocelyn Devall, Cumberland Troop 52168, Junior (2005 boxes)
Emily Harley, Cumberland Troop 52168, Daisy (2002 boxes)
Madison Ross, Gloucester Troop 66086, Ambassador (1891 boxes)
Fall Product Top Sellers
Gabrielle Adams, Camden Troop 30372, Cadette (266 items)
Josephina Corona, Middlesex Troop 83824, Ambassador (242 items)
Melanie Halloran, Mercer Troop 70237, Cadette (167 items)
Harbour Hoatson, Atlantic Troop 10692, Brownie (153 items)
Dallas Harris, Middlesex Troop 85935, Brownie (147 items)
Ryleigh Morgan, Burlington Troop 21063, Junior (144 items)
Alexis DeAngelis, Burlington Troop 28156, Brownie (139 items)
Lillian Ulkloss, Mercer Troop 71065, Brownies (137 items)
Hannah Rojas, Middlesex Troop 81629, Daisy (134 items)
Isabella Pou, Gloucester Troop 62148, Junior (132 items)
Silver Awards
Silver Award Recipients
Atlantic County
Troop 11052: SensoryDisability SupportforChildren
Lily Edge
Leah Edge
ContainerGardening forKids
Charlotte Gerber
Troop 11439: Whatisinit?Food Allergyawareness
Lucy Gaeckle
Ava Southrey
Troop 19034: BuddyBenches
Kennedi Brown
Karrington Griffin
Paige McQueen
Burlington County
Troop 20121: CreatingSupport BagsandSpreading Awareness about WomenandChildren inNeed
Kylie Cornelius
Whitney Pew
Troop 20153: ButterflyGarden
Nora Chestnut
Alice Schwartz
Rayna Thalhauser
Troop 23371: Meow Town
Angela DeFelice
Zoe Hopkins
Gianna Morante
Pet-ucation
Hannah Bazo
Victoria Dembrowski
Troop 24713: BabyBlanketMaker
Audrey Budzyn
ShamongPark Renovation
Hope Durham
Brookelynne Strock
Troop 25317: BuildingCatTrees/ TowersForMy NearbyShelter
Liliana Franz
Troop 26063: OutdoorNativePlant Classroom
Alexandra Bennett
Camden County
Troop 30038: Assisting communicationfor neurodivergentkids inthemedicalsetting.
Sofia Manskopf
Troop 30145: ProjectEat Healthy:Watchour CommunityGarden Grow
Gianna Mancuso
Troop 30208: EmmieGameBoxes
Emily Laboy
Growingwithlove schoolgarden
Gracie Green
Troop 30366: Overcrowdingin AnimalShelters: SustainableDogToy Making
Emily Comber
Meghan Smith
Troop 30488: ProjectPollution
Laura Barachko
Alexa Lash
Madelyn Lash
Airiana Troise
LittleLendingLibrary andLiteracyNight
Hailey Hans
Troop 30503: Shelter,Signage and Benches at the VoorheesAnimal Orphanage
Evelyn Buehler
Jessica Clark
Lia Kang
Cape May County
Troop 46436: FixingUptheSoftball Dugouts
Julianna Sittineri
Mercer County
Troop 70026: BookPantry
Annika Kottas
From Foster to Forever
Tess Elderkin
Troop 70053: EmpoweringKidsin Stem
Aparna Gundla
Shrutha Karnam
ThePathwayto Self-LoveandSelfConfidencein
Education
Siaraa Dalai
Troop 70129: OutdoorLearning at Bear Tavern
Elementary
Marcella Guarraggi
Troop 70218: PenniestoPurses
Eleonora (Ellie) Ruiz
Adviti Satish
HealthyHarvest
Vedika Deepark
Isabella Lee
Troop 70334: OutdoorFoodPantry at St. Bart’s Lutheran Church,TrentonNJ
Morrigan Clarke
Avery Collins
Sophia Robinson
Troop 70697: PollinatorWay
Station
Gillian Appelget
Hayden Appelget
Sarasa Shinde
Troop 70967: CrusadeforCare
Malli Shah
Autumn Zalavadia
Troop 71380: Calm Cart
Aditi Kampli
Gabrielle Mueller
Arthi Subramanian
Emmalyn Wallace
Art Cart
Laya Arumugam
Jahnavi Kommanaboina
Nakshatra Satheeshkumar
Troop 71683: SoccerStarsFitness Clinic
Aashka Gangappa
Maya Garg
Outdoor Wonders
Nurvi Bavishi
Anya Tripathi
JoyOfReading Samyukta Iyer
Troop 72820: GirlsJustWannaSTEM
Ayman Kamal
Shivika Sinha
Paw-somePetsafety–PetSafetyEducation& PetBadgeforBrownie GirlScouts
Nidhi Arni
Middlesex County
Troop 70027: EcoBirdFeeder
Shriya Awadhawal
Joshitha Komitireddy
ColorASmileforSeniors in AssistedLiving Facilities
Vidula Balasubramanian
Troop 70248: NothingbutNutrition
Harini Selvan
Syamala Vemparala
WebsiteforGSSTrust
Medha Thippireddy
Troop 70661: MonarchWaystation: CranburyBrook Preserve
Jane Berkery
Kelly Cenci
Troop 72814: Lights,Camera,Acting!
Neerja Dave
Janvi Irivichetty
SmallStepsintoSTEM
Sahanaa Rama Subramanian
Nikita Venkateswaran
InvasivePlants
Awareness
Sreesha Bhatkande
Padma Ragavan
DiverseDynamic Dancers
Shruti Palanivel
Yashica Suryawanshi
Troop 80007: Soccer Scouts
Isabella Cosenza
Emma Hogan
Rhiannon Perez
Sophia Thiffault
Troop 80337: TipsfortheTrails
Rachel Kaplan
Sydney Hitchins
Troop 80458: ToysforTabbies
Aditi Anand
Rashida Merchant
ActiveLifestylefor Seniors
Sai Samyuktha Renduchintala
Disha Sailan
ProjectCARE
Dyuti Mohan
Troop 80614: SpreadtheLoveof Reading
Ada Dolan
HealthyEatingforKids
Mirabella Hom
BattlingYourDemons WhileBattlingDemons
Rose Michaels-LaMorte
Troop 81709: WanimalGarden
Kayleigh Bender
Sophia Elizondo
Abigail Maillaro
Troop 81809: Confidencein Conversations
Nissi Aviles
Suchi Oak
Lauren Elisabeth Yuro
Troop 82110: YouthMentalHealth
Eva Gupta
Josephine Lake
Troop 82114: CreatingaSafe ExchangeZonein OldBridge
Sitaara Patel
Troop 83562: PollinatorGarden attheTownship Library
Anya Kamath
Lucia Katransky
Troop 83846: FlighttoFlourish :CreatingSafe SustainableSpaces forLocalBirds
Dhruvi Soneji
FeralKitten Awareness
Ishika Maniar
Juliette: FairyVillageatthe PlainsboroPreserve
Andrew Sugan
Amaris Linnea
MyLittlelibrary atthePlainsboro Preserve and SummerCamp
Esha Desai
A huge thank you to all the parents and volunteers for your amazing support in helping the girls achieve their goals!
