From the Desk of the CEO Dear Girl Scout Gold Award Class of 2021, Congratulations on earning the Girl Scout Gold Award! We are living in a unique time and it is inspiring to see the determination, passion, and creativity in this year’s Gold Award projects. When so much around us was uncertain and unsettling, I am astonished at your poise and sense of purpose. I am incredibly proud of your collective accomplishments and excited to share in your special celebration. You are a member of our council’s largest Gold Award Class ever! This year, 30 Girl Scouts earned our organization’s highest award for girls in GSSEF. Perhaps even more impressive is that your collective projects contributed just over 3,000 actionable hours into our communities where help was needed. You partnered with dozens of local organizations with projects that impacted thousands of lives. The Gold Award Class of 2021 took on issues surrounding homelessness, nutrition, and mental health—as well as access to education, career exploration, teen dating violence, stress-management, and cultural competency. Our Girl Scouts didn’t just talk about making the world a better place—you made plans, built teams, engaged others, stuck it out, and literally made our world a better place. Becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout marks an important milestone in your Girl Scout career. The same vision, commitment, and leadership that brought you through the Gold Award process, will now continue to carry you to new heights. This will distinguish you on scholarship applications, college admission essays, and on your resume—forever. What you have earned will set you apart, in all the best possible ways! In addition to accomplishing a challenging personal goal, you now join an elite group of Girl Scouts who share this extraordinary distinction and honor. While fewer than six percent of Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award, those that do leave a legacy of impact—locally, nationally, or even globally. As you take your next steps, whether it is finishing high school, entering college, the military, or the workforce, I invite you to stay with Girl Scouts for a lifetime. Be a Girl Scout with your voice and your actions. Don’t forget what prompted you to earn a Gold Award—and hold on to the enormous feelings of accomplishment you have today. All the determination, passion, and creativity that it took to achieve this goal already lived inside you. Girl Scouting gave you a place to direct it. Our world will always need the people who want to make it better and Girl Scouts needs people who know what that really means. And we know this is just the beginning! Yours in Girl Scouting,
Lisa Y. Johnson
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Agenda 8:00 a.m. Registration, Photography, and Retail Store Open 9:00 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance and Girl Scout Promise Opening Remarks Special Message from GSUSA Tribute to the Gold Award Class of 2020 Keynote Address Recognition of Gold Award Advisors Gold Award Ceremony Scholarship Presentations Closing Remarks 11:30 a.m. Class of 2021 Group Photos Retail Store Open Special Thanks Tami Donnally, GSSEF Board Chair Jeanine Shraim, 2015 Gold Award Girl Scout Linda Paige Saraniti, vocalist and songwriter of “Next Big Thing” Samantha and Addison White, ceremony volunteers Diane Tipton, GSUSA National Board Member Jennifer and Tony Montalto, Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation Geri Emmett, GSSEF Board Member State Farm Florida Power & Light Company
Taking photos today? Share them on social media and use #GSSEFGold21
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More than 100 Years of Extraordinary Projects from Amazing Girls Starting in 1916, the best and brightest Girl Scouts have undertaken projects to improve their communities — and the world! The Golden Eaglet insignia, the highest award in Girl Scouts from 1916 to 1939, marked the beginning of a long tradition of recognizing the extraordinary efforts of trail-blazing girls. From 1940 to 1963, this achievement was rebranded as the Curved Bar Award and remained the highest honor in Girl Scouts. From 1963 to 1980, the highest award was rebranded again as the First Class. Finally, in 1980, the Gold Award was established and has inspired girls to find the greatness inside themselves and to share their ideas and passions ever since. In 2016, in celebration of its centennial, Girl Scouts of the USA recommitted itself to expanding the visibility of the Gold Award and the Girl Scouts who achieve it. To that end, Girl Scouts of the USA invited all women who earned the Golden Eaglet, Curved Bar Award, and First Class — to unite as Gold Award Girl Scouts, and with this one name, further strengthening our brand and our movement. In 2018, Girl Scouts of the USA and LinkedIn launched the Girl Scout Network. This new option invites our organization’s more than 50 million Girl Scout alums to connect with one another on the Girl Scout Network to enhance their career development among the 564 million LinkedIn users. Any girl who was a member may join — whether she was a Girl Scout Brownie for one year or stayed in a troop through 12th grade. Yes, there is a special built-in option for Girl Scouts who have earned the Gold Award, to add it to their LinkedIn profile.
About the Girl Scout Gold Award The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout in grades 9–12 may earn. Someone once described the Gold Award as being “what you really want to be remembered for” in Girl Scouting. For many, the leadership and organizational skills, and sense of community and commitment that come from “going for the Gold” set the foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship.
About The Gold Award Project The Gold Award project is something that a girl must be passionate about — in thought, deed, and action. The project fulfills a need within a girl’s community (whether local or global), creates change, and will become sustainable. If it is an event, the event should be something that people will continue for the next year; if it is a service, it should be something that creates change or action with long-term possibilities; if it is something tangible, it should come with a plan for use and maintenance within the community. Undertaking a Gold Award project is far more than just a nice service project. Gold Award Projects demand the highest level of organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
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About The Gold Award Advisors The role of the volunteer Gold Award Advisor is to guide, coach, and provide well-rounded support to individual girls as they work on their Gold Award project plan. Gold Award Advisors are appointed by council staff and agree to serve a two-year term. Our Advisors make a time commitment to a girl, agreeing to support her from the point of project approval through project completion. These volunteers demonstrate an incredibly high level of dedication, as they nurture a mentoring relationship that promotes girls’ success in leadership, communication, goal-setting, problemsolving, and project fulfillment. Once the Gold Award project has been completed, only the Gold Award Advisor may provide the final approval. Gold Award Advisors have a full working knowledge of the GSUSA Award framework, as well as the GSSEF Award guidelines, policies, and procedures. Each Advisor personally organizes and facilitates the council’s required Gold Award Workshops (for girls in high school) throughout the jurisdiction. They are flexible, organized, carry a strong skill set in the use of technology, and utilize patience, persistence, and passion to work with girls.
Our Gold Award Advisors Pamela Ashworth Ahlam “Lammy” Askar Angela Barnard Karyl Bertram Debra Byrne-Mathews
Sandra Clutter Julia Dourvetakis Tracey Eller Paula Fontaine Sophie Gutierrez
Debbie Hanley Lisa Tighe Merribeth Manning Dr. Nazly Nardi Tori-Lynn Saraniti
Kimberly Schnitzius Joyce Shraim Melanie Smith Emily Zarzycki
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Girl Scout Gold Award Class of 2021 VALERIA AMORTEGUI
TROOP 11031
Project Title: Color Me Calm Gold Award Advisor: Debra Byrne-Mathews Hometown: Pembroke Pines Service Unit: Magnolia The CDC reports that 7% of children ages 3-17 suffer from anxiety, and 3% of them have been diagnosed with depression. Valeria learned that coloring calms the center of the brain known as the amygdala, which is responsible for regulating fear, produces a calming effect on the central nervous system which helps soothe symptoms of stress and irritability. She soon realized that children in the foster care system could benefit from a special expression tool because they lacked family structures for ongoing support. Valeria created a book entitled “My Little Book of Feelings” to address this serious concern. Her book has four chapters — “Changing Patterns,” “Anxious Moments,” “Growth”, and “Reflection” — all filled with messages of positivity and resilience, as well as lots of options for art and coloring. Valeria worked with Children’s Harbor in Broward County and Fundación Cultivando Sonrisa in Medellín, Colombia to distribute her book to foster children locally and abroad. Learn more about Valeria’s book: instagram.com/color.me.calm.project.
ANGELICA ARIAS
TROOP 10909
Project Title: Heart To Art Gold Award Advisor: Debra Byrne-Mathews Hometown: Plantation Service Unit: Kowechobe Angelica has a deep appreciation for the power of art and felt helpless as she watched art education steadily diminish from public school curriculum. She wanted to reinvigorate art education by exposing elementary students to art history, movements, techniques, and acclaimed artists. Angelica wanted to inspire elementary students to become interested in art, develop art skills, and help them to become more curious of the world around them by looking with an “artist’s eye.” By partnering with Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County and Childnet to reach young children, and recruiting 20 high school student volunteers, Angelica launched her learning series on YouTube. Children can access 21 fun art lessons with explanations and tutorials. Her newly established “Heart To Art” school club is sustaining the channel with a variety of student instructors. Now anyone can learn about art from its earliest incarnation on cave walls, to Cubism and Abstract Expressionism, all the way to Fauvism and Op Art. Visit Angelica’s YouTube Channel: youtube.com/watch?v=Ens-I_NtCEg&t=6s.
SARAH BELL
TROOP 30143
Project Title: Canines Fur Education Gold Award Advisor: Paula Fontaine Hometown: Palm City Service Unit: Sea Star Following her personal struggle with anxiety, Sarah was inspired by her involvement with pet therapy, and wanted more people to have access to this valuable therapeutic tool. Additionally, Sarah wanted to reduce the negative stigma for those in therapy and provide easy access to education for a healthier life. She partnered with Misty’s Pals at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Please Live, Coral Shores Behavior Health, and The Love Garden to develop a fully virtual mental health education program called “Canines Fur Education.” Her program is designed to teach older children, teens, and young adults about mental health and self-esteem with an emphasis on the benefits of animal therapy. There are ten self-guided lessons that focus on common mental health conditions and incorporate healthy coping skills designed for young people seeking self-discovery, connection with an understanding community, and support services. Sarah’s goal is to obtain 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to help underprivileged and at-risk youth in Martin County. Visit Sarah’s website: caninesfureducation.org. 6
JAYNA BRUNNER
TROOP 10514
Project Title: Don’t Judge A Bat By Its Cover Gold Award Advisor: Kimberly Schnitzius Hometown: Pembroke Pines Service Unit: Wildflower Bats are often overlooked and underappreciated. Bats provide not only natural pest control, but also contribute to having healthier foods, eliminating bugs, and advancing healthy tree regrowth. Bats are an essential part of our environment and Jayna set out to change their reputation and educate others to get the appreciation they deserve. Her goal was to spread awareness about this amazing species through a new website and classroom curriculum that complement existing environmental science lessons. Jayna also engaged her audiences by teaching them how to build bat houses, as well as their purpose. She partnered with local organizations to offer additional education sessions and install bat boxes at Flamingo Gardens, Sawgrass Recreational Park, Lion Country Safari, and other public campsites. Bat houses were also installed at Camp Welaka and Camp Nocatee. Watch Jayna’s demonstration video: youtube.com/watch?v=HAQOgM-hBkg.
EVA FREITES
TROOP 21068
Project Title: The Quantum House Gets Crafty Gold Award Advisor: Debbie Hanley Hometown: Jupiter Service Unit: Jupiter Eva felt a special connection with families who are supporting children receiving medical treatment, so she partnered with Quantum House to address the issue of mental health during recovery periods. Eva knew that access to art therapy could significantly improve the quality of a person’s stay and recovery at Quantum House, as well as introduce a positive setting allowing patients to feel more connected with the outside world and themselves. To implement a full and permanent art program, Eva built a team with staff from Quantum House and worked closely with an independent art therapist. She led all the elements — from space logistics to initial donations and volunteer training, to implementing an ongoing donation campaign to ensure supply levels are sustained. While visitor access has been limited due to ongoing health and safety considerations, Eva has gathered feedback from patients and families who are enjoying the new art program and space.
RACHEL GOTTLIEB
TROOP 10442
Project Title: Food Allergy Club Gold Award Advisor: Melanie Smith Hometown: Davie Service Unit: Atikah Rachel lives with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestines if gluten is consumed, so she set out to raise awareness and educate others about food allergies. An estimated 32 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.6 million children under age 18. That means one in every 13 children live with food allergies or serious sensitivities. Learning this, and based on her experiences, Rachel decided her school campus was the right place to start. She launched a food allergy club with the goal of educating students about allergies, share the importance of food safety, increase understanding about the impact of foods at social events, and discuss the feelings of being alienated or ostracized that can be experienced by people with food allergies in social situations. Her club has created a dedicated space where members benefit from forums to discuss challenges — and share favorite recipes and restaurants — in monthly meetings. Rachel’s project earned recognition from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce when she won its Excellence in Healthcare Award in 2020.
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ELENA HARTIGAN
ADULT, FORMERLY OF TROOP 20775
Project Title: Destress & Impress: Smooth Sailing Through High School Gold Award Advisor: Merribeth Manning Hometown: Boca Raton Service Unit: Luna With increasing pressure on high school students to consistently perform and succeed, Elena wondered where these teens find guidance on identifying stress, avoiding anxiety, time management, or the effect of mental health on productivity. The college application process has grown more competitive; the Pew Research Center reports a 108% increase in applicants between 2002 and 2017. This puts extra pressure on high school students to take challenging classes and increase extracurricular participation and leadership positions — leaving them very little free time. To help students gain new skills and avoid stressors that lead to both physical and mental problems, Elena created a six-week course in partnership with St. Joan of Arc School’s enrichment program in Boca Raton. Course topics included: nutrition and exercise, adequate sleep, organization techniques, irrational thoughts, self-imposed deadlines, procrastination, priority-setting, self-care, and meditation. The in-person course was very well received, and Elena created videos of each session to support future use and a wider reach.
GABRIELLA HIDALGO
TROOP 10442
Project Title: Gabby’s Shoe Box Gold Award Advisor: Ahlam “Lammy” Askar Hometown: Sunrise Service Unit: Atikah More than half a million people experience homelessness in the United States — and of those nearly 25% suffer from mental illness. The stigmas surrounding both homelessness and mental illness is something Gabby wanted to change. She also wanted to find a way to help the homeless while embarking on an educational initiative. Gabby partnered with Henderson Behavioral Health in Palm Beach County to learn more about the needs of the community’s homeless, understand how to bring awareness to the problem, and advance compassion. Many living with mental disease and living outside do not know the dangers of walking barefoot and how constant exposure to bacterial and fungal organisms can easily infect the skin or nails. Even the smallest cuts or scrapes can lead to infections that can cause potentially serious problems such as blood poisoning, kidney damage, and ulcers. This reality makes wearing shoes essential for overall community health. By using the act of collecting shoes, Gabby was able to tell others about “the why” behind her efforts, through her website. Visit Gabby’s website: gabbyshoebox.wixsite.com/ gogold.
SERAPHINA HSIAO
TROOP 10088
Project Title: Virtual Career Day: She Can’t Be What She Can’t See Gold Award Advisor: Angela Barnard Hometown: Weston Service Unit: Royal Palm Seraphina wanted to address some of the pervasive stereotypes in male-dominated careers that have historically shut out girls. She was determined to open their eyes and show girls where they could go in a future workforce. Seraphina created a well-rounded virtual career day featuring 30 successful female professionals in a wide range of traditionally male-dominated careers: actuary, architect, astronaut, biologist, CEO, clergy, comedian, composer, computer scientist, conductor, doctor, engineer, firefighter, pilot, information technology, law enforcement member, meteorologist, outdoor instructor, programmer, and other STEM fields. She was fueled with the knowledge that in 2020, females represent only 2% of the workforce in these fields; and only around 40% of scientists and engineers are female. Based on the reach of her site, Seraphina has had feedback from more than 1,000 visitors. Additionally, she has partnered with Broward and Palm Beach County schools, as well as various home school groups in order to expand her project. Visit Seraphina’s website: virtualcareerday.wixsite.com/gold. 8
ROSE KORES
TROOP 30215
Project Title: MyStory Gold Award Advisor: Emily Zarzycki Hometown: Palm City Service Unit: Sea Star As a two-time pediatric brain cancer survivor, Rose understands the depths of loneliness that one endures when battling cancer. After feeling alone for so long, never knowing a single soul with the same disease, she decided to create a community of cancer patients. Rose created a special online space, The Storyteller Station, for pediatric cancer patients to share their stories, hear from others, and forge meaningful connections with those fighting a similar battle. She partnered with a variety of pediatric cancer organizations, including Camp Fiesta, Kids Cancer Foundation, and Sunshine Kids Foundation, for support. Rose actively engaged pediatric cancer patients locally, as well as from Hawaii, California, Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, and created hard copy versions of The Storyteller books that are now being used in hospitals and other organizations across the United States and Canada.
NATALIE KWAK
TROOP 10838
Project Title: S.T.E.A.M. for Change Gold Award Advisor: Melanie Smith Hometown: Plantation Service Unit: Atikah As young girl, Natalie loved visiting Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science because it offered so many ways to learn by doing. It sparked her interest in STEM activities (that’s science, technology, engineering, and math) — plus she valued having a place to add aristic expression to STEM, too. By high school, Natalie realized that some children did not have the access to an informal science education that she loved so much. Having a fun and age-appropriate way to gain scientific literacy is critical for young students to be curious about the world around them. Realizing that there are thousands of communities without such local resources, Natalie set out to create a website with activities that would incorporate STEAM fundamentals for children anywhere. Natalie is continuing to add to the site’s content because she believes early science literacy has positive long-term effects that will help people feel comfortable looking to science to make informed decisions, such as those involving climate change, medications, or vaccinations. Visit Natalie’s website: steamforchange.org.
RAUNAK MANCHANDA
TROOP 20245
Project Title: Education 4 Everyone Gold Award Advisor: Ahlam “Lammy” Askar Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens Service Unit: Jupiter Less than half of India’s children between the age 6 and 14 go to school. Only one-third of all Indian children who enroll in grade one reach grade eight. Many families live in poverty, and parents frequently need thier children to start working as young as age 3. Raunak’s family knew this situation personally and it inspired her to create an educational curriculum for use in India’s primary schools. When children (anywhere) do not receive educational fundamentals, or learn they can study, they stay in poverty. Primary education is critical to Raunak, so she partnered with a group of international teachers to build a four-part learning plan for implementation at Robin Hood Academy in India that will help instructors engage students. Raunak’ s learning plans include English/language (grammar), math, science, values/hygiene — as well as colors, seasons, and significant national holidays. While time zones and the impact of the pandemic caused some unplanned interruptions, Raunak’s international education plan has been implemented and will ultimately lead to “Education 4 Everyone.”
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TOBI MARGOLIS
TROOP 10442
Project Title: Tradition in the Kitchen Gold Award Advisor: Lisa Tighe Hometown: Hollywood Service Unit: Atikah Tobi noticed a lack of tradition-sharing being passed down among those in the Jewish community. She is deeply connected to her family, and synagogue, and wanted to help people of all ages reconnect with the Jewish community through the activity of cooking. Tobi’s goal was simple: preserve cherished recipes and the culinary traditions while providing an educational and interactive experience to revisit traditions and create new ones. She gained inspiration from her mother and Grandma Gigi’s recipes and built a virtual platform called “Tradition in the Kitchen.” Tobi’s site, and social media platforms, provide entertaining recipe demonstration videos and activities for kids, too. To expand the reach of her project, Tobi partnered with Temple Beth Torah, Temple Beth El, and the Center for Advancement of Jewish Education in Miami who each implemented the videos into educational programs. Through her Instagram page, “Tradition in the Kitchen,” Tobi has reached audiences from around the United States, as well as Spain, Israel, Canada, and South Africa. Visit Tobi’s website: traditioninthekitch.wixsite.com/tobi.
ELENA MARTINEZ
TROOP 21068
Project Title: Preserving Genocide Awareness Amongst Armenian Youth Gold Award Advisor: Karyl Bertram Hometown: Boynton Beach Service Unit: Jupiter Winston Churchill said, “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” Elena passionately agrees and wanted to provide genocide awareness to preserve the heritage of those touched by these tragedies and avoid future injustices. Inspired by her Armenian mother, Elena grew up hearing of the people who experienced a brutal genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Turks over one hundred years ago. To this day, the Turkish government has failed to recognize the occurrence of the killings. Elena decided to amplify this conversation with a website dedicated to the importance of genocide awareness. She partnered with subject matter experts to share topics including, the current Nagorno-Karabkh conflict, genocide history in Armenia, Bosnia, Rwanda, the Americas and European Nations, the Holocaust, and under communist leaders Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. With her partners, Elena sought to preserve knowledge and share first-hand experiences so the next generation will continue to advocate for human rights through active civic engagement. Visit Elena’s website: elenasgoldawardproject.org.
REBECCA MARTINEZ
TROOP 10765
Project Title: Food from the Pantry Gold Award Advisor: Kimberly Schnitzius Hometown: Cooper City Service Unit: Magnolia Many families rely on receiving regular grocery supplies from a food bank. Since the pandemic, and increased joblessness, the need for food is greater than ever. Rebecca has a passion for nutrition and realized most donated foods are often repetitive, shelf-stable, low-cost items such as condensed milk, dry milk, dry cereal, beans, canned vegetables, canned meat, applesauce, soup, and bread. She knew that it was probable that, once received from the food bank, many people did not know how to create meals using such items. The result is wasted food and more hungry families. Rebecca partnered with four food pantries to understand the problem and two local chefs to understand recipe design — and ultimately authored a cookbook that would become the perfect partner to donated groceries. Her book includes recipes for delicious, healthy dishes—plus kid-friendly mealtime prep ideas so children can be involved in their nutrition too. It is now being distributed with food donations in a variety of food bank locations. 10
COURTNEY MCMILLAN
TROOP 20713
Project Title: Every Cap Counts Gold Award Advisor: Paula Fontaine Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens Service Unit: Jupiter Courtney wanted to use the power of art to bring the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans into plain view. She approached the issue with creativity to attract people and teach how plastic pollution has dangerous effects on sea life and our economy. Once learning that bottle caps are in the top ten dangerous ocean debris, Courtney blended conservation with education to create an artistic installation that would make a real difference. She started with a collection for countless bottle caps. Next, she designed a colorful mural using the bottle caps to depict precious sea wildlife. Courtney worked closely with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach for the permanent mural installation, as well as corresponding educational infographics with QR codes that visitors can now use during their visits. Response has been positive, and visitors are leaving with a better understanding of the critical nature of recycling, pollution, and the hazards to endangered marine life.
ASHLEY MEJIA
TROOP 10045
Project Title: Feathered Friends Gold Award Advisor: Merribeth Manning Hometown: Weston Service Unit: Royal Palm There are over 400 endangered bird species. Without these birds, we would not have a balanced ecosystem with purified air and clean water that all humans need. Yet the biggest threat to different bird species are humans. Ashley decided to create an awareness campaign to inform people about endangered or threatened birds, and how people can protect and rescue them. With her partners at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Ashley implemented a three-pronged approach to educating visitors about bird identification, threats, and habitat preservation. First, she installed signage throughout the property that was designed to attract adults. Next, she worked directly with community members who brought abandoned baby or wild birds to the Flamingo Gardens and designed brochures with easy-to-follow instructions for those who find young or injured birds. Finally, she created a fun and interactive scavenger hunt to share lessons on bird’s connection to the environment, habitat destruction, pollution, and the effects of littering that is designed to engage young people. Guest participation at Flamingo Gardens has been extremely positive.
BECCA MIZRACHY
TROOP 10151
Project Title: Creating a Caring Canine Community Gold Award Advisor: Karyl Bertram Hometown: Parkland Service Unit: Everglades Becca wanted to address the issue of animal abandonment and shelter overcrowding. Animal shelters are critical for homeless pets and are only possible with the dedication of volunteers. Becca decided to take on these issues from both sides. First, to educate people about animal abandonment and increase adoption. Second, to increase volunteerism and supplies at local shelters. She partnered with Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves. As part of her plan, “Creating a Caring Canine Community”, she developed a new, permanent DIY project coordinator position who will coordinate workshops and future supply drives. Becca designed pamphlets and videos with step-by-step directions on how to make long-lasting dog toys, hosted two volunteer recruitment events, five orientation workshops for volunteers, and led countless tours. She even created a comprehensive video tour for the Big Dog Ranch Rescue website and Facebook page. Thanks to traction on social media channels, volunteer engagement has increased, and more dogs are finding their forever homes. Take Becca’s virtual tour: facebook.com/watch/?v=339929570468401. 11
MEREDITH NIKSA
TROOP 10393
Project Title: Dolls for Dreams Gold Award Advisor: Merribeth Manning Hometown: Weston Service Unit: Royal Palm American civil rights activist Marian Wright Edelman said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” The issues of cultural and religious bias, unrealistic beauty standards, and inequal representation in the media and entertainment, lead to feelings of exclusion, low self-esteem, and inadequacy— especially for refugees. Meredith felt called to address this problem and wanted to change how girls who are new to the United States are affected when they do not see themselves represented in media, books, or toys. She knew that if little girls couldn’t see themselves represented in America, then they likely would feel locked out of their “American Dream.” Meredith consulted with All Saints’ Refugee Ministries in Atlanta and then partnered with the Refugee Assistance Alliance in Coral Gables to create custom dolls for incoming refugees. She worked diligently to make each a culturally and religiously appropriate companion for a girl, especially Syrian and Ethiopian. Additionally, to spread her message and involve others, Meredith created and led six interactive presentations for 218 middle schoolers about the power of cultural representation and the plight of refugees.
ASHLEY PARRISH
TROOP 10952
Project Title: Business Beyond High School Gold Award Advisor: Angela Barnard Hometown: Cooper City Service Unit: Magnolia The decision about what type of education to pursue after high school is as confusing as it is critical. With so many choices, the business administration field is often overlooked. Ashley found that her high school didn’t have a lot of information about business fields, business-focused degrees, or specialized universities for curious high school students. She set out to compile and provide students with this information which included a rationale for business administration studies, careers options, degree paths, and top universities in the field of business. Ashley worked with her campus DECA group to talk about business degrees that offer knowledge and skills that employers want and that translate across many industries. Business administration studies allow students to combine passions in a variety of industries which enable them to be contributing members of the national workforce and economy. Ultimately, Ashley wanted to create a new conversation and share that, with any career path or industry, there is a business component. Watch Ashley’s presentation: youtube.com/watch?v=A_OFt0j9sRw.
HANNAH PHELPS
TROOP 20962
Project Title: Nutrition Necessities: Educating Teens on Nutrition Before College Gold Award Advisor: Kimberly Schnitzius Hometown: Boca Raton Service Unit: Luna Most teenagers have not received nutrition education since elementary or middle school, if at all. A 2020 health.com study reports that 70% of new college students gain weight, so without realistic and current nutritional education before entering college, teens are at risk for developing bad eating habits when leaving home. Hannah is passionate about nutrition and wanted to provide guidance on lifestyle choices to avoid unhealthy weightgains for students in a new and potentially stressful college environment. First, she set out to learn from medical experts about the dangers of rapid weight gain. Then Hannah created a comprehensive website just for college newbies, with topics that include Nutrition 101, Healthy Recipes (including videos), Expert Opinions (from a nutritionist and a doctor), and Healthy Habits, that offers information in quick, realistic “bites” that the audience can really utilize. Early analytics and site feedback show visitors like the site and are learning from her wide range of topics. Visit Hannah’s website: hphelps2017.wixsite.com/nutrition. 12
ASHLEY PRATZ
TROOP 22222
Project Title: Virtual Band: One World, One Sound Gold Award Advisor: Kimberly Schnitzius Hometown: Wellington Service Unit: Phoenix The COVID-19 pandemic separated people from so much. Music can be healing, and people connect with it so deeply, yet the pandemic had a negative effect on that too. Ashley loves music and was heartbroken when her own school band’s most anticipated performance of the year was canceled. Disappointed, but determined, she wanted to harness the power of music and fill the gap left by quarantining. Ashley sought to connect amateur and professional musicians around the world to share their music as a “virtual bridge” of sound to bring people closer in a time of social distancing. When she began, Ashley created a “Virtual Band” for her school band peers by compiling 60 individual videos into one eightminute video to celebrate music and recognize those who had not been able to perform it live. Then, seeing its success, she wanted a bigger, worldwide impact. Ashley created a website where musicians could upload videos and share their talent – and eventually attracted submissions from all over Florida, Arizona, and even Australia. Music, and the people who make it, are resilient. Music can inspire resiliency, too. Visit Ashley’s website: oneworldonesound.org.
MIA RAMPERSAD
TROOP 20834
Project Title: Save Our Sea Gold Award Advisor: Paula Fontaine Hometown: Royal Palm Beach Service Unit: Phoenix Plastic pollution is a detrimental human activity that, with education, can be eradicated. Mia set out to save our seas and the animals who are endangered by ocean pollution. She connected with local conservation and environmental experts specializing in oceans, rivers, and wildlife to understand the plastic pollution crisis and create a public service announcement video to inform and educate students and create change. Mia partnered with teams from the Loxahatchee River Center, Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, and Loggerhead Marinelife Center for both background information and adding expert interviews to the PSA. To ensure the education was shared effectively, she also created a post-PSA quiz, which she personally led for 150 high school students. Through savvy crossmarketing with partners, the PSA is now being published to thousands of viewers, who now know more about the dangers of plastic pollution. Watch Mia’s PSA: youtube.com/ watch?v=fHXNb2D8KX8.
SOPHIA REVIS
TROOP 11110
Project Title: Historical Artifacts at Lewis Landing Park Gold Award Advisor: Dr. Nazly Nardi Hometown: Fort Lauderdale Service Unit: Sunny River The Tequesta were a small Native American tribe comprised of hunters and gatherers and were among the first tribes to settle in South Florida. Sophia loves sharing the story of the Tequesta with visitors of Lewis Landing Park. She felt strongly that educating others about the tribe’s significant artifacts found there was crucial to understanding how they lived. Sophia partnered with local expert Robert Carr, an archaeologist who is leading the recovering of Tequesta artifacts all over South Florida, to develop her program. She wanted more people to appreciate the tribe’s creativity and ingenuity and learn from their rich history. Ashley also partnered with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s facility management team, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, and the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy in Davie to create the best, most well-rounded educational experience for the park’s visitors as well as her video. Ashley believes that when people learn from the artifacts, it will spark their curiosity about others and communities will grow closer. View the landmarks at Lewis Landing Park: lewislandingpark.weebly.com. 13
BROOKE RYERSON
ADULT, FORMERLY OF TROOP 20834
Project Title: Reading Center at Koala Kids Gold Award Advisor: Angela Barnard Hometown: Royal Palm Beach Service Unit: Phoenix Brooke is passionate about literacy and knows preschool children who are exposed to reading and books from ages 2-5 increase their overall reading comprehension, high school graduation rates, and have higher college completion rates. Brooke knew that some communities needed access to actual books, but they also needed people to read with children and express the enjoyment of reading. Brooke wanted to create a program designed for preschoolers that included reading, discussing story content, asking open-ended questions, and explaining the meaning of words. She also wanted to engage others to get involved; Brooke worked to attract volunteers to become “guest readers” and taught them to delight early readers by pointing out features, expanding vocabulary, and helping the preschoolers understand language. Brooke built a new, literacy-rich environment at Koala Kids Preschool — complete with books of various genres, topics, and reading levels. Then she started a reading program that incorporated handson comprehension activities and crafts. These activities enhanced the young readers’ learning and their love for literature. Response to the program has been positive and Brooke knows she is helping to build a world of strong readers and superstar students.
JULIANA SEQUEIRA
TROOP 30072
Project Title: Raising Service Dog Awareness Gold Award Advisor: Merribeth Manning Hometown: Stuart Service Unit: Sea Star Service dogs perform amazing acts of intelligence and responsibility for their handlers. However, well-trained service animals can cost up to $50,000 and are in short supply. Inspired, and very determined to help, Juliana partnered with the nonprofit organization Canine Companions for Independence. They place fully trained service dogs with handlers for no cost, so Juliana became a puppy raiser for Kevin. Kevin, who ultimately became the four-legged ambassador for her project, went everywhere with Juliana for 18 months. This included school, her job, the grocery store — and lots of Girl Scout events. Kevin helped Juliana start hundreds of meaningful conversations about the types of service dogs, the need for service dogs for children, adults with physical limitations, and US veterans, their cost, their training, and the need for volunteer trainers. So far, Juliana knows of at least five people who submitted volunteer applications after meeting her and Kevin. She knows that if even one of them becomes a puppy raiser, there will be more service dogs who will change another person’s life forever.
HANNAH STORRS
TROOP 10570
Project Title: Your Voice Counts Gold Award Advisor: Dr. Nazly Nardi Hometown: North Lauderdale Service Unit: Orange Blossom Hannah is a dual-enrolled high school student at Florida Atlantic University, majoring in Political Science, so she has the unique opportunity to engage with college-age eligible voters. As the 2020 election approached, she noticed many students displayed voter apathy and a lack of interest in issues or candidates. This made her want to promote the importance of individual participation in politics, as well as help new voters understand how they can influence their communities and nation for change. Her project goal was to persuade and inspire more people to participate in elections, and other activities related to civic engagement, to make their voices heard. Hannah produced a series of videos on topics, including why voting is critical, how to find credible information about issues and how to prepare for participating in an election. She also created videos to promote discussions about the issues of women’s reproductive rights, climate change, and issues facing LGBTQIA+ individuals. Hannah’s videos are focused on fueling healthy discussions that will provide motivation for viewers to develop their own political opinions. Ultimately, Hannah reached more than 2,000 FAU students with her message. Visit Hannah’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCBU6GcWXAZNTDgJsLmgmNpw. 14
ANNA THEISSEN
TROOP 21068
Project Title: The Butterfly Effect Gold Award Advisor: Ahlam “Lammy” Askar Hometown: Jupiter Service Unit: Jupiter Dosomething.org reports that one in three young people will be in an abusive or toxic relationship, and only a third of those individuals ever tell someone about the violence they face. Anna noticed high school relationship drama and saw that critical understanding about healthy (and unhealthy) relationships was sorely missing among her peers. She discovered that teens nationally are almost totally unaware of the signs of a toxic relationship and allow themselves to be hurt by someone they love. Anna wanted to provide education about dating violence and fostering positive interpersonal relationships for teenagers – as well as their parents and educators. She created a robust website with tools aimed to close the gap between the resources needed to address these problems and the people who need it most. Anna engaged experts at Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) to build materials, including a five-day curriculum (with videos), an educator’s guide, parent guide and list of even more support organizations. Visit Anna’s website: butterflyeffectwpb.org.
JORDAN WINICK
TROOP 10442
Project Title: The School Bully: A Bullying Awareness Video Gold Award Advisor: Kimberly Schnitzius Hometown: Cooper City Service Unit: Atikah Jordan wanted to raise awareness about impact of school bullying on young students. The familiarity between classmates, with daily class exposure, can be a breeding space for the emotional abuse of bullying. The hurtful behaviors can be amplified and worsened with cyberbullying. Knowing how serious this issue is, Jordan decided to create an original stopmotion video for use in schools to engage young students to help them prepare to identify bullying situations, understand the pain of peer alienation, and learn how to act positively to intervene. To accomplish this, Jordan incorporated messages to encourage students to become an upstander when they see some of the assertive and repetitive behaviors that make way for bullying to occur, as well as when to involve adults for support. Ultimately, Jordan’s goal is to take on this problem honestly, teach young people how to act and react, and make school settings safer for everyone. To date, Jordan’s video has reached nearly 106,000 viewers. Watch Jordan’s video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9ZN7yA3Kj8.
JULIA YU
TROOP 10952
Project Title: Keeping the Faith During COVID-19 Gold Award Advisor: Dr. Nazly Nardi Hometown: Delray Beach Service Unit: Magnolia The COVID-19 pandemic, and stay-at-home guidelines, have had a devastating impact on places of worship. When faith-based communities are closed, so too are their social, youth-serving, and outreach programs. Julia saw first-hand the decrease of attendance and connection with her church and found that long-term separation from one’s faith-based community leads to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. At St. Lucy Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Julia decided to create a campaign to reengage faith-based community members following the pandemic that can be used by any place of worship facing a similar crisis. Her “Bags of St. Lucy Love” initiative made meaningful give-back-packages for disconnected parishioners to share their faith safely. Julia built a team to personally deliver the packages with parishioners and student volunteers from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Additionally, she recorded the donation, packing, and delivery process and created a video to share a full explanation and demonstration so other faith-based communities could learn how to reach people affected by the global pandemic. 15
Scholarships Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida is a respected authority on the lives of girls — as well as the issues they face. Our organization is proud to partner with like-minded companies, foundations, and individuals who share our belief in the unlimited power of girls to make this world a better place. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida works with other leaders in our community so college-bound Girl Scouts can receive the recognition and financial boost that they so often need to turn their dreams of higher education into a reality.
Florida Power & Light Company Scholarship Florida Power & Light Company is committed to supporting a new pipeline of female leaders into the STEM fields. While the national workforce is 50% female, only one quarter of STEM related jobs are filled by women today. FPL is both passionate and strategically focused on assisting girls who have interests in STEM fields and plan to make it a part of their post-secondary educational pursuit. Scholarship award: $2,500
Gina Rose Montalto Scholarship Gina Rose Montalto was a victim of the mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018.
Amanda Kopelman 2021 Recipient Troop 10442 Boston University
Gina was an extraordinary person; her smile lit up a room, her laughter was infectious, and her warm heart invited new friends wherever she went. With a kind and generous spirit, Gina always lent a helping hand, and led a life full of joy and love. She was a talented artist, loved cooking, reading, playing sports and was a top student. As a lifelong Girl Scout, Gina used all of her many talents to make the world a better place. As a high school freshman, Gina was already actively exploring ideas for her future Girl Scout Gold Award. Gina’s loving parents, Tony and Jennifer, knew that even as her life was cut short, the dreams of Girl Scouts earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award live on in so many others. This scholarship is dedicated to Gina’s memory, her spirit of giving and her passion for Girl Scouting. her passion for Girl Scouting.. Scholarship award: $1,500
Paul C. Emmett “MVP Champion of the Community” Scholarship In 2001, father, husband, and entrepreneur Paul Emmett, president and owner of Lake Worth-based Duffy’s Sports Grill, brought with him a vision to transform a few beloved local establishments into the sportsthemed, casual-dining phenomenon we know today. Infusing a passion for top quality food combined with welcoming, memorable hospitality in a family friendly atmosphere, he made Duffy’s a community favorite across the state of Florida.
Shelby Hatcher 2021 Recipient Troop 20834 University of Florida
Paul passed away in 2015 after a lengthy battle with cancer. His family has pledged to carry his legacy forward, by staying true to his principles and beliefs. At an early age Paul was a community service leader and believed Duffy’s should always be an integral part of each community we serve. In 2016, the Emmett family established the Duffy’s Foundation, created in his memory, to keep his passion for community involvement and charitable giving alive. In 2019, his family proudly launched the Paul C. Emmett “MVP Champion of the Community” Scholarship in honor of his commitment to community and forward-focused outlook in both work and life. Scholarship award: $1,000
Barbara Ann Turner “Service from the Heart” Scholarship
Amanda Kopelman 2021 Recipient Troop 10442 Boston University
Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida is honored to award the “Service from the Heart” Scholarship in memory of Barbara Ann Turner, a dedicated volunteer. Barbara had many interests in her life, but nothing was as dear to her as the Girl Scouts. She served as a leader, council trainer, service unit manager, and women’s history committee member. She shared her enthusiasm and commitment to the Girl Scout volunteer spirit in the many service projects she organized. Her wish was that an ongoing scholarship be established to recognize exceptional community service. This dream was realized when the first scholarship was awarded in 2008 to one Girl Scout in the amount of $500.00. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida has been extremely pleased that, thanks to the generosity of ongoing donations, the scholarship has been increased to $1,000.00 that is awarded annually to a local Girl Scout who has given exceptional service in her community. Scholarship award: $1,000
By making a monthly contribution, you will be giving girls life-changing experiences and opportunities through Girl Scouting each and every month. As a member, you will “bring the promise to life” by helping build girls of courage, confidence and character.
Join our monthly giving program today! https://bit.ly/2P0X1Yx
Get your Gold Award swag online or in store today.
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Girlscoutshop.com/SOUTHEAST-FLORIDA-COUNCIL
Quotes for Good TM
Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida
We’re excited to be sponsored by our local State Farm agent as this month’s Quotes for Good organization. This month, for every household we send their way and who completes an auto, fire, or life quote, they’ll make a $5 donation to Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. For the quote to qualify, the individual cannot be a current State Farm customer, but please refer friends and family to help support this organization. When calling in or stopping by for a quote, be sure to mention Quotes for Good and Girl Scouts of Southeast Flroida for the quote to qualify. We are excited about the opportunity to generate donations and create awareness about our cause. Thank you for supporting us through Quotes for Good. Together, we can make a difference in our community.
State Farm Agents: Nancy Wolfe-Smith Broward County 954-358-2886 Kathleen Van Wieringen South Palm Beach County 561-434-5699 Cristina Mills North Palm Beach/Martin County 561-935-9263 Janine Tillman St Lucie County 772-380-0408 Kathy Modesitt Indian River County 772-299-3333
Neighborhood for Good
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 Scout Mission GIRL SCOUTING B U I L D S girls of courage, confidence and character , who make the
world a better place.