Gold Award Class of 2023

From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Girl Scout Gold Award Class of 2023,

Congratulations on earning the Girl Scout Gold Award! So many of this year’s Gold Award Class embarked on this award-earning journey as our world was still recovering from the effects of a global pandemic. When so much was uncertain and unsettling, I am astonished and impressed at your collective poise and sense of purpose. It is impressive to see the determination, passion, and creativity that lives inside of you. I am incredibly proud of your collective accomplishments.

This year, 22 Girl Scouts in our council earned our organization’s highest award for girls. Perhaps even more impressive is that your collective projects contributed more than 2,500 hours into our communities. You partnered with dozens of local organizations with projects that impacted thousands of lives. The Gold Award Class of 2023 took on issues surrounding chronic homelessness, literacy, mental health, food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and addressing the need to expand the conversation about equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our Girl Scouts didn’t just talk about improving a situation—you made plans, built teams, stuck it out, and really 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. The Gold Award 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 only five percent of eligible Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award every year, those that do leave a legacy of activism, passion, and excellence.

As you take your next steps, to finish high school, enter college, join the military, or the workforce, I invite you to stay with Girl Scouts for a lifetime. I encourage you to revisit the drive and grit you harnessed to earn the Gold Award often and hold on tightly to the enormous feeling of accomplishment you have today. All the determination, passion, and creativity that it took to achieve this goal lives inside you—Girl Scouting just gave you a place to direct it. Our world will always need people who want to make it better and Girl Scouts need people who know what that really means. We’re going to need you because you’re a change-maker, action taker, and leader! And I know this is just the beginning.

Yours in Girl Scouting, Lisa

Y. Johnson

8:00 A.M.

Registration, Networking, Photography, and Retail Store Open

9:00 A.M.

Pledge of Allegiance and Girl Scout Promise

Opening Remarks

Recognition of Gold Award Advisors

Gold Award Ceremony

Scholarship Presentations

Closing Remarks

11:30 A.M.

Class of 2023 Group Photos

Retail Store Open

SPECIAL THANKS

Ronica Deshmukh, Troop 24529, ceremony volunteer

Ava Palazzolo, Troop 24529, ceremony volunteer

Linda Saraniti, Troop 20570, ceremony vocalist

Amanda Kopelman, Gold Award Girl Scout 2020

Geri Emmett, GSSEF Board Member

Jennifer and Tony Montalto, Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation

Zaida Alvarez and Juan Carlos Arias, The ECHO Scholarship

Christine Shaw, Florida Power & Light Company

Posting photos today? Share them on social media and use #GSSEFGold23

More than 100 Years of Extraordinary Projects from Amazing Girl Scouts.

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-blazers. 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 opportunity 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.

About The Gold Award Advisors

The role of the council’s volunteer Gold Award Advisors 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, problem-solving, 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 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

Debbie Hanley

Merribeth Manning

Dr. Nazly Nardi

Tori-Lynn Saraniti

Kimberly Schnitzius

Joyce Shraim

Melanie Smith

Emily Zarzycki

Girl Scout Gold Award Class of 2023

AMANDA ALTREE TROOP 10393

Project Title: Book Buddy

Gold Award Advisor: Kimberly Schnitzius

Hometown: Weston

Service Unit: Royal Palm

Amanda’s project aimed to address the issue of children’s literacy and disparities that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young elementary school students are struggling to read because of the challenges of virtual school that prevented in-person learning and practice. The extended period of distance learning meant students missed real-time feedback, combined with public library closures, this has caused a profound reading gap. Amanda created an interactive reading program that she personally taught to rising first and second graders and combined it with her Book Buddy Bundles to encourage reading when they weren’t together. Book Buddy Bundles included a level appropriate book, plastic witch finger to help students guide their finger along words, and a stuffed animal as a reading companion. Her bundles were designed to give new readers a hands-on routine that made the learning process more interesting and personal. Through the reach of her website, reading tutorials on YouTube, and her partnership with the HandsOn Broward literacy program, Amanda tutored 11 students and distributed 80 Book Buddy Bundles. Learn more about Book Buddy: whale-greyhound-t9s3.squarespace.com

SYDNEY BARFUS TROOP 10707

Project Title: Helping Heal through Stories

Gold Award Advisor: Ahlam “Lammy” Askar

Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale

Service Unit: Atikah

When children are hospitalized, fear, discomfort, and confusion can be side effects of the fastpaced and unfamiliar environment. When you add in separation from their families, not fully understanding treatments, and loss of independence and privacy, overwhelming stress levels rise. Sydney knew that this stress and anxiety can interfere with recovery, and even exacerbate some medical conditions. She wanted to aid children’s mental wellbeing, help reduce stress, and introduce healthy distractions while patients experience a hospital stay. Sydney partnered with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami to create a program providing physical books for reading and audiobooks for listening that are recorded in Spanish, Creole, and English. By offering stories that children can read and listen along to, the fast-paced, intimidating hospital environment can fade away to dramatically reduce stress levels and ultimately make their experience a lot more comforting. Additionally, Sydney made sure that enough books were supplied so children could take them home and continue to enjoy them, through another key partnership with the non-profit organization, Reach Out and Read, who agreed to provide monthly donations to restock supplies.

Project Title:

“Ta Ta for Now (TTFN)” Providing Bras to Girls in Need

Gold Award Advisor: Melanie Smith

Hometown: Jupiter Service Unit: Jupiter

Jessie wanted to address clothing insecurity resulting from poverty and the lack of social services for those in need. She became aware that government support, such as aid for housing, food, and health care, didn’t meet the need for clothing. Jessie looked deeper to find that a study conducted in 2017, “America’s Youth: The Need for Basic Necessities,” found that the lack of access to basic items such underwear is a pressing issue among low-income families, and “not having these basic items is believed to have a detrimental impact on children’s emotional wellbeing and potentially their outcomes in school and life.” It can be difficult to find undergarments at garage sales and secondhand stores, and bras are the least common item to be passed down or donated to charity. Jessie decided to answer this problem with the creation of a 501(c)(3) corporation entitled Ta Ta for Now. Her mission is to empower young girls with new bras and underwear so that they are ready to get dressed for school, with confidence, and less worried about teasing or potential bullying. To date, her non-profit has held numerous collection events and secured 650 pairs of underwear and 281 bras. Visit Jessie’s website: tatafornow.org

JESSIE BROOKE BAXTER TROOP 20646

RYANN BIERMANN ADULT, FORMERLY OF TROOP 22222

Project

Title:

If You Give A Bat a Box

Gold Award Advisor: Karyl Bertram

Hometown: Wellington

Service Unit: Phoenix

Bats are a keystone species in most of the ecosystems where they reside—including Florida’s scrubland and forested areas. Bats play a vital role in pest control and ecologic stability and Ryann sought out to educate others about them. With a reduced bat presence, the risk for both animal and human sickness increases. Ryann wanted to teach others just how an increased bat presence can positively affect the number of animals and humans not getting sick from diseases like Equine Infectious Anemia, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, and West Zile Virus. To conserve bats, as well increase education about them, Ryann built and installed 10 bat boxes and created an educational program to help offset human impact in her community. To expand the reach of her message, she created an interactive trail and website to share accurate information about bats, the dangers of human impact, and what actions we can take to help keep bats thriving. Visit Ryann’s website: batboxtrail.com

GABRIELLE FAIRWEATHER TROOP 10450

Project Title: High School: Bridge to Freshman Success

Gold Award Advisor: Tori-Lynn Saraniti

Hometown: Oakland Park

Service Unit: Orange Blossom

Reflecting on her own experiences, Gabrielle realized the transition from middle to high school can be overwhelming for most. Ninth graders can suffer from a lack of confidence at the start of the school year, which causes them to feel uncomfortable and out of place. It can also have a negative impact on their social and academic lives, not only for freshman year, but throughout their high school career. For all students to reach their fullest potential and improve the quality of their education, Gabrielle set out to create a sturdy foundation to increase confidence, comfort, and success. She created a program to serve as a bridge for freshmen to enter high school—providing information, tips, tricks, and shortcuts. Topics included how to earn service hours, relationships, communicating with teachers, time management, stress relief, and mental health resources. She also included a wide range of details about school supplies, academic prep, study tips, testing, scholarships, and credit information. With the endorsement and support of Fort Lauderdale High School, Gabrielle reached 300 freshman and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from her student surveys and the school administration. Gabby’s program is now a part of the school’s website: bit.ly/3n4ipQK

NAOMI FLEISCHER TROOP 10685

Project

Title:

Kindness Goes A Long Way

Gold Award Advisor: Merribeth Manning

Hometown: Weston

Service Unit: Magnolia

When Naomi returned to school following a period of distance learning, she noticed her peers were interacting differently with each other. Behavior was distinctly more gruff and unnecessarily assertive; many seemed to have lost empathy and kindness due to isolation and spending a lot of time on social media during the pandemic. Naomi made it her mission to reunite people with kindness and positivity. She believed that a concerted effort, using both social media and in-person interactions at school, would create a positive impact and teach students how to manage social media in a healthy way. At the heart of Naomi’s project was one small act of kindness creating a ripple effect through the student body. She established her school’s first Random Acts of Kindness week, where students performed random acts of kindness and then completed an online survey to earn a special bracelet. Survey questions included, “What does kindness mean to you?” and “How kind are you?” Now her high school has a team to adopt the activity and she hopes it will catch on throughout the county. You can learn more on Naomi’s website: kindnessgoesalongway.godaddysites.com

ELLA GLASSMAN TROOP 10685

Project Title: The ART of Applying

Gold Award Advisor: Tori-Lynn Saraniti

Hometown: Davie Service Unit: Magnolia

Ella noticed a significant lack of support for high school students who were applying to college art programs—such as fine arts, performing arts, visual arts, and journalism. Applying to art schools is incredibly different from the typical college application process and most students were unaware of this difference until they began creating applications. With minimal resources available in her local school system and online, Ella set out to create a curriculum tool that explains how to successfully evaluate schools, create supplemental applications, build an artistic resume, write essays, create a portfolio, prep an audition, and nail the interview process. Additionally, her guide demonstrates how students can utilize the Common App to present their best artistic self for admissions, scholarships, and more. Her guide has been adopted across Broward County and is now in the hands of every public school and college readiness advisor. Ella’s presentations and interviews with art admission professionals are available on her YouTube channel: youtube.com/@theARTof.applying

TESSIE GORON TROOP 21001

Project Title: Volunteer Service Network PBC

Gold Award Advisor: Merribeth Manning

Hometown: Wellington Service Unit: Phoenix

Tessie has a deep appreciation for civic engagement and volunteering. With her Gold Award project she wanted to raise awareness and expand access to community service opportunities for high school students in Palm Beach County. Tessie observed that students were struggling to discover organizations that needed help and the struggle was leading to frustration. She set out to create an accessible and easy-to-navigate website that serves as a central database for all local, current, and recurring volunteer opportunities. Tessie knew that if the information was organized and easy to find, more students could get involved quickly and feel better about doing it. To date, two Palm Beach County Schools are promoting the site to their students, as more volunteer opportunities continue to be added. To ensure the site stays updated, Tessie has partnered with the National Honor Society at Wellington High School and is working closely with them to make plans for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.

Website: gorontessie.wixsite.com/vsnpbc

ANGELINA JURADO ADULT, FORMERLY OF TROOP 20350

Project Title: Addington Place Garden of Life Planter

Gold Award Advisor: Julia Dourvetakis

Hometown: Jupiter

Service Unit: Jupiter

Angelina learned that the effects of isolation on the elderly can be devastating. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, elderly residents spent significant time alone for their physical safety. But, according to the CDC, social isolation can significantly increase a person’s risk of premature death. Angelina knew that she could have a positive impact on the lives of the residents at Addington Place in Jupiter. She loves the outdoors and felt drawn to create an educational and social opportunity for the residents that would get them out in nature. Through her research, she discovered that “participating in nature walks with others is linked to more positive feelings and better mental health.” After learning this, Angelina and her team created a new garden for Addington’s residents and, with help from experts, she added flowers and plants to attract birds and pollinators. To expand the reach of her project and foster social interaction, Angelina led an educational class on flower care for residents at the unveiling of the garden that everyone greatly enjoyed. Her programs will be ongoing and Addington Place staff are committed to the physical upkeep of the beautiful outdoor space.

HAYDEN LIBERTY TROOP 10685

Project Title: INCL(YOU)SION

Gold Award Advisor: Dr. Nazly Nardi

Hometown: Weston

Service Unit: Magnolia

Hayden sought to improve inclusion and empathy among elementary school students. Because of the natural human instinct to seek belonging in a group, it’s all too easy for children to be negatively affected when they are left out of a game at recess, ignored in class, or excluded at a playdate or party. Distance learning worsened the issue, so Hayden wanted to spark the conversation and provide lessons about inclusion and empathy. She began by creating a comprehensive questionnaire asking for people’s experiences when feeling excluded and received more than 400 responses. The feedback guided her to explore how pervasive exclusion can be and the importance of inclusion. Hayden implemented her program in three classes of first grade students at NSU University School in Davie. Through close partnership with teachers and administration, Hayden successfully led interactive lessons of inclusion for social situations and explained the value of empathy—because treating others the correct way will always have a positive impact. Based on her feedback from students, teachers, and families, Hayden knows that the children she taught will grow up making a difference in their communities. Learn more about Hayden’s work on her website: inclyousion.weebly.com

BROOKE MILLER TROOP 10685

Project Title: Project Upc-eye-cle

Gold Award Advisor: Debra Byrne-Mathews

Hometown: Cooper City

Service Unit: Magnolia

Brooke wanted to address the important issue of single-use plastic, like daily contact lens packaging and CDs, because they harm wildlife, ecosystems, and ultimately humans. She knew that younger generations could be educated on how to re-purpose materials, but with cities and school districts failing to prioritize these environmental concerns—especially in low-income areas—action needed to happen. Brooke decided to introduce sustainable lifestyle concepts and upcycling education for elementary students. She partnered with the Title I school, Peters Elementary in Plantation, to create a curriculum about environmental sustainability. Before her project, the elementary school had no campus art programs at all and her interactive and fun lessons encouraged students to follow more eco-conscious practices in school and at home. With her team, Brooke assembled 181 palettes and incorporated two art bins that all classrooms have access to. The art bins include supplies and instructions for classroom crafts that can be made from found objects. By working directly with students, Brooke found that her program was increasing their understanding of recycling and upcycling by more than 300%.

JASMINE NGUYEN TROOP 20924

Project Title: C.O.R.E. (College Opportunities, Resources, and Education)

Gold Award Advisor: Dr. Nazly Nardi

Hometown: Boca Raton

Service Unit: Luna

Jasmine experienced first-hand how critical a student’s SAT and ACT scores are. These scores are used to distinguish students during college applications and qualify them for valuable scholarships—all to make access to their dream school a reality. As Jasmine started to prepare, she quickly saw how pricey this pursuit can become, including prep courses, books, and tutors. She decided to work on a solution to eliminate financial barriers for economically disadvantaged students—making the dream of higher education accessible to anyone. Her one-stop-for-all website includes free resources, such as full-length practice tests, tips and tricks, and a section to set up online tutoring sessions; plus, information on how to obtain fee waivers for both the SAT and ACT, leverage the Common App, and master AP exams. Jasmine also included a list of scholarships that were divided into an external section (meaning they came from third parties) and a college section including 80 colleges that could be attended for free with scholarships. Jasmine partnered with the EJS Center in Delray Beach to directly connect with students, where she led 40 tutoring sessions and worked personally with 89 students to monitor their progress. Visit her website: collegeore.com

MALINA PERDUE TROOP 20924

Project Title: Destigmatizing Bats

Gold Award Advisor: Merribeth Manning

Hometown: Boca Raton

Service Unit: Luna

Malina is passionate about bats and wanted to destigmatize their reputation while also providing them a safe habitat. With nine native species of bats in Florida, and two on the endangered species list, Malina felt strongly about educating the public about the loss of their habitat due to human disturbance or destruction from development. She also wanted to ignite more curiosity from a scientific perspective. In partnership with Palm Beach County’s Daggerwing Nature Center, Malina built a full educational curriculum for students and adults, teaching guests about the importance of bats and dispelling dangerous misconceptions. Following her live presentations, she led participants to build small bat houses to take home and install. Expanding the reach of her project, MaIina worked with board members of her family’s HOA to install a large bat house adjacent to the nature preserve in her neighborhood, created a community newsletter distributed to 1,842 households, and made a video that is now linked with the Daggerwing Nature Center website. Watch her education presentation: youtu.be/pOVsWe0C7Kk

YASHVI PUROHIT INDEPENDENTLY REGISTERED MEMBER

Project Title: Dance Outreach

Gold Award Advisor: Merribeth Manning

Hometown: Jupiter

Service Unit: Jupiter

As a professional Indian classical dancer, training for 12 years, dance for Yashvi is much more than a hobby. As she moved through her own demanding educational career and activities, she noticed that dance provided important stress relief. In high school, as pressures mounted with assignments, tests, community service, clubs, and sports, Yashvi sought healthy methods of lowering stress and managing anxiety. Many students in her grade turn to unhealthy strategies to keep their minds calm. Stress costs Americans more than $300 billion annually and becomes very harmful when people use coping mechanisms such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Yashvi started dance therapy for children at her temple to help demonstrate the power of dance and how to form healthy habits around stress. To expand her reach, she founded a Dance Outreach Committee through the Future Leaders of the United Nations (FLUN) as part of the sustainable development goals formed by the United Nations. Her Dance Outreach Committee fit perfectly with the UN’s goal for “good health and well-being.” Yashvi chaired the committee for one year and now works closely with the new, incoming chairperson.

AVERY REDLICH TROOP 10685

Project Title: Tight-Knit

Gold Award Advisor: Kimberly Schnitzius

Hometown: Plantation

Service Unit: Magnolia

A major issue facing the homeless population is climate change. Not always top of mind in sunny South Florida, the winter months are getting colder and more dangerous for those without dependable shelter—if a person is in poor health, dropping temperatures without sufficient warmth is a serious life risk. Avery realized that there aren’t enough donations of warm clothes in our increasingly colder winters, so she created a partnership with the nonprofit Showering Love to inform others and make a difference. An avid knitter, Avery personally hand-knit 50 adult-size hats and created educational outreach that attracted other knitters to donate an additional 37 hats. Avery accessed a variety of platforms to get others involved and ensure the project’s sustainability. She created a step-by-step YouTube video teaching how to knit hats, hosted three live events to educate in various communities (one Zoom event attracted participants from Louisiana, Alabama, New York, New Jersey, California, and Texas!), and created an Instagram page to share her work. Learn more about Avery’s mission on her website: tight-knit-community.com

GRETA REICHENBACH TROOP 10082

Project Title: Our Plastic Sea Gold Award Advisor: Ahlam “Lammy” Askar

Hometown: Weston

Service Unit: Royal Palm

Greta is passionate about addressing the environmental injustice of plastic pollution in the ocean and coastal environments. According to plasticfreefl.org, evidence has been found of nearly 1,800 animals from 40 different species in Florida waters swallowing or becoming entangled in plastic, since 2009. Due to microplastics being ingested by marine life, it is a possibility that significant keystone species could lose their lives to starvation or entanglement, leading to extinction. Greta set out to investigate the primary reasons why plastic ends up in the ocean, why it’s so harmful, and how we can make changes to keep non-biodegradable single-use plastic from getting into the ocean. She partnered with experts from Pelican Harbor in Miami and Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Hollywood to create a documentary that showcases the history of plastic and it’s use in our daily lives, explores personal experiences with plastic pollution, and shows the negative effects plastic has on marine ecosystems. Greta’s documentary was designed to uncover the real-life impacts of plastic to inspire and spark immediate change in our society— plus teach the easy ways to reduce their plastic output.

ANDREA RITTER TROOP 30028

Project Title: Spreading Kindness: Blessing Boxes for Martin County Gold Award Advisor: Melanie Smith

Hometown: Palm City

Service Unit: Sea Star

Poverty in Andrea’s community means that many people experience daily food insecurity, chronic hunger, and a lack of access to necessities. In fact, the US Census Bureau states that 8.9% of Martin County’s population is living in poverty. Andrea is an avid donor and knew first-hand the challenges that were interfering with local organizations working to collect and distribute supplies. Inflation and other economic factors meant limited hours of operation for donation locations, leading to a negative situation that began to discourage support from the community. Andrea knew she could solve this problem by creating and promoting designated Blessing Boxes in proximity to other businesses or organizations that can help monitor donations. She partnered with First United Methodist Mission House and Animal Medical Hospital, both in Stuart, to erect large, sturdy, weather-proof boxes suitable for the donation of toiletries, medical supplies, household products, and food items. She worked with littlefreepantry.org. to list the boxes, so more donations can be made at the convenience of the donors. Andrea continues to expand her project and has plans to install the next Blessing Box near the First United Methodist Church in Hobe Sound.

MADISON ROCKER ADULT, FORMERLY OF TROOP 11110

Project Title: Helpings for the Holidays (Feeding the Homeless)

Gold Award Advisor: Julia Dourvetakis

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

Service Unit: Orange Blossom

Some people might believe that homeless people are homeless because they are addicted to drugs or just lazy—but the National Coalition to End Homelessness lists the top five causes as a lack of affordable housing, lack of a living wage, domestic violence, medical bankruptcy, and mental illness. To make the situation worse, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in homelessness due to unemployment, medical issues, and inflation. Madison saw that her community had a large homeless population and she wanted to find a way to uplift and brighten their lives during the holiday season while also providing much-needed, nutritious food. For her project, Madison launched an educational initiative to teach students about the root causes of homelessness and welcomed others to help her make and distribute holiday boxes—complete with a holiday inspired meal, face masks, snacks, and toiletries. Working with the Broward Partnership for the Homeless in Fort Lauderdale, Madison and her team were able to distribute 100 holiday boxes. Plus, countless young students who better understand homelessness are now inspired to help their community, too.

LINDA SARANITI TROOP 20570

Project Title: Journey Strong with Linda Paige: A middle school girl’s guide to confidence

Gold Award Advisor: Ahlam “Lammy” Askar

Hometown: Boca Raton

Service Unit: Aquarius

While growing up, Linda struggled with her confidence and personal identity. At the time, Linda thought she was in a unique place. While others seemed to have this unlimited source of confidence in themselves, she thought she was somehow unable to access it. As a high school student, she could look back and see that her struggle in middle school wasn’t unique and that having a place to talk about these feelings would be a powerful tool for a child’s self-image. Linda wanted to leverage the power of social media to start an honest conversation about confidence and personal identity—to share her thoughts and experiences on a platform where young people could see themselves and to create a safe space for others to share their own personal journeys. Linda used social platforms to call out the ways modern culture encourages impossible comparisons with edited photos, highlight reels, and idealized interpretations of life, with real talk from real people—who were willing to get personal. Project followers and viewers have reached over 1,000 to date and continues to grow. Take the journey with Linda: journeystrongwithlindapaige.com

LEAH STRACHMAN TROOP 10151

Project Title: Sugar Strings Medic Alert Company

Gold Award Advisor: Debra Byrne-Mathews

Hometown: Parkland

Service Unit: Everglades

Leah drew strength from a sad and stressful time in her life when she was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. At the time, there was a lot to learn about her new condition, and it could have been overwhelming without support and access to helpful tools. Leah wanted to use this experience to support children who are newly diagnosed with Type One Juvenile Diabetes. Type One Diabetes is an important issue because nearly 18,000 children are diagnosed each year and they will live with the disease for the rest of their lives. She knew that one key to a healthy life was the use of a medical alert bracelet, because it could provide important information to emergency health workers, especially if a diabetic person lost consciousness or was unable to speak. Leah partnered with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to provide 500 medical alert bracelets that were kid-friendly and durable, and ensured that new patients knew they were not in this alone. Additionally, Leah created an educational website and wrote articles about Type One Diabetes for her school newspaper and The Parklander magazine. Visit Leah’s website here: sugarstringsco.bigcartel.com

HEIDI WEIKSNAR TROOP 33200

Project Title: Low Lights For Sea Turtles

Gold Award Advisor: Paula Fontaine

Hometown: Palm City

Service Unit: Sea Star

Sea turtles are put in danger from harmful beachfront lighting that draws their attention away from the sea and deters females from nesting. In Florida alone, there are more than 20,000 nests being laid annually, which comprises most of all nesting areas in the United States. Heidi wanted to lower the harmful light pollution on Florida’s beaches, and she discovered that many business owners were unaware of this issue. Heidi partnered with the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management to spread awareness and educate the public on light pollution. She conducted lighting surveys along the beaches at night to identify areas of high concern—those with distracting lights were given ordinances on behalf of the county. Additionally, she led in-person educational turtle nesting and hatchling walks which included Safelight Turtle Guide Cards to demonstrate the danger of light pollution. Heidi was contacted by the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation to feature her project in their magazine, which led to a $750 grant from the foundation to support her ongoing work. Heidi created nearly 1,000 Safelight Turtle Guide Cards that were distributed in Palm Beach and Manatee County. Check out Heidi making Safelight Turtle Guide Cards: vimeo.com/744825562

Project Title: Volunteer for Kindness

Gold Award Advisor: Karyl Bertram

Hometown: Greenacres

Service Unit: Aquarius

Samantha is passionate about volunteering to improve her community. As she grew older, she watched as community service become a dreaded chore for many of her peers. Considering what might cause students to feel negatively about something she loved, Samantha decided on two ways to improve the situation. First, if children started looking at volunteerism though their own eyes, it could become a behavior for life. So, Samantha designed and distributed a coloring book to teach elementary students about the joys of volunteering and giving back. To inspire older students, Samantha partnered with Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, CROS Ministries, and The Quantum House to produce a video showcase of volunteer organizations for middle school students in her area and to demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available. Her educational videos encourage students to connect with organizations they align with and encourage them to seek options that speak to their hearts. The videos share the positive power of giving back for the volunteer and the profound impact on the recipients of the work, donation, or activity. Her videos continue to gain popularity and have a positive impact on the non-profit agencies featured in them. Watch the first of Samantha’s six videos here: youtu.be/_EfC6mC50AA

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.

The ECHO Scholarship

Andrea Ritter

Palm City Troop 30028

University of Central Florida, Burnett Honors College

Launched in 2023 and presented by proud parents Zaida Alvarez and Juan Carlos Arias, The ECHO Scholarship is designed to provide a legacy and is dedicated to supporting Girl Scouts who have gone above and beyond their Gold Award Requirements. Once their own daughter Angélica completed her Gold Award in 2021, her parents watched as she used her project to win the Miami Herald Silver Knight Award and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Scout of the Year Award. Once witnessing what a Gold Award can lead to, Zaida and Juan Carlos were inspired to give an opportunity to other Girl Scouts who echoed their daughter’s dedication, passion, and determination.

Scholarship award: $3,000

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.

Sara Kaufman

Hollywood Independently Registered Member (IRM)

Johns Hopkins University

Scholarship award: $2,500

Samantha White

Greenacres

Troop 20570

Florida Atlantic University

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 sports-themed, 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.

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: $1,500

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.

Gina was an extraordinary person; her smile lit up the 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 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.

Heidi Weiksnar

Palm City

Troop 33200

University of Florida

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 lives on in so many others. This scholarship is dedicated to Gina’s memory, her spirit of giving and her passion for Girl Scouting.

Scholarship award: Four-Year Scholarship to a public university within the Florida College System, based upon current in-state credit cost, award is valued at $25,000.

Doreen A. Scott “Forever Green” Scholarship

Doreen A. Scott loved the outdoors. She had a passion for nature and outdoor activities that was second only to the love for her daughters and their Girl Scout experience. She was always “right at home” camping or in a park. She was an avid camper, equestrian, fisherwoman, and tennis player. She deeply valued the Girl Scout experience she shared with her own daughters.

Marcella Ladd

Palm Beach Gardens

Independently Registered Member (IRM)

Florida State University

Amanda Altree

Weston Troop 10393

Nova Southeastern University

In 2021, Doreen passed away unexpectedly, and her family wanted to discover meaningful ways her passions and values could live on to inspire others. To that end, her family created the Doreen A. Scott Forever Green Girl Scout Scholarship for Girl Scouts who share her connection and commitment to the great outdoors.

Scholarship award: $1,500

Barbara Ann Turner “Service from the Heart” Scholarship

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 a local 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 from Barbara’s friends and family, the scholarship has been increased to $1,500.00 that is awarded annually to local Girl Scout who has given exceptional service in her community.

Scholarship award: $1,500

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!

2023

SILVER AWARD SHOWCASE

You’re invited to join us as we celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of the GSSEF Silver Award Class of 2023!

October 15, 2023

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Doubletree Hotel Deerfield/ Boca Raton

Presented by: The Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation

2015: The GSSEF Gold Award Ceremony was held at the Palm Beach Zoo

2017: CEO Lisa Johnson with Gold Award Advisors

2015: Amanda Devitt with her mother Lisa, Cooper City Mayor Greg Ross, and Gold Award Advisor Julia Dourvetakis

2015: Jeanine Shraim with her mother Joyce, Council CEO Denise Valz, and Board Chair Lorna Brown Burton

2019: Kai Zaragoza with her mother Marilyn

2019: CEO Lisa Johnson with Jennifer and Tony Montalto, with the first recipient of the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Scholarship Jillian Meloro

2020: GSSEF hosted a Gold Award Celebration parade at our Lake Worth Headquarters

2021: Seraphina Hsaio with her mother Lezley

2022: Jamilah Johnson with her mother Natalie and CEO Lisa Johnson

2021: Sarah Bell on stage with her Troop Leader Laura Thorsen

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 SCOU TING BUILDS girls of courage, confidence and character , who make the world a better place.