Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Nassau County
ANDREA ELDER-HOWELL, ESQ.
President and Chief Volunteer Officer, Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Mistresses of Ceremony
EMILEE BECKER, Gold Award Girl Scout 2019 and lifetime member
JACKALYN GONZALEZ, Gold Award Girl Scout 2016
Presentation of Colors
GIRL SCOUTS OF NASSAU COUNTY CEREMONIAL UNIT
Girl Scouts of Nassau County Chorus
Under the Direction of CATHERINE AZZARA
Keynote Speaker
DEANDRA DENTON
Gold Award Girl Scout, Corporate Associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony
PRESENTATION OF GOLD AWARD PINS AND RECOGNITIONS
Please join us after the ceremony for the reception, light refreshments, and to view the Gold Award projects.
Our Keynote Speaker
Deandra Denton
Gold Award Girl Scout, Corporate Associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Deandra Denton, Esq. proudly earned her Gold Award in 2016 by collaborating with local elected officials and community members to advocate for increased public safety. Deandra’s service project led to the implementation of a traffic light at a busy intersection in Hempstead. Her efforts have reduced the frequency of motor vehicle accidents at the intersection and have had a positive impact on public safety in the local community.
Deandra’s passion for advocacy inspired her to pursue law school. She earned her Juris Doctor from Hofstra Law. Deandra is a corporate associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. She is a proud alumna of GSNC. Currently, she serves on the Board Development Committee. Deandra was awarded GSNC’s Impact Award and the inaugural Honorable Dorothy T. Eisenberg Women in the Law “Trailblazer” Award.
Gold Award Girl Scouts Change the World
Gold Award Girl Scouts are change-makers. 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. It’s also a credential that will be with them for the rest of their life; having the Girl Scout Gold Award on a high school transcript or resumé can make a Girl Scout stand out when it comes to college admissions, scholarship applications, internships, and job interviews.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Inc. Board of Directors 2023-2024
OFFICERS
Andrea Elder-Howell, Esq. President and Chief Volunteer Officer
Melanie Sinesi Executive Vice President
Tonia Bottoms, Esq. Vice President
Allison Bishop White, Esq. Vice President
John Zhao Vice President
Leah Watson Treasurer
Julie Strachan Haiber, Esq.
Secretary
Randell M. Bynum Chief Executive Officer
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Lisa Arning
Natalie Borneo
Kevin Boston-Hill
Danielle D’Ambrosio
Vikki Ernst-Chang
Gabby Gibbs
Adrian Goodwin
Belinda Hill
Steven Lindo
Mike Mannix
Susan MacDonald
Patricia Mercer
Lasherelle Morgan, Esq.
Melanie Pavlidis
Dr. Jean Peden
Christodoulou, Ed.D.
Madison Spanodemos
Anne Marie Spensieri-Fidis
Lauren Summa
Denise Voda
Pawel Zagaja
Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Inc.
SERVICE UNITS COMMUNITIES SERVED
BALDWIN Baldwin, Baldwin Harbor
BAY
Bayville, Brookville, Center Island, Cove Neck, East Norwich, Lattingtown, Laurel Hollow, Locust Valley, Matinecock, Mill Neck, Old Brookville, Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove, Upper Brookville
BELLMORE Bellmore, North Bellmore
CARLE PLACE/ Carle Place, New Cassel, Westbury Village, Old Westbury WESTBURY
CENTRAL PARK Bethpage, Old Bethpage, Plainview
EAST MEADOW East Meadow, Salisbury
ELLM East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne
ELMONT Elmont, South Floral Park, Stewart Manor
FLORAL PARK/ Bellerose Terrace, Bellerose, Bellerose Village, Floral Park
BELLEROSE
FREEPORT Freeport
GARDEN CITY Garden City
GLEN COVE Glen Cove
GREAT NECK
Great Neck Village, Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success, Great Neck Plaza, Russell Gardens, Russell Gardens Estates, Saddle Rock, Thomaston Village, University Gardens
HARDSCRABBLE Farmingdale, North Massapequa, South Farmingdale
HEMPSTEAD Hempstead
HERRICKS Albertson, Herricks, North New Hyde Park, Searingtown, HICKSVILLE Hicksville
ISLAND BEACH Atlantic Beach, Barnum Island, Island Beach, Lido Beach, Long Beach, Point Lookout
MANHASSET Manhasset, Manhasset Hills, Munsey Park, North Hills, Plandome
MASSAPEQUA Massapequa, Massapequa Park
MERRICK Merrick, North Merrick
OCEANSIDE Oceanside
PARK Garden City Park, New Hyde Park
PLAINEDGE North Massapequa, Farmingdale, Plainedge
PORT WASHINGTON Baxter Estates, Flower Hill, Manorhaven, Port Washington, Sands Point
ROCKVILLE CENTRE Rockville Centre, South Hempstead
ROOSEVELT Roosevelt
SEAFORD/WANTAGH Seaford, Wantagh
SHORE Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Sea Cliff
THE PLAINS Island Trees, Levittown
UNIONDALE Uniondale
VALLEY STREAM/ Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence, Woodmere, FIVE TOWNS North Woodmere, Valley Stream
WARM Williston Park, Albertson, East Hills Estates, East Williston, Old Westbury, Roslyn, Roslyn Estates, Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn Heights, Mineola
WEST HEMPSTEAD/ Franklin Square, West Hempstead
FRANKLIN SQUARE
The Highest Award a Girl Can Achieve in Girl Scouting
Since 1916, Girl Scouts have been making meaningful, sustainable changes in their communities and around the world. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. These young women are courageous leaders and visionary changemakers. They are our future, and it looks bright!
First known as the Golden Eagle of Merit, the highest award has gone through many name changes through the years...
Golden Eagle of Merit 1916-1918
Golden Eaglet 1918-1938
First Class 1938-1940
Curved Bar 1940-1963
First Class Award and Challenge Pins 1963-1980
Gold Award 1980-present
Gold Award Committee 2024-2025
Stephanie Bartoldus Rockville Centre
Susan Canatella Manhasset
Basia Damsker The Plains
Cynthia Gamble Uniondale
Kaitlyn Gioia West Hempstead/ Franklin Square
Janet Gordon Hempstead
Cheryl Hatala Glen Cove
Pat Hickey ELLM
Suzie Jockel Hardscrabble Lisa D’Anna Johnson Merrick
Katie Altuz Virtual Mentor
Joanne Meyer-Jendras Garden City
Kathleen Murphy Massapequa
Bonnie Parente WARM
Gina Solomita Port Washington
Angela Sikes Port Washington
Kristine Lopez WH/FS
Fatima Perry Hempstead
Rachel Carlin Hardscrabble
2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts
Bellmore
Julia Amon
Kayleigh Reardon
Taylor Backman
Central Park
Emma Bronnekant
ELLM
Maya Cullen-Conyers
Floral Park/Bellerose
Caralinn Becker
Garden City
Aaralyn Poligadu
Abigail Jesberger
Aileen Sullivan
Carrie Schneider
Clara O’Reilly
Eva Vitale
Grace Dennis
Juliana Rom
Kiera O’Leary
Madeline O’Brien
Natalia Gargiulo
Simone Oustatcher
Great Neck
Allie Kam
Hardscrabble
Olivia Asencio
Hempstead
Alanah Angus
Herricks
Aieshah Ashfer
Elisabeth Baranello
Brianna Mathews
Madison Rizzo
Hicksville
Alexa Mazzamuto
Jericho/Syosset
Alexandra McCormick
Aimee Rhee
Angela Zhu
Hailey Sohn
Manhasset
Allison Pegno
Claire LaBenne
Olivia Aversano
Sophia Franchetti
Ava Malysa
Sophia Oliveri
Massapequa
Alyssa Esposito
Kelly Mullooly
Merrick
Abigail Murnane
Seaford/Wantagh
Ashley Divver
Faith Stallone
Valley Stream
Asha Gajraj
Valentina Fratarcangeli
WARM
Amelia Crosby
Aryana Patel
Brianna Janicek
Kayla Rogan
Nayiri Barton
Sabrina Matzer
West Hempstead/ Franklin Square
Serafina Bruchhauser
Patricia Solomos
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Congrats, 2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts!
Julia Amon Bellmore Service Unit Troop 953
Pollination Garden
The mission of Julia Amon’s Gold Award project was to create a pollination garden to help her local community garden grow their fresh produce, which feeds the local community and food pantries. She accomplished her goal by planting perennial pollinator plants to attract essential pollinators like bees and butterflies that help the garden bloom every year. Julia partnered with the garden manager and received help from her friends and neighbors. Her project is sustainable because the garden has opportunities twice a week when volunteers can help with maintenance of the garden.
Julia loves volunteering in her school and helping people in need. She especially enjoys visiting elementary schools to educate kids about making good decisions. Julia loves attending an event called “The Challenge Games” each year, where children with special needs compete in friendly games. Her favorite Girl Scout memory is when she went to Camp Blue Bay and had fun making homemade ice cream by kicking a can containing all of the ingredients! Julia is graduating Mepham High School and will be attending Nova Southeastern University this fall, majoring in nursing.
Alanah Angus Hempstead Service Unit Troop 300
Avoiding Wipeouts on the Digital Waves
Alanah’s mission for her Gold Award project was to educate adolescents on internet safety. She visited schools and events in Hempstead, Roosevelt, and Baldwin, leading an interactive presentation on how to safely use the internet. She also created a website and YouTube series on the topic so that others could access her information and learn how to practice smart internet habits and stay safe online. Alanah was determined to manage challenges she faced while working on her Gold Award Project, and as a result, greatly improved her time management skills.
Alanah completed her freshman year at Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute, majoring in computer science. She is currently a member of RPI Players, the university’s theater group. As a student at Baldwin Senior High School, she was involved in theater productions and participated in FIRST Robotics. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is going to Washington DC for the first time with her Girl Scout troop. She is looking forward to beginning her sophomore year at RPI this fall.
Olivia Asencio Hardscrabble Service Unit Troop 3230
More Than Art
Olivia focused her Gold Award project on creating a warm, safe, and inclusive space where children who are dealing with devastating diagnoses can come together and make meaningful connections to combat isolation. She created a gathering space at the Kids Need More headquarters in Amityville, NY, where children can participate in biweekly or monthly programs with other children facing similar challenges. The space will be used for volunteers to host art classes, game and movie nights, and other themed activities. The More Than Art room was designed to ensure a creative, supportive, and inviting atmosphere for children to use for years to come. Olivia’s Gold Award project has helped her develop strong time-management and organizational skills. At Farmingdale High School, Olivia was a member of DECA, the National Honor Society, and the Italian Honor Society. Her favorite Girl Scout memory was seeing Dear Evan Hansen with her troop— it was her first Broadway show! Olivia will be attending University of Albany, where she’ll major in forensic accounting and digital forensics and minor in Italian.
Aieshah Ashfer
Herricks Service Unit
Troop 1106
Society Sustained: An Environmental Wellness Podcast
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Aieshah’s Gold Award project aimed to create a podcast that addressed environmental issues related to wellness. In the Society Sustained podcast, Aieshah spoke about environmental crises and how simple lifestyle changes could mitigate them. She partnered with school clubs and troop leaders to host workshops that explained core issues that were discussed on podcast episodes. Her project will be sustained by her school’s environmental club. Aieshah’s project offered a unique perspective on environmental problems from the standpoint of a high school student dedicated to sustainability. Through her time working on her Gold Award project, she has discovered a newfound passion for environmental issues which she seeks to explore at college.
Aieshah is a published poet, a scientific researcher, and the president of her school’s Muslim Student Association. Her favorite Girl Scout memory is the Frost Valley trip with Troop 1106 in 2019. In the fall, she will be studying biology at the City College of New York in their Honors Program, and is on a transfer track to Cornell University for her sophomore year.
Taylor Backman
Bellmore Service Unit
Troop 947
The Importance of Pollination
Taylor learned about the global declining rates of pollinators like bees and butterflies and wanted to help through her Gold Award project. She partnered with her school science department to explore ways to make a change. Taylor built a pollination garden at a middle school and worked with the school’s green club to educate them on pollination, the reasons for the decline and how they could help with the new garden. Taylor hosted presentations about pollination at the school and around the community. To help sustain her project, she created an educational packet that was made available in the school’s library, as well as an Instagram page dedicated to pollination awareness. While earning her Gold Award, Taylor learned that anyone can make a difference, no matter how young or old they are. Her project accomplishments have given her the confidence to know that she can do anything she sets her mind to.
Olivia Aversano
Manhasset Service Unit
Troop 544
Raising Awareness of Food Allergies (Recognition and Reaction)
Olivia has a life-threatening food allergy and dedicated her Gold Award to raising awareness for this issue. Working with her allergist, Dr. Robert Corriel, she created a brochure in four different languages with information about food allergies and anaphylaxis care. Her mission was to increase awareness in young adults and parents on how to recognize and react to allergic reactions. She created workshops where she presented skills and information to schools, libraries, and day care centers. To sustain her project, Olivia trained a team to present her workshops in the future. She also shared her research on social media, and her brochures were displayed in various locations.
Taylor is a rising junior at Mepham High School. She is active in sports, participating in cheerleading, dance, and flag football.
Olivia is a member of the varsity field hockey and girl’s golf teams at Manhasset High School. She also coaches youth field hockey and is part of the Best Buddies club, engaging with students with special needs. Olivia has enjoyed being a mentor to her younger sister’s Girl Scout troop. She has learned that hard work helps you achieve your goals, and she is attending the University of Michigan this fall.
Elisabeth Baranello
Herricks Service Unit Troop 1106
One Stroke at a Time... Lifeguards Make the World a Safer Place
Elisabeth addressed the issue of lifeguard shortages in Nassau County by encouraging young swimmers to become certified lifeguards. She partnered with the St. Aidan Catholic School’s swim team and developed a clinic to strengthen the swimmers’ strokes and techniques. Her project will be sustained by a pamphlet she created detailing the certification process that was distributed to the Nassau County Aquatic Center, Herricks Community Center, and youth swim teams. Elisabeth’s clinic plans were given to the St. Aidan’s swim team ensuring they will have resources available for future generations of swimmers. While earning her Gold Award, Elisabeth learned that teaching takes hard work, perseverance, and committment.
As a senior at Herrick’s High School, Elisabeth is a student government representative, a Youth Against Cancer club member, and a three-season athlete competing in soccer, bowling, and softball. Her fondest Girl Scout memories were the sleepover at the Long Island Children’s Museum and the trip to Frost Valley. Elisabeth plans to attend SUNY Cortland this fall, majoring in early childhood education.
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Nayiri Barton
WARM Service Unit Troop 1825
Divergent Discovery
For her Gold Award project, Nayiri created Divergent Discovery, a workshop for children with neurodivergent disorders like autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, and others. The workshop is designed to help children form social connections with their peers. Each workshop includes sessions where children can participate in fun, stimulating activities to facilitate social bonds and create friendships. Nayiri will identify a qualified Girl Scout or volunteer to continue the program on Long Island. Her Gold Award project helped her develop strong leadership and collaboration skills and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes.
At The Wheatley School, Nayiri is the captain of her cross country and track teams and the treasurer of both the Music and National Honor Societies. Nayiri’s fondest Girl Scout memory is her trip to Frost Valley. Nayiri will study neuroscience and psychology on a pre-med track to become a psychiatrist. She will attend George Washington University for her freshman year and Boston University for the following three years.
Emma Bronnekant
Central Park Service Unit Troop 3014
Purrfect Home
To earn her Gold Award, Emma Bronnekant addressed the issue of quality of life for feral cats and the rapid growth of their population, caused by lack of knowledge and urgency to help the population. She taught people of all ages how to help our feral friends by providing proper food, healthcare, and shelter. She instructed her audience how to make a feral cat shelter using recycled styrofoam coolers, garbage bags, duct tape, and straw. Emma’s Gold Award project will continue to educate individuals to aid feral cats through her website and dedicated club meetings.
A rising senior at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, Emma served on the board of the animal rescue club and competed on the varsity cheer team. She is an avid horseback rider. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is going to amusement parks like Six Flags and Adventureland. While earning her Gold Award, Emma learned that hardwork and dedication helped her reach her goals. Emma will be attending SUNY Brockport for exercise science next fall. To view her project, please visit sites.google.com/view/purrfecthome
Caralinn Becker
Floral Park/Bellerose Service Unit Troop 1239
What is Advocating?
Caralinn’s Gold Award project focused on educating younger children about advocating for themselves. She partnered with Karen Ferrara, a landscape architect, to help her design and advocate for the creation of a dog park. She outlined the steps to campaign for the park and sought advice from the Long Island Advocacy Centre. With the information she gathered, she created a picture book for second through fourth graders that discusses advocating and features an illustrated story about a young girl advocating for a dog park in her neighborhood. Caralinn read her book to children, inspiring them to advocate for themselves. Caralinn is a rising senior at Mary Louis Academy, where she is a member of the cross country and track and field teams, the president of the Future Business Leaders of America club, and secretary of the school orchestra. Caralinn’s fondest Girl Scout memory was attending the National Girl Scout Convention in 2023, where she learned about governance and the process of managing the Girl Scouts Association.
Serafina Bruchhauser WH/FS Service Unit
Troop 1020
The LOLA Project (Leading Others to Love Animals)
To earn her Gold Award, Serafina focused on the care of pets and decreasing animal abuse due to human negligence. She designed a website called the LOLA Project for current and future pet owners that includes resources tailored to different species’ unique needs. She also volunteered at several events and handed out handmade bandanas. Serafina’s project is sustained through her website, petownersguide.wixsite.com/thelolaproject, which will be a useful resource for people seeking information for their own pet ownership needs. Her Gold Award project taught her that taking risks and perservering through challenges is a rewarding part of completing a project.
Serafina’s fondest Girl Scout memory is selling cookies with her troop and taking turns wearing the cookie costume. She was awarded a scholarship for overall academic excellence in high school, and has just completed her freshman year at Long Island University, where she is a member of the Honors College and SCNAVTA, the student chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
Amelia Crosby
WARM Service Unit
Troop 1825
Lyme Disease Education
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Amelia Crosby focused her Gold Award project on alerting her peers about the dangers of exploring tick-infested areas across Long Island. She designed and created educational content in the form of a website, YouTube videos, presentations, and posters to be posted in schools. She partnered with high schools to spread her message and educate teens on the symptoms and danger of contracting Lyme disease, which is caused by tick bites. Her teachings are incorporated into school health curriculums and her message will be spread to future generations of high school students. Her Silver and Gold Award projects both focused on environmental awareness, and she will utilize the leadership, creativity, and team-building skills she learned from them throughout her future.
Amelia will be attending Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, studying behavioral neuroscience. She is an avid equestrian, dedicating her evenings to practicing hunter jumping and volunteering at Horseability, a professional association of therapeutic horsemanship. Amelia’s fondest Girl Scout memory is attending Frost Valley, where she participated in team-building exercises and learned about environmental awareness.
Grace Dennis
Garden City Service Unit
Troop 1322
Book Buddies
To achieve her Gold Award, Grace Dennis worked to improve literacy in children. She created “Book Buddies,” knitted finger puppets that were bundled with books. She donated these to the Anna House, a childcare and early childhood education facility located at Belmont Park, so the children there could practice reading out loud to them. This mimics the beneficial process of reading aloud to a pet. She also created literacy kits with activities created to help younger children gain literacy skills. Additionally, she led “Books and Brownies,” a book club aimed to get more tweens interested in reading. Her project is sustainable because the literacy kits, their activities, and the book buddy bundles can be reused by children and teachers. The book club’s list of reading recommendations will be kept at the library where it can be used to find suggestions for reluctant readers.
Grace’s favorite Girl Scout memory is when her troop went zip-lining in Adventure Park. She is a rising senior at Garden City High School, where she is a member of the International Thespian Society and the Inkspots club. She also participates in school theater productions.
Maya Cullen-Conyers
ELLM Service Unit Troop 607
“What’s the Buzz:”
How to Make a Bee Pollinator Garden Workshop Series
Maya’s Gold Award project raised awareness on pollinator conservation. She partnered with Crossroads Farm in Malverne to educate visitors about population declines of many species of bees and other pollinators, who are an essential part of our wildlands, farms, and urban areas. Maya started her own pollinator garden from seed and hosted six educational workshops. She created a pamphlet that was used to market workshops to Girl Scout troops. Maya identified organic growers, purchased seeds, and ordered supplies for the pollinator garden and seed bombs, which are small clusters packed with wildflower seeds designed to bring greenery and colorful pollinator habitats to gardens and other areas. Maya’s Gold Award project is sustained by the raised pollinator garden bed that has been built at Crossroads Farm. She also created a vlog detailing the process of creating a pollinator garden.
Maya’s fondest Girl Scout memory was visiting the Science Museum of Long Island. Her hobbies include creating art for video games, playing her flute, and studying dance. She is a rising sophomore at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, majoring in game design and production.
Ashley Divver Seaford/Wantagh Service Unit
Troop 3121
NCPD K9 Units
Emergency Care
To earn her Gold Award, Ashley implemented a training program for medics to be able to treat and transport their police dogs (K9s) in case of emergency. She partnered with LIVS, the Long Island Veterinary Specialists, who trained the medics of the Nassau County Police Department Medics, Police, and Fire Marshal K9 units. She collected donations of leashes, muzzles, and backpacks for each NCPD ambulance and new first-aid kits for each K9. Her Gold Award project will be sustained because the training will be included in future medic refresher classes. Ashley became a confident public speaker as a result of her project.
Ashley is a student at Long Island University and she is a Fire Medic for the Wantagh Fire Department. She was awarded several scholarships from LIU, the Fearless Warrior Foundation, and the Bill Haps Scholarship Fund. At Wantagh High School, she was on the board of HOSA, the Health Occupations Students of America club, and was a member of the Science National Honor Society. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was mother/ daughter weekends at Camp Blue Bay.
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Alyssa Esposito
Massapequa Service Unit
Troop 2246
Youths Save Lives—
The Heimlich Maneuver
For her Gold Award project, Alyssa hosted presentations for young people to learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, the gold-standard technique to help someone who is choking. She created posters, a slideshow presentation, and a self-written and illustrated children’s book. Alyssa partnered with Massapequa libraries, St. Rose of Lima Church, and the Hope for Youth Organization. Her project is sustained by the children’s book “Tiny Hands Save Lives,” which she donated to her presentation sites. The phrase that she shared to encourage children was: “Stay Knowledgeable, Stay Calm, Save Lives.”
Alyssa graduated from St. Anthony’s High School where she was a vice president of her school’s leadership team. She also served as a volunteer EMT at the Bay Shore-Bright Waters Rescue Ambulance Company and volunteered as an altar server, lector, and member of the bell choir at St. Rose of Lima Church. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is when girls sampled international foods during a troop meeting. Alyssa will be attending Fairfield University in the fall as a biochemistry major.
Valentina Fratarcangeli Valley Stream Service Unit Troop 2073
Operation Comfort: Deployment Care Packages
For her Gold Award project, Valentina created Operation Comfort, an initiative to provide support and comfort to US Air Force personnel from the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Valentina, who had moved from Valley Stream to Wake Forest during high school, received assistance from the US Service Organization and her fellow students at Heritage High School. With their help, she facilitated the collection of granola bars, fruit snacks, and handwritten notes of gratitude. The initiative resulted in the assembly of 460 care packages that were deployed to military service people. The project will be sustained through an ongoing collaboration with the National Honor Society chapter at her high school.
During high school, Valentina was a member of six honor societies, theater productions, and the track and field team. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was selling over 1,000 boxes of cookies and being rewarded with a trip to see Matilda on Broadway! She will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall to study chemistry.
Sophia Franchetti Manhasset Service Unit Troop 544
The Butterfly Effect: The Importance of Action for Change
Sophia Gold Award project focused on addressing the threats facing pollinators like bees and butterflies, which include climate change, the overuse of pesticides, and loss of habitat. She created a garden at the Science Museum of Long Island to educate visitors about the relationship between pollinating plants and various types of pollinating insects and animals. Sophia hosted presentations at Munsey Park Elementary School, a community fun run, and at the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club summer camp. She shared information about the benefits of a continuously blooming garden limiting the use of pesticides, and encouraged participants to grow pollinating plants by handing out seeds. Sophia also created educational materials that will be incorporated into her elementary school’s unit on pollination which will ensure the longevity of her project.
Sophia is a graduate of Manhasset High School, where she participated in cross country, the feminism club, and art programs. She enjoys baking and started her own cookie co-op, donating cookies to a local food pantry. Sophia will study design at the University of Southern California beginning this fall.
Asha Gajraj
Valley Stream Service Unit
Troop 2033
Say No to Excess Nitrates
After learning about the harmful effects of excess nitrates in Long Island’s water supply, Asha focused her project on educating the public through a series of workshops at her local library. Excess nitrates cause harmful algae blooms, destroying local ecosystems and contaminating the drinking water found in aquifers. Asha gathered information from the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District and worked with an engineer from Liberty Water. She contacted journalists from the Long Island Herald and Newsday, who published articles regarding the importance of rain gardens in reducing nitrate input. She partnered with her high school’s earth science teacher to incorporate her presentation into his curriculum, making her project sustainable. Her project is accessible to the public in videos published on YouTube and Vimeo.
Asha is a rising senior at Valley Stream South High School and enjoys playing flute, recently performing in the district music festival concert at Carnegie Hall! She is part of the National Honor Society, plays on her school’s varsity volleyball team, and is team captain of the Vex robotics team. Her favorite Girl Scout memory is exploring aviation at JetBlue’s empowering Fly Like a Girl event.
Natalia Gargiulo
Garden City Service Unit
Troop 1372
Ocean Conservation: Doing Your Part and Creating Art
Gold Award Girl Scouts
To earn her Gold Award, Natalia Gargiulo addressed issues about ocean conservation with young children. She explained how a clean ocean protects marine life, provides safe food sources, and so much more. Through presentations, activity books, and an art exhibit, she discussed simple changes children can make to make a difference. Natalia worked with the Jones Beach Nature and Energy Center, and her project is sustained through social media content, her informative activity books, sculptural displays, and annual beach cleanups. While earning her Gold Award, she learned how having good communication and organizational skills are keys to success. Natalia is a recent graduate of Garden City High School. She is a member of the National Charity League and competed on the varsity bowling team. Her favorite Girl Scout memory is a trip to Frost Valley and fun activities like making s’mores.
Abigail Jesberger
Garden City Service Unit
Troop
1322
Memories Bring Back Memories
Abby Jesberger’s mission was to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and provide a resource to help people suffering from these diseases. Abby spoke to several community groups ranging from Daisy Girl Scouts to veterans. She also created memory books containing images from the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s showing pop culture, news events, fashion, television shows, movies, art, and sporting events to help stimulate long-term memories for people suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. To sustain her project, Abby donated copies of these books to the Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center.
Brianna Janicek WARM Service Unit Troop 1825
The Anthony Leva Jr. Memorial Dog Run
Brianna’s goal for her Gold Award project was to establish a fenced-in dog run which would provide a safe place where dog owners and their pets could socialize. She learned from speaking with Bonnie Parente, the mayor of East Williston, that a resident Boy Scout had begun planning for the creation of a dog run as his Eagle Scout project before he suddenly passed away. Breanna decided to honor and dedicate her dog run in the boy’s name. She collaborated with his Eagle Scout troop who helped her plan a fundraiser. The Anthony Leva Jr. Memorial Dog Garden was created on the village green in East Williston. Families can place a stone there in remembrance of their beloved deceased pets. A plaque has been displayed to commemorate the shared dream of two devoted scouts who created the dog run. Brianna fulfilled her goal of enriching dog owner’s lives, and in doing so, also honored the legacy of Anthony Leva Jr.
As a rising senior at Garden City High School, Abby is a member of the varsity gymnastics team, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and World Language Honor Society. Her favorite Girl Scout memory is her troop’s visit to Disney World, as well as annual trips to New York City to see Broadway shows. While working on her Gold Award project, Abby learned that you can accomplish your goals if you have patience, perseverance, and passion.
Brianna, a graduate of the Wheatley School, participated in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Her fondest memory of Girl Scouts were the trips to Frost Valley. She will be attending SUNY Cortland this fall, majoring in education.
Allie Kam
Great Neck Service Unit Troop 626
Gift of a Lifetime: Organ Donation Awareness
For her Gold Award project, Allie Kam wanted to spread awareness about the life-saving process of organ donation. She created an interactive website with extensive information and data on donation, including statistics, misconceptions, risks, and more, all geared to help in the decision-making process. She circulated additional materials such as presentations, posters, pamphlets, and cards throughout her local libraries, DMVs, and schools to spread her message. With the help of her school’s health teacher, she integrated her website and materials into the health curriculum, sustaining her message for the future.
As a recent graduate of Great Neck South High School, Allie was the captain of her varsity soccer team, an active member of the pre-med club, and a teacher of Korean drums and Chinese ribbon dance. She has also been a pianist for 13 years and enjoys art and science research in her free time. One of her fondest Girl Scout memories is making pillows for veterans. She will be studying biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio this fall.
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Claire LaBenne
Manhasset Service Unit
Troop 544
Growing Gold
To earn her Gold Award, Claire LaBenne educated elementary school students about the benefits of gardening on their well-being and mental health. She hosted workshops and presentations discussing the differences between physical and emotional health, suggested beneficial activities, and also presented steps for planting a container garden. Claire’s project will be sustained by the kindness club at her local elementary school, where they will continue to teach the importance of gardening for good mental health. While earning her Gold Award, she improved her time management and teamwork skills, as well as her self-confidence.
A recent graduate of Manhasset High School, Claire was a student senate representative, vice president of the feminism club, and a dedicated tennis player. She also volunteered with an environmental organization called ReWild Long Island. Claire’s fondest Girl Scout memory is a trip to Woodloch Pines with her troop. In the fall, she will be attending Davidson College in North Carolina.
Brianna Mathews
Herricks Service Unit Troop 1106
Given a Second Chance Through Organ Donation
Brianna Mathews focused her Gold Award project on educating students about organ donation. The demand for organ donations is rising due to short supply and extensive wait lists. Brianna was motivated by the lack of awareness, especially among high school students, and by misconceptions that prevent people from donating. She partnered with medical professionals to gather research and created a pamphlet, a presentation slideshow, and a Kahoot game to educate her peers and reduce the fear associated with organ donation. The Drivers Education program at her school distributed her pamphlets to students. Brianna hoped her peers would be enlightened and consider signing up to become donors. Brianna is a graduate of Herricks High School where she was co-president of the Amnesty International club and a member of the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams. She is the captain of the Garden City Park Junior Fire Department and treasurer of the Herricks Chamber Choir. Brianna’s fondest Girl Scout memory was bonding with her troop during a trip to Frost Valley. She will attend Molloy University this fall.
Ava Malysa
Manhasset Service Unit Troop 515
Developing and Campaigning for the Use of Organic and Sustainable Fertilizers
For her Gold Award project, Ava implemented a composting system at her school to create organic fertilizer. Noticing that the trash bins overflowed with wasted food after lunch periods made her realize that problems with food waste and water contamination were hitting close to home. She experimented with repurposing organic food waste to engineer solutions for cleaning contaminated water. Every school nearby is close to water so the run-off from pesticides and fertilizers negatively impacts the ocean and bays. Teachers and students learned to compost and, as a result, were learning how to reduce their own environmental impact. While earning her Gold Award, Ava learned that she is an extremely passionate and driven changemaker.
Ava completed her freshman year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she conducts research, spanning areas such as environmental and aerospace engineering and computer science. She plays lacrosse in her free time. Ava’s fondest Girl Scout memory is writing plays about bullying and stereotyping to help children realize how their behavior affects others.
Sabrina Matzer
WARM Service Unit
Troop 1447
Kindness Awareness
After losing her friend Jia in 2021, Sabrina wanted to share her message to be kind to all for her Gold Award project. Sabrina spent months hand painting a mural in Jia’s honor which is displayed in her high school. She also worked diligently with school administrators and club advisors to start a yearly Kindness Week in her school. During Kindness Week, Sabrina set up numerous stations to encourage her peers to appreciate those who are important to them, and to remember that it only takes a few seconds to be kind. Through collaboration with her high school’s Dignity club, Kindness Week will be sustained as a yearly tradition. Throughout her Gold Award project, Sabrina honed her skills in time management and teamwork to ensure her project was the best it could be.
Sabrina recently finished her freshman year at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, where she majors in psychology. She is a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and the Student Events team. Through Girl Scouts, Sabrina met some of her closest friends, including her best friend of 13 years. Sabrina’s fondest Girl Scout memory is when the girls and their moms visited Frost Valley.
Alexa Mazzamuto
Hicksville Unit
Troop 3030
Practicing Cancer Prevention
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Alexa Mazzamuto’s Gold Award Project focused on cancer awareness and promoting a healthy lifestyle. She interviewed many medical professionals to gain information on these topics. She then created an informative presentation which she gave to various audiences. The presentation has been added to her school’s curriculum to ensure a lasting impact. Alexa was named the Youth Advocate for Cancer Awareness and Prevention through the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development–NY. This honor and title enabled her to present her initiatives at a global conference. As a result of her Gold Award project, Alexa improved her leadership and public speaking skills, while also deepening her passion for educating others about cancer awareness and living a healthy lifestyle.
At Kellenberg Memorial High School, Alexa participated in student government, volunteer work, and a leadership group called the Leaders of Tomorrow Initiative. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is competing in the derby race with her troop. Alexa just completed her freshman year at the University of Miami, majoring in biology on the pre-med track.
Kelly Mullooly
Massapequa Service Unit
Troop 2524
Kid Komposting
Kelly Mullooly’s Gold Award project, “Kid Komposting,” taught elementary children about composting. This process transforms organic matter like unused food scraps into nutrientdense fertilizer to enrich soil and plants, effectively reducing waste. With assistance from the STEM teacher at Birch Lane Elementary School, Kelly presented information about composting to students, and then led an activity where each student created their own compost bins. She also created a guide called “Caring for Your Compost” for students to share with their families. Kelly also hosted her presentation for a Girl Scout Brownie and Junior troop. By completing her Gold Award project, Kelly deepened her understanding of environmental sustainability and was inspired to start her own compost bin as she became more conscious of the consequences her actions have on the environment.
Alexandra McCormick
Jericho/Syosset Service Unit
Troop 3095
Operation Art Therapy
For her Gold Award project, Allie McCormick addressed the issue of erasing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions in children. She created an art therapy book, including ways that kids can help manage their own mental health, specifically with regard to anxiety. She held workshops for both parents and children, teaching them about ways to manage mental health using the book as a resource. Allie’s project is sustained through a website she created, which has ongoing free access to her book, along with other helpful resources. While earning her Gold Award, she learned that with determination and persistence, she could accomplish anything she puts her mind to.
Kelly was a member of the varsity cheerleading team, the girl’s varsity track and field team, and the National Honor Society at Massapequa High School. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was hosting Cookie booth sales. She will continue her education next fall at the University of New Haven majoring in Forensic Science.
A rising sophomore at Washington College in Maryland, Allie double majors in psychology and music and participates in the Student Government Association, Student Events Board, and the Musicians Union. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is singing songs around the campfire with her Girl Scout sisters at Camp Blue Bay.
Abigail Murnane
Merrick Service Unit Troop 2454
Sensory Trail Ball Toss
Abigail’s mission for her Gold Award project was to increase knowledge about equine therapy and to help special needs students gain more from their therapy sessions at HorseAbility, an equine therapy facility in Old Westbury. Abigail created a presentation to share information about the benefits of equine therapy which was presented to the PTAs of local schools. Then, she partnered with HorseAbility to build a ball toss that would be placed on their sensory trail, giving riders an additional activity to engage them while riding along the trail. This project will be sustained chiefly by HorseAbility, who will continue to expand their sensory trail and agreed to visit schools and guidance counselors to educate more children and parents about the benefits of their services. As a result of working on her Gold Award project, Abigail overcame her fear of public speaking, and even found it enjoyable! Abigail is a graduate of Sanford H. Calhoun High School and enjoys playing the clarinet, badminton, and tennis. Her favorite Girl Scout memory is when her troop used funds they earned to see a Broadway play. She plans to study biology at Binghamton University in the fall.
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Madeline O’Brien
Garden City Service Unit
Troop
1322
Coping With the Loss of a Pet Through Artistic Expression
After losing her beloved dog, Madeline O’Brien wanted to help others cope with the loss of a pet. She established a memorial “Rainbow Bridge” garden where visitors can paint a stone on-site and place it in the garden as a memento honoring their pet. She partnered with a local nature preserve, the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, who provided a area for reflection in the preserve. She fundraised to obtain supplies and led a crew in building and planting the garden. She created a website (gcbspetmemorial.wixsite.com/dealing-withpet-los) that describes the project, discusses grief, offers tips to manage it, and provides links to resources. Through her Gold Award project, Madeline learned to manage tasks and engage others to help. She feels pride from creating a place that will make a difference for grieving pet owners in her community. Maddie is a rising senior at Garden City High School. She is on the varsity fencing team, participates in art classes, and volunteers at Camp Anchor in Lido Beach. Her favorite Girl Scout memory was going on the camping trip to Frost Valley with her younger sister Caitlin, also a Girl Scout.
Sophia Oliveri Manhasset Service Unit
Troop 556
Literacy in Early Childhood
To complete her Gold Award, Sophia Oliveri worked with a local preschool at Temple Beth Israel in Port Washington to encourage literacy and share her passion for reading with preschool-aged students. Through creating a children’s book that she wrote and illustrated, she incorporated Girl Scout themes such as friendship, teamwork, and kindness to teach the students life lessons and skills in an engaging way. Sophia’s Gold Award project is sustained through her book that is kept and used at the preschool, and through the website she created, sophiaoliveri247.wixsite.com/sogoldawardproject, to educate others about her project.
Sophia is a rising senior at Friends Academy, where she participates in dance and is a member of the cheer and golf teams. Her favorite Girl Scout activities were making cards for veterans and Journey in a Day projects.
Kiera O’Leary
Garden City Service Unit
Troop
1252
Appreciation and Validation for Vets
Kiera’s mission for her Gold Award project was to show appreciation for veterans. She interviewed veterans to learn about their personal experiences and created the Veterans Club at her high school. The club invites veterans to sporting events where they are recognized during halftime and given flowers as a token of appreciation. They also create holiday cards that are distributed to New Ground, a program that helps homeless veterans. Kiera also partnered with her local American Legion post to create flagpole banners honoring veterans that will be displayed around town. Her project will be sustained through the club with its ongoing activities, and the banners will be displayed in town annually.
A rising senior at Garden City High School, Kiera competes on the varsity cheerleading team and coaches younger cheerleaders through the Spirit Cheer program. She volunteers her time with the National Charity League and is a member of the American Legion. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was when her troop had an overnight camping trip.
Clara O’Reilly Garden City Service Unit Troop 1403
The Beautification of Centennial Gardens
Clara’s Gold Award project helped make a difference by refurbishing planting areas, eliminating weeds, and removing decaying structures at Centennial Gardens in Floral Park. She also planned and hosted on-site environmental-themed craft fairs where children decorated flower pots, made bird feeders, and created three-dimensional flowers. She handed out informational pamphlets to educate children about environmental sustainability and how they could personally make a difference. Clara’s project is sustained through her website, envio-life-gsga.com, where she shares facts about the environment and information about her craft fairs.
A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Clara was a homeroom and mission representative of the student council. She participated in Red and Gold, a school-spirit competition where she competed as a member of the red aerobics team. She also enjoys playing lacrosse in her free time. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was going to Washington, DC with her troop.
Simone Oustatcher
Garden City Service Unit
Troop 1322
Your Vote, Your Voice
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Simone’s Gold Award project was designed to empower young people to actively participate in their civic responsibility to vote. She created posters, pamphlets, and a website with information on the voting laws and regulations of all 50 states. These materials were distributed at libraries, town halls, and high schools. Simone partnered with the Junior State of America organization to start a chapter at her school to ensure that teenagers understand the importance of educating themselves on subjects they’ll eventually vote on. Her project will be sustained through her materials which will continue to be distributed and through the ongoing club activities. Simone is thankful for the personal growth and drive she has developed from being a Girl Scout and completing her Gold Award project.
Simone is a rising senior at Garden City High School where she is the president of the HOPE club (Helping Our Planet Earth) and participates in theater productions. She enjoys volunteering for political campaigns in her free time. Simone’s favorite Girl Scout memories are seeing Broadway shows with her troop.
Allison Pegno
Manhasset Service Unit
Troop 541
The Impact of Walking on Mental Health
To earn her Gold Award, Allison addressed the positive impact walking can have on mental health. Through her research, hands-on experience, interviews, and analysis, she outlined the physical and emotional benefits of walking. She partnered with local women’s clubs by writing and distributing articles containing maps that outlined three walking routes and included the number of steps, their total mileage, and the time they’d take to complete. Ally’s project is sustained by her high school website where a link is provided to access her information. She also presented her findings to several individuals within the community. While earning her Gold Award, Ally learned how to manage a complex project by dividing it into small manageable steps, a process that will help her through her entire adult life. A graduate of Manhasset High School, Ally was a member of the golf and cheer teams, and was awarded a Trustee Scholarship and a Performing Arts and Pioneer Service Grant. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was sleeping at the Museum of Natural History. In the fall, Ally will be returning to Sacred Heart University where she is studying early childhood education.
Aryana Patel
WARM Service Unit
Troop
1825
Allergy Awareness
The mission of Aryana’s project was to raise awareness about life-threatening food allergies, an issue close to her heart because her brother was diagnosed with serious allergies. She collaborated with the assistant principal of her high school to design and post allergy alert sheets on each classroom door so that students with allergies felt more at ease because their peers were now aware that certain foods could not be consumed there. Aryana also created a website and presentation that shared information like the most common food and non-food allergies according to the FDA, a helpful list of allergy-safe food brands, and information on how to respond when an allergic reaction occurs. Her project will be sustained because her materials and slideshow have been added into the annual health curriculum at her high school.
At Wheatley High School, Aryana was captain of the varsity softball team. She is a member of the Wheatley Key club and a creator of a jewelry brand. She made lifelong friends in Girls Scouts and her favorite memory was spending time with them on trips to Frost Valley. Aryana has been accepted to the Syracuse University School of Architecture and was awarded an architecture portfolio scholarship.
Aaralyn Poligadu
Garden
City Service Unit Troop 1403
Enduring Exotic Animals
Aaralyn’s mission for her Gold Award project was to raise awareness about having exotic animals as pets living in households. She wrote a children’s book, Katie and Marlow the Monkey, about a young girl and her family caring for an exotic monkey. She also created a website and conducted educational workshops, addressing the issues of safety and responsible care of exotic animals, offering specific guidance on their unique requirements for optimal nutrition and living conditions. To sustain her project, Aaralyn posted information and details about her book on YouTube.
Aaralyn will graduate from Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset. Her favorite Girl Scouts memories are trips to Frost Valley where she and her sister Girl Scouts hiked through the hills and baked blueberry muffins. In her free time, Aaralyn enjoys learning about the rich history and diverse culture of New York City and loves to explore different parts of the city. This has influenced her to pursue studies in international relations. She will be attending Seton Hall University in the fall.
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Kayleigh Reardon Bellmore Service Unit Troop 909
How do Early School Start Times Affect Students?
For Kayleigh’s Gold Award project, she worked with her project advisors to create a questionnaire for high school students regarding their opinion of the existing start time of school compared to starting later in the morning. Through research, speaking with teachers, and by analyzing early survey data, she was able to better understand the point of view of students and the advantages and disadvantages of different start times. Kayleigh created a QR code displayed on the survey sheet so students could complete the survey online. They submitted opinions on the current school start time and how they believed it impacts their academic performance and overall health. Kayleigh could then view and tabulate the responses.
Kayleigh’s fondest Girl Scout memory is packaging and delivering food for those less fortunate during the Thanksgiving season. She recently completed her freshman year at High Point University in North Carolina where she is double majoring in biology and music. Kayleigh participates in the chamber ensemble, Natural Science Fellowship meetings, and teaches violin lessons. She is looking forward to returning in the fall to begin her sophomore year.
Madison Rizzo
Herricks Service Unit Troop 1106
Junior Golf Clinic
Madison’s mission for her Gold Award project was to educate high schoolaged girls on the benefits of learning and participating in the sport of golf, as it is one of the most underutilized college scholarships. Madison created informational flyers, how-to videos, and hosted four golf clinics, partnering with a Bethpage Golf Club coach. Her project will be sustained by the sharing of her materials through the Junior Golf Program at the club. Through the planning and completion of her project, Madison realized how great her passion and commitment is to the sport of golf. During her years at Herricks High School, Madison competed as junior golfer, a competitive gymnast, and tennis player. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was going on overnights with her troop, especially to Frost Valley. She will be attending Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina this fall, where she was awarded a merit-based scholarship.
Aimee Rhee
Jericho/Syosset Service Unit Troop 3370
Celiac, Gluten Intolerance, and Me
Aimee’s goal for her Gold Award project was to spread awareness of Celiac disease and gluten intolerance by creating a blog filled with informative resources, a presentation to peers, and activities for younger children. Aimee consulted with her allergist, her English teacher, and other knowledgable adults to gather accurate information and seek advice on how to present her data in an impactful way. She has received great feedback on her presentation—there was a measurable improvement in knowledge and awareness that attendees acquired as noted in pre-and post-presentation diagnostics. Aimee’s project also lives on through her blog and website, which will remain available on the internet. Through her Gold Award project, Aimee learned to take initiative, face challenges head-on, and hone her leadership skills.
While a student at Syosset High School, Aimee played volleyball and worked part-time at Starbucks. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was attending a Broadway musical with her troop. Aimee will be attending Hofstra University this fall.
Kayla Rogan WARM Service Unit Troop 1825
Wonders of Writing
For her Gold Award project, Kayla focused on spreading awareness about the importance of practicing writing by hand and how to avoid the dangers when writing content and posting it on social media. Kayla established a pen pal program, collaborating with five different local libraries. The program promoted the use of writing to communicate with someone new. Kayla led workshops in her school district for children to take part in writing activities like designing personal writing notebooks. Kayla’s project is sustained as pen pal partners are continuing communication via writing and mailing letters.
Kayla will be graduating from the Wheatley School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society, her school’s newspaper and yearbook clubs, and the cross country and track teams.
Kayla’s fondest Girl Scout memory is when her troop attended Frost Valley. Kayla will be attending Binghamton University this fall, studying biological sciences on a pre-dental track.
Juliana Rom
Garden
Troop
City Service Unit
1449
Calming Kits of Hope
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Juliana’s Gold Award project addressed the anxiety faced by women and children during stressful times in underprivileged communities. She co-created calming kits for the women and children staying at the Bethany House, an organization with locations in Baldwin and Roosevelt, who are dedicated to supporting women, and women with children, experiencing homelessness. The kits contained items like fidget spinners and sensory toys, calming cards, essential oil sprays, and pamphlets identifying the signs of anxiety. The kits were co-created with residents of Bethany House. The project is sustainable through the pamphlets Juliana designed that will be available at the Bethany House locations and through social media posts. While working on her Gold Award project, Juliana realized she enjoys helping people who are dealing with real-life struggles. This has encouraged her to study psychology.
Juliana participates in volunteer work and was a member of the National Charity League during high school. She is lifetime member of Girl Scouts, and just completed her freshman year at Florida State University, where she is a member of the Tri Delta sorority, which focuses on philanthropic work.
Hailey Sohn
Jericho/Syosset Service Unit
Troop 3370
Changing Negative Cancer Perceptions
Hailey’s Gold Award project raised awareness about the global issue of cancer stigma in disadvantaged communities. Partnering with Syosset Public Library and several extracurricular clubs at her high school, she hosted workshops that helped educate her classmates about the dangers of cancer stigm and ways to eliminate the issue. She interviewed cancer patients and utilized social media to share their experiences as a way to highlight and minimize societal generalizations. Her project will be sustained through her school’s pre-medical society club as they will continue to educate incoming students about cancer stigma and its negative effects.
Carrie
Schneider
Garden City Service Unit
Troop 1252
Allergy Awareness
To earn her Gold Award, Carrie developed materials to educate her community about life-threatening allergies and how to administer epinephrine, a life-saving medication. She also created a website that shares her project information along with allergy-free recipes. Carries project is sustained with her informational website (cs1252ga.weebly.com) and through a local nutrition and dietetics business called New Habit Health Coaching, who shares her materials with their clients. As a result of her project, Carrie learned that organizational and timemanagement skills are keys to success.
A recent graduate of Syosset High School, Hailey was vice president of the American Sign Language Honor Society, an officer of the Coding and Web Design club, and a member of four honor societies. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was participating in annual cookie sales and wearing the cookie costume. She will be attending Hofstra University this fall majoring in the Physicians Assistant program.
A rising senior at Garden City High School, Carrie is a member of the National German Honor Society and cross country and track team. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is camping at Camp Coffman with her grandmother’s troop. Carrie volunteers at Blanca’s House, a nonprofit medical organization that provides essential medical care to people with minimal or no access to healthcare. Every year, she helps prepare a Thanksgiving dinner, and on weekends, she assists children with crafts activities.
Patricia Solomos
WH/FS Service Unit
Troop 1020
Exposing the Ugly Truth About Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders
To earn her Gold Award, Patricia helped educate people about unprincipled and abusive puppy mills and backyard breeders. She did this by leading presentations at her school and local library where she discussed the differences between dishonest breeders and puppy mills, and ethical, reputable breeders. Patricia’s project is sustained through a Facebook group and Instagram account created to educate the public. The Animal Alert club at her high school will also continue to use her presentation to help educate students for years to come.
Patricia is graduating from H. Frank Carey High School, where she is a member of the National, English, and Art Honor Societies. She has volunteered her time at an animal shelter, takes karate lessons, and enjoys riding horses. Her fondest Girl Scout memory was making sandwiches for the underprivileged. Patricia will be attending SUNY Delhi this fall and will major in veterinary science.
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Faith Stallone Seaford/Wantagh Service Unit Troop 3305
The Hunger Games
For her Gold Award project, Faith’s mission was to educate people about the issue of food insecurity which is when people don’t have access to sufficient and nutritious food to meet their basic needs. She detailed facts about the struggle and gave suggestions to help. She reached out to her community to educate others, proudly presenting to 15 Girl Scout troops about the global crisis of food insecurity. She prepared an educational program for her high school and started a yearly food drive. After her church sustained a fire that destroyed its food pantry, Faith helped to rebuild the pantry and started a children’s program called The Hunger Games Youth Program, enabling children to develop leadership skills, earn community service hours, and continue the program helping local food-insecure families in the future. Faith is a rising junior at Wantagh High School. She loves performing and teaching dance. Some of her favorite Girl Scout memories involve her activities as part of the Ceremonial Unit and Media Girls. Being a Media Girl helped her develop her confidence in public speaking, which was a helpful asset throughout her Gold Award project.
Eva Vitale
Garden City Service Unit Troop 1252
Anaphylaxis Awareness
Through her Gold Award project, Eva’s mission was to educate her community about anaphylaxis, a common medical emergency and life-threatening allergic reaction. Eva has a nut allergy and is very aware of the risk it poses. She created a presentation and distributed flyers and pamphlets educating young people about allergic reaction symptoms and emergency responses. During her presentation, by demonstrating with a trainer EpiPen, she taught children how to use an auto injector that delivers life-saving medication called epinephrine. Eva’s project is now incorporated into the Garden City Library’s Intro to Babysitting class curriculum. Her pamphlets will also be shared with families at the Garden City Community Church Nursery School.
Eva is a rising junior at Garden City High School where she competes on the varsity track and cross country teams. She serves on the Youth Advisory Board at the Mary Brennan INN, Long Island’s largest soup kitchen, where she is also the social chair and oversees their social media platform. Eva’s favorite Girl Scout memories are camping and spending time with her troop.
Aileen Sullivan Garden City Service Unit Troop 1252
Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness
Aileen’s Gold Award project focused on educating people about the importance of sun safety and preventing skin cancer. She consulted with Mollie’s Fund, a nonprofit organization in Garden City that raises awareness about skin cancer safety and provides free screenings. She used the knowledge she gained there to create a presentation slideshow and trifold display board, as well as a website and informational pamphlet. She then partnered with Crossroads Farm, where she shared her presentation with visitors and her pamphlet will be available for taking. Aileen also donated a freestanding sunscreen station that will be accessible to all the employees and visitors. A link to her website (as25731.wixsite.com/skincancerawarenessa) has been shared on Crossroads Farm’s website. Aileen’s Gold Award project has made her realize how important patience and diligence are to accomplish goals. She is also proud of the skills she developed creating her materials across a variety of presentational formats. Aileen is a rising senior at Kellenberg Memorial High School, where she competes throughout the school year on the cross country and track teams. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is camping overnight with her troop and earning outdoor badges with her friends.
Angela Zhu Jericho/Syosset Service Unit Troop 3095
Motivation in Elders
For her Gold Award project, Angela was inspired to research the issue of decreasing motivation and willpower in senior citizens and ways to overcome them. She met with specialists and conducted an interview with Dr. Basia Belza, Director of the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging at the University of Washington. Angela compiled her findings and created a website for senior citizens sharing content and videos on issues like motivation, demotivation, willpower, and mental and physical health in the senior population. There is also a page for caregivers that offers advice on ways they can help improve their relatives’ positive outlook. Angela presented her website on a Zoom presentation to assisted-living centers, including interactive activities to engage and motivate seniors. She also displayed posters there with a QR code for seniors and their families to access her website (seniormotivations.weebly.com/.)
Angela just completed her freshman year at Cornell University where she is majoring in computer science. She is a member of the symphony orchestra and a robotics team. Her fondest Girl Scout memory is camping during the winter.
Each year, Girl Scouts pursuing their Gold Award address issues that are important and meaningful to them in their project. For 2024, the girls’ Gold Award projects addressed issues related to the following key themes: outdoors, sports, education, animals, health, and history/military an expanse of topics enabling girls to solve a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world.
Caralinn Becker What is Advocating?
Backman The Importance of Pollination
Alyssa Esposito Youths Save Lives— The Heimlich Maneuver
Coping With the Loss of a Pet Through Artistic Expression
Sophia Franchetti The Butterfly Effect: The Importance of Action for Change
If you are interested in learning more about a Girl Scout’s project, please reach out to us at customercare@gsnc.org. We look forward to seeing how the girls continue their efforts to improve their communities even after their Gold Award project is complete.
Taylor
Sabrina Matzer Kindness Awareness
Madeline O’Brien
We challenge you, 2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts, to accept this award in the spirit in which it is given to you. Know that with this award comes responsibility. As you enter this covenant of esteemed women, know that you are regarded with honor and respect. Live worthy of this by living by the Girl Scout Law.
l We challenge you to remain honest and fair in all your dealings in this world while remaining true to yourself.
l We challenge you to be friendly and helpful to everyone you meet as you go through life. Celebrate the diversity of your fellow human beings.
l We challenge you to be considerate and caring to all living things, human and animal. Always be mindful of those in need and the feelings of others.
l We challenge you to be courageous and strong in all you do. Stand strong in the face of adversity and share your courage with those around you.
l We challenge you to be responsible for what you say and do. Think before you speak and act. Be sure everything you say and do reflects well on you and your family.
l We challenge you to respect yourself, so you may respect others. Strive for excellence in all you do and recognize the accomplishments of others.
l We challenge you to respect authority. Follow the laws of your country and nature. Be mindful of your rights as well as your responsibilities as a citizen of this great nation.
l We challenge you to use resources wisely. Never waste the resources of nature. Use your talents to better the world and to protect our planet.
l We challenge you to make this world a better place. Continue to use your abilities to leave your mark on the world. By your words, actions, and deeds, you can make a difference.
l We challenge you to be a sister to every Girl Scout. Help younger girls to reach the top as you have. Support them on their journey to the Gold Award.
l By accepting this challenge, you become a changed woman. You become part of an elite group who recognize that receiving this Gold Award is not one celebratory moment, but a lifetime commitment.
Please pledge to the following:
I affirm my dedication to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law. I understand my obligation to live with honor and to lead by example because the highest award of Girl Scouting has been entrusted to me.
I will do my best to support other Girl Scouts on their road to Gold and to give back to Girl Scouting what it has given me.
I will respect others and live my life by the Girl Scout Law. I will remain worthy of respect as one forever bound to the ideals of Girl Scouting.
When you earn your Girl Scout Gold Award, you have a better understanding of the world around you, become leaders of the future, and most of all, can now accomplish absolutely anything. Earning your Girl Scout Gold Award makes you unstoppable!
What’s Next After Gold?
Stay involved with the Girl Scout community!
There are numerous ways to participate and achieve your goals by providing opportunities to network, develop professional skills, and make an impact.
How to Stay Involved
High School Students
• Apply for the Girl Leadership Committee to work on planning events for high school members
• Register for Council programs designed for high school members
• Present to troops about Gold to encourage them to apply High School Graduates
• Register to be a Gold Award project advisor so you can mentor and advise girls whose projects are in your area of expertise
• Apply to be a Gold Mentor in Training
• Register to be a troop leader or assist a troop leader with an existing troop
• Start or join a GS campus organization—adopt a troop, volunteer at programs, plan events, or mentor girls. Visit girlscouts.org/campusgs
• Participate in trainings on leadership and professional development topics
• Join the Girl Scouts Network on LinkedIn to meet members of the national community with similar professional interests bit.ly/gradgirl
• Update your LinkedIn profile with the Gold Award credential—this digital badge highlights your accomplishment to employers and people in your network bit.ly/Gold_Award_Digital_Credentials
• Assist at Council or Service Unit programs
• Receive GSNC newsletters to get details on upcoming events and opportunities
• Follow GSNC on social media
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact customercare@gsnc.org.
Update Your Profile
Log into MyAccount and update the email address GSNC should use after graduation. Make sure the communications setting is marked as “Email Opt In” to receive the monthly GSNC newsletters featuring event invites, volunteer opportunities, and much more. Visit mygs.girlscouts.org
Membership
To continue membership as an adult Girl Scout, you can register for $25 annually or invest in a lifetime membership for $200 ($400 value). Visit girlscouts.org/LTM. This opportunity is available to graduating high school seniors and young alums until their 30th birthday.
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.
*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
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 Scouts of Nassau County salutes the military for starting Gold Award Girl Scouts at a higher pay grade when they enlist, and these local colleges that recognize the value of Girl Scouts by offering Girl Scout Gold Award scholarships:
Adelphi University
Hofstra University
Molloy University
St. John’s University
For an expanded list of the Gold Award Scholarships available to Girl Scouts, visit the GSUSA website, girlscouts.org
We thank our partner, Maria T. Castagna of Picture This! Photography for the lovely portraits of our Gold Award Girl Scouts. These outstanding pictures capture the unique beauty of each of our Gold Award Girl Scouts.
