Meet Our 2025 Gold Award Girl Scouts
I would like to express my gratitude to my parents for motivating me to persevere through challenges, as well as to my troop leader, project advisor, and troop members for all their support throughout my Girl Scout journey and this project.
Raina Agrawal she/her STARS (Students Teaching and Reaching Success)
As a tutor with many years of experience, Raina noticed that younger students were struggling to grasp new concepts after having learned foundational skills like reading, writing, and basic math online during the pandemic. To address this issue, she facilitated a program that connected high school students in need of volunteer hours with younger students who required personal academic assistance. This program has provided free and reliable tutoring for over 125 hours to date.
Through this project, Raina developed valuable skills in community outreach and engagement by uniting students from her high school with those from elementary and middle schools across her community. She gained valuable insights from community members, including educators, school board members, counselors, and students.
I would like to thank everyone who helped and supported me in my project. My Gold Award mentor, Tiffany Smith, special thank you to my sister for always uplifting me, my parents for all their love and support, and especially my brother and best friend, Paolo, who inspires me every day.
Frances Aguilar she/her
Inclusion, Awareness, and Advocacy for People with Disabilities
Inspired by her brother with Cerebral Palsy, Frances took the initiative to promote inclusion, awareness, and advocacy for people with disabilities. She founded a Best Buddies Chapter at her high school that partners with a special education transition school to promote friendship. Frances leads her chapter in the United Cerebral Palsy and Best Buddies Friendship Walks. She serves as a Best Buddies California State Ambassador and is a member of the San Diego Best Buddies Advisory Board. Frances has also advocated for wheelchair-accessible airplanes by writing letters to government officials, lawmakers, and airlines. She created a video showcasing the hardships people with disabilities experience when boarding aircraft, and she lobbied in front of the U.S. Capitol.
Frances continues to advocate for change and hopes that one day everyone, regardless of ability or disability, will be treated with compassion, friendship, and equality. She has learned that being an effective leader and changemaker requires perseverance, courage, and grit, as well as compassion, empathy, and community involvement. Frances understands the importance of taking action for what is right and advocating for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
I would like to thank my parents, Coronado SAFE, and my Gold Award mentor for supporting me on the way to this award.
Kate Bennett she/they Why You Should Have Naloxone in Your First Aid Kit
Kate found that adults and seniors were not receiving information about the potentially life-saving medication Naloxone. In response, she worked with Coronado SAFE, a mental health organization, to create a presentation about Naloxone, answered questions about how it worked, and distributed naloxone to her community.
Kate learned she tends to put off little things and can have issues getting individual tasks started. She learned to do them immediately or put them on a schedule so she doesn’t forget about them, and could allocate the time necessary to complete them. She is thankful that this project helped her develop these skills.
I am incredibly grateful to my mentor, project advisor, and community partner for their reliable knowledge and guidance throughout the project. I appreciate my family and friends for their unwavering support and behind-the-scenes assistance that made everything possible.
Jamie Blemker
she/her
Sun Protection Awareness for Youth
Jamie recognized that many children are unaware of the harmful effects of sun exposure and the importance of sun protection. To address this issue, she created an educational campaign that combined an online platform with in-person seminars to teach elementary-aged children about skin damage prevention. She developed a website that offers resources for students, parents, and educators, along with a classroom lesson plan that she presented to four different classrooms.
To engage the broader community, Jamie hosted expos at four outdoor locations and distributed sunscreen samples. She collaborated with medical professionals, teachers, and specific sunscreen companies to secure donations and installed two sunscreen boxes at a local elementary school, which she continues to maintain. Her project has had a lasting impact through her website, teacher-led lessons, and ongoing community awareness efforts.
Through developing and implementing her educational campaign, Jamie gained valuable skills in leadership, communication, and project management. She learned how to work collaboratively with professionals, organize community events, and adapt her teaching methods to engage young students. This project enabled her to strengthen her ability to create lasting change and encourage healthier lifelong habits.
I would like to express my gratitude to my family, friends, and troop for their unwavering support. A special thanks to my Gold Award mentor, Barbra LaPlante, project advisor, Sally Groenke, and the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation for their guidance and encouragement in making this initiative possible.
Chiara Bonomi she/her Statewide Initiation of Heart Health Club
Chiara recognized the lack of accessible heart health education and resources for teens, prompting her to launch a high school heart health initiative aimed at increasing awareness and early detection of cardiac conditions. She established heart health clubs at various high schools across California, including Sacred Heart High School, Los Gatos High School, and Irvine High School. These clubs organized free heart screenings, provided training in CPR and AED usage, and raised funds to donate AEDs to schools in need. By equipping students with life-saving skills and resources, her project fosters ongoing heart health awareness, creating a sustainable network of student-led advocacy and action that will protect lives for years to come.
Through her project, Chiara developed leadership and advocacy skills, learning how to inspire others to take action. She witnessed the power of community in effecting change and gained a deep appreciation for the importance of early detection and CPR education in saving lives. This experience strengthened her passion for public health.
I would like to thank my troop leader, project advisors, parents, teammates, coaches, and the staff of El Camino High School for their unwavering support throughout my Gold Award journey. Your encouragement and guidance made this experience possible, and I am truly grateful for your belief in me.
Annabella Brisk she/her Girls’ Lacrosse Workshops
Bella created a series of girls’ lacrosse workshops to address the lack of opportunities for girls to participate in the sport in Oceanside, California, before high school. Understanding the importance of early exposure, she collaborated with the athletic director, the girls’ lacrosse team, and the coach at El Camino High School to support both current studentathletes and newcomers interested in the game.
Through her initiative, Bella provided essential training and knowledge about lacrosse, fostering a supportive environment that encouraged teamwork and personal growth. She also made sure that future girls’ lacrosse players at El Camino High School would continue these workshops, promoting the sustainable development of the sport within the community. Bella aimed to inspire a lasting passion for lacrosse among young girls through her project.
This experience allowed Bella to gain valuable leadership skills and the ability to inspire others. She built strong connections with both new and existing teammates and learned the significance of teamwork and community engagement. Ultimately, the workshops deepened her understanding of the sport, further enhancing her passion for lacrosse and her commitment to empowering young girls.
I would like to thank musicians of all time for inspiring me. I would also like to express my gratitude to those who fostered my musicianship: my parents, my teachers, and my music director, Mr. Way.
Cecilia Brown she/her Music Education: Note by Note
Cecilia launched Note by Note, a free music education program that addresses the lack of access to arts instruction due to school budget cuts and high costs of private lessons. The program serves elementary and middle school students, offering weekly in-person and online lessons taught by trained teen volunteers. Hosted at the Rancho Peñasquitos Library and supported by Westview GOLD, Cecilia led a team of tutors and managers, developed an organizational manual, and utilized tools like Google Drive and Wix for scheduling and communication. Students gained musical skills and mentorship, which were assessed through performances and surveys. With annual volunteer recruitment and leadership training, Note by Note ensures sustainable, cost-free music education that helps bridge educational inequity and inspires a lasting passion for the arts.
Cecilia developed leadership, communication, and delegation skills by guiding a team of volunteers, managing schedules, and creating lesson plans. She learned to trust others, adapt to challenges, and balance her vision with collaboration, ultimately growing into a confident and resilient leader who is passionate about making arts education accessible to everyone.
I want to thank God for His love, guidance, and blessings, and my parents for their endless support and motivation throughout my Gold Award journey. I’m also deeply grateful to my Gold Award Committee mentor, project advisor, and troop for their guidance and encouragement along the way.
Mikayla Carlos she/her
Mindful Moments, A Social Emotional Learning App
Mikayla identified a growing issue on campus — rising levels of disrespect and conflict—which she traced back to a lack of awareness in this area. To combat this, she developed a lesson for middle school students to increase their understanding of social emotional awareness. With support from Martin Luther King Middle School, her lesson will now be implemented annually to remind students that school is a place for learning, not fighting.
Mikayla learned that she truly enjoys helping others and working with younger children, reminding her of when she was in the same seat they are sitting in now. She wishes to be an inspiration to these students, the same way she was inspired by upperclassmen when she was their age.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me through this project—it truly would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support from amazing San Diego artists, my teachers and classmates, and my family. I am especially thankful for all the support from my project advisor Yasmine; I can’t imagine a better community partner than ArtReach!
Ecco Crockett she/her
Making a Living as an Artist
Ecco found that young artists were discouraged from pursuing their passions due to the perceived impossibility of making a stable living as an artist. To address this issue, she worked with ArtReach San Diego to create a recurring art market, giving young artists the opportunity to gain experience marketing their art while supported by experienced artists. Additionally, she created a workshop series for youth aged 11-24 to learn first-hand from professional artists about how to make a living as an artist. Her project will continue to benefit the community through her library of art resources at ArtReach San Diego.
Through this project, Ecco implemented skills she has been building her whole life. As the head of her team of professionals and volunteers, she improved her communication and time management skills, and practiced a new level of leadership.
I would like to thank Lauren Ingersoll, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, for her support and encouragement; my robotics coaches, Roberta Lenert and Pete Waydo, for their guidance and expertise in resolving 3D printing challenges; and the robotics team for their support. Most of all, I thank my parents, Jon and Julie Dabbieri, for their love, support, and enduring belief in me.
Grace Dabbieri she/her
Seeing Differently
The blind experience the world differently. Grace developed a project to raise awareness among sighted individuals about the skills, abilities, and independence of people who are blind. She achieved this through a series of presentations to diverse and international audiences. As part of these presentations, she distributed friendship bracelets that she designed and 3D printed. Each bracelet contained 26 beads, with a Braille letter on one side and the corresponding print letter on the other, covering the entire alphabet.
Through this project, Grace learned how to lead and motivate her team and navigate the challenges they faced during the design and 3D printing process. She discovered that she is a strong leader—more tenacious than she had realized—and capable of overcoming frustrating obstacles. She also found a passion for public speaking and a commitment to ensuring her presentations were both accurate and impactful.
I would like to thank my mom and my sister for supporting me on the path to earning the Gold Award. Their encouragement and motivation throughout the process made the project truly worthwhile.
Elizabeth Delach Girls Giving Girls Gratitude
Elizabeth addressed the rise in homelessness among women in San Diego through her project, Girls Giving Girls Gratitude, an educational campaign held at the San Diego Rescue Mission. She led six workshops focused on résumé building, interview skills, self-care, and stress management to help women gain job readiness and confidence. Funded by plant and bake sales, she also created care kits that included hygiene items and job listings. Elizabeth collaborated with her Girl Scout troop and her advisor from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her project equips women with lifelong skills and connects them to employment opportunities. By providing a replicable workshop model and detailed care kit plans, she ensured a sustainable impact. Her work fosters empowerment and addresses homelessness both locally and more broadly.
Elizabeth’s leadership in Girls Giving Girls Gratitude empowered homeless women through targeted workshops and resource kits. The project promoted confidence, practical skills, and opportunity, with a model that can be implemented by others to extend its reach.
I want to thank my mom for all the support she gave me while I was working on my Gold Award. I also want to thank Tracy Bracht and Bob Ilko for all their help along the way.
Anna Dopson she/her Revamp of Spring Canyon Park
Having grown up playing at Spring Canyon Park daily, Anna Dopson was saddened when the playground was removed, leaving only a neglected sandy area. Determined to restore it, Anna cleared the weeds and partnered with Gina Pellegrino, who collects abandoned sand toys, to create a “share chest” for kids. She also worked with students during her summer teaching internship to design decorative tiles for the chest. Through her efforts, Anna hopes to bring families back to the park and create a welcoming space for children to play once again.
Anna learned that she is a good leader, and when she puts her mind to something, she will get it done. Anna also gained improved time management skills and became a better problem-solver. Lastly, Anna improved her communication skills and learned about the importance of teamwork.
I would like to thank my parents, sisters, friends, and community members who supported me through my Gold Award journey. I would especially like to thank my Gold Award Committee mentor and project advisor for their unconditional support and continued guidance.
Zoe Douglas she/her The POA Project
Zoe found that many teenagers and their families were unaware of how their rights change upon reaching adulthood at 18. To address this issue, she hosted educational meetings and created a website to promote Power of Attorney and increase knowledge, in and outside of her community, regarding human rights. Working with lawyers, doctors, attorneys, and her local library, Zoe created a lasting impact on over 80 people in person and 2,000 people via her website.
Zoe learned valuable time management, communication, and public relations skills through her outreach and meetings. She learned the importance of community connections and created many relationships with the people she worked with. Along with this, Zoe found a heart for helping teens and families in transitional periods of life.
I would like to thank my wonderful project advisor, Mrs. Mirmohammadi, for all her help in the past two years, both personal and professional, as well as my mentor, Liza Potocki. I would also like to thank my mom, Melissa, for reminding me to complete my project, and my boyfriend, Camron, for his support the entire way through.
AnnMarie Dull
she/her
Local Extracurricular Dance Class
AnnMarie created an extracurricular dance program that encouraged creativity, confidence, and physical and mental wellness at her local elementary school to provide access to the arts for children from low-income families, who often lack access to affordable enrichment activities. She collaborated with the Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) to schedule sessions, plan curriculum in a safe and secure space, provide all of the necessary materials at no cost to participants, and implement surveys to gauge the students’ feelings about the class. To ensure sustainability, she trained volunteers and created a curriculum that future leaders could follow, along with a detailed, publicly-posted video describing the class in detail. Her project empowered students through movement and offered a safe and inclusive space for self-expression, while also addressing the broader issue of unequal access to extracurricular opportunities.
AnnMarie learned many valuable skills, such as problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, teaching, and communication, throughout her project. Whether it was helping kids solve an argument, dealing with last-minute technical issues, or coordinating details with others, AnnMarie’s Gold Award helped create a lasting impact on not just her community but herself as well.
A huge, tremendous thank you to the senior citizens for their willingness to be vulnerable and share their stories and thank you to my support team for their encouragement and enthusiasm.
Leah Ertel From Seniors to Seniors
Leah noticed there was a real disconnect between older and younger generations. Having a close relationship with her grandparents, Leah knew that seniors have a wealth of knowledge and experience that must be shared with young adults. Combining her passion for journalism and life skills, Leah conducted interviews with several accomplished seniors from Bayshire Senior Community, Casa Aldea Retirement Home, and her community on various topics like relationships, motivation, faith, and patriotism. Targeting her graduating class of 2024 at Sage Creek High, Leah produced a video showing the interviews and created a survey on the most relevant advice. After sharing the survey findings, the senior citizens realized their input was both impactful and surprisingly well-received. Leah compiled the interviews in a book, From Seniors to Seniors, that is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble to share these interviews with future graduating classes.
Leah learned how important it is to prioritize and incorporate partners who share the same enthusiasm for the project. The interviews revealed how important it is to learn from those who have experienced things that young adults have yet to embark on.
I would like to thank my parents, my project advisor Regina Gamboa, and my Gold Award mentor Tiffany Chatham Smith for their support throughout my Gold Award journey. A special thanks goes to the members of New Life Baptist Church—it was a true blessing to host the farmer’s market in this community and have the opportunity to connect with everyone!
Naomi Felleke she/her Free Farmers Market
Naomi recognized that underserved communities often lack access to fresh, nutritious produce and essential health information. To bridge this gap, she organized a farmers market with support from local grocery stores, Sage Mountain Farms, and the free pantry Magnolia Project to provide dignified access to fresh food as an alternative to mass food distribution. To further promote nutritional literacy, she launched “Diet, Disease, and Doctor Dialogues”—a podcast that features medical professionalled discussions on preventive health and specialized care. At her farmers market, she distributed flyers with QR codes linking to her podcast, along with resources on reading nutrition labels, managing high blood pressure and diabetes through diet, and recipes featuring market produce. Her website and podcast continue to advance her mission, offering long-term support for these communities.
Naomi developed strong leadership and adaptability skills through her work at the farmers market. She also strengthened her communication skills, engaging in meaningful conversations with community members. These experiences reinforced her ability to connect with others and navigate dynamic environments with confidence.
I would like to thank Jen Pernicano, my Gold Award mentor, as well as my most recent troop leader, Brenda Radder, for their joint support and patience with me. Most of all, I would like to thank my Mom for starting my Girl Scout journey by leading my Daisy-Brownie troops and for always standing up for me.
Daisy Flint Implementing Art Classes in Grade Schools
Daisy noticed that many art classes were being removed from school curricula after the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this issue, Daisy implemented educational art-based classes once a month. She volunteered at various elementary schools, including L.R. Green Elementary, and partnered with parent volunteers to create a sustainable public file containing various art ideas that parents can use and add to which will carry on the importance of art education. Although Daisy mainly taught 4th graders for this project, the link contains art projects for students from kindergarten up to 5th grade.
Daisy learned how to share her love and passion for art with young kids who have a creative spark.
Thank you!
Sara Garcia she/her
I want to thank my project advisor, Ms. Kara White, and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Ms. Linda Wightman, for their support and guidance throughout this journey. I would like to give a special thank you to my Mom, who has been one of my Troop Leaders since Kindergarten, and my biggest encourager in all my endeavors.
Elementary School Sensory Stations
Sara learned that more and more students, nationally and globally, are being diagnosed as neurodivergent—for example, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and other forms of neurodivergence. Through research, Sara discovered that sensory stations provide neurodivergent students with a means to calm down, focus, and learn in a safe environment. Sara partnered with Park Village Elementary and installed a variety of related sensory stations for students to use to focus, develop gross motor skills, work off excess energy, and promote overall wellbeing. Sara taught students at the school how to use the sensory stations safely and correctly and made a demonstration video for teachers to show students now and in the future. These sensory stations will help both neurodivergent and neurotypical students for many years to come.
Sara learned valuable time management and organizational skills while designing and creating various sensory stations. She learned the importance of collaboration and team building as she worked with school administration and personnel.
I would like to thank my Project Advisor Wendy Kallen, family, friends, fellow Girl Scout Katie Schmitz, and my troop leader Hazel Gates.
Madison Gates she/her
Fundamentals of Music
Madison discovered that there was a lack of interest in her high school choral program. So, she set out to develop her ‘Fundamentals of Music’ workshop, which included a curriculum to educate on and spark an interest in music among individuals. Working with a local music director, Madison’s lasting curriculum will provide a strong base that music educators and future students will benefit from within her community and beyond.
Madison learned management skills, how to lead a team, adapt to situations, manage her time, plan and prepare, and be proficient in public speaking.
I would like to thank my troop leader, Mrs. Crane, my project advisor, Mrs. Hensey, my Gold Award Committee Mentor, Linda Wightman, and of course my family. Thank you so much for all your encouragement and support throughout this journey.
Katie Gavigan she/her
Making Art Accessible
Katie noticed that art education has been devalued within elementary schools as teachers need to allocate more class time for core subjects like math and English. To address this issue, Katie began teaching free art lessons to children at the Poway Community Library, Garden Road Elementary School, and at Girl Scout troop meetings. Through these lessons, children gained confidence and a passion for art. Katie also worked with Pomerado Elementary School to design and implement a sensory pathway on campus, and organized student volunteers to help paint it. The sensory pathway will last for years to come. In addition, it will remind Pomerado Elementary School students of the beauty of art and how it can bring a community together.
Throughout her project, Katie grew as a leader and learned how to be resilient in the face of unexpected obstacles. Katie also learned the value of teamwork and communication while planning and organizing community events, including art lessons and sensory pathway painting days.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my troop leader, Irene Barajas, for her continuous guidance and support throughout this journey. Additionally, I am deeply grateful to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Judy Pritchett, for their invaluable advice and encouragement. Both have played a crucial role in the success of this project.
Gioselyn Gaytan Guzman she/her El agua y
tu
Recognizing the gap in water safety education for lowincome, underrepresented families, Gioselyn developed a free swimming lessons program to provide youth from the San Ysidro community access to swimming and water safety education. Gioselyn taught essential swimming techniques and safety protocols, empowering the children with life-saving skills and inspiring them to pass on their knowledge to others. To achieve this, she collaborated with a local community center and experienced volunteer instructors. For long-term sustainability, Gioselyn created and distributed a pamphlet with swimming tips and information on affordable swimming resources.
Through this project, Gioselyn learned the importance of leadership, organization, and community engagement. She gained experience in collaborating with local organizations and volunteers to address a community need. Additionally, Gioselyn learned how to ensure sustainability by creating resources.
I would like to thank my parents, the Gold Award Committee, mentor, and my project advisor. Thank you for supporting me and always being with me during this path.
Sydney Gloff she/her
Gardening for San Diego Unified School District
Sydney found that a nearby elementary school was having trouble teaching their students about gardening. To address this issue, she collaborated with the faculty of the school to refurbish the garden benches so the students would have a safe place to learn and garden. She also created binders filled with information on gardening that students could check out from the library, and she made a website, “Importance of Gardening,” so anyone, for years to come, could learn.
Sydney learned the importance of organization, and that communication is a key foundation for creating quality work. Through several emails between herself and the staff members of the school, she learned that leadership is a valuable life skill.
I would first like to thank my parents for supporting and pushing me to always do my best. Without their guidance, I would not have been able to create such a meaningful project. Thank you for always being there for me. I love you both so much. I also want to thank Jace Tunnell from Nurdle Patrol in Texas for teaching me all about nurdles and helping me build up the confidence to teach online and in-person classes on nurdles. Lastly, to Wyatt, thank you for spending hours at the beach with me or on the side of a railroad collecting nurdles for my classes. You always made it such a fun adventure and helped push me to finish what I had started. Love you lots.
Madisyn Hamby Overlooked Microplastics, Nurdles
Madisyn worked alongside different organizations to educate Girl Scouts and school students on the effects of nurdles, a type of microplastic pollution, on our environment. Madisyn researched and talked to professionals about nurdles to create a program for schools to use to teach about microplastics. Madisyn’s mission was to get kids and adults interested in the topic while having fun collecting nurdles at local beaches. Madisyn went to Oak Valley and Black Mountain Middle Schools alongside the National Marine Mammal Foundation to share their work. She has been in touch with Jace Tunnell from Nurdle Patrol for over six years, spending hours discussing microplastics on Zoom and email. Madisyn’s nurdle program will continue being taught in school science classes, and Girl Scouts can continue to learn about microplastics using a nurdle patch program Madisyn designed and created for her Silver Award. Madisyn gained valuable communication skills by contacting people all over the world about nurdles and learning how to convey her message. Madisyn learned how to create and design a website to teach people, adding her special creative touch.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to several individuals who played a crucial role in bringing this project to life, including my parents, my grandmother, and my troop, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout every step of the project. A special thank you goes out to my Gold Award mentor, Liza Potocki, for the invaluable guidance and wisdom that she provided, as well as to the SDCC for offering me the opportunity to carry out this initiative.
Sydney Harris she/her
Hand by Hand Mind by Mind
Sydney identified a gap in awareness and treatment for teenage mental health support among her peers and their parents, and she was determined to address this issue. Her project offered multiple avenues to share information about local resources and other support tools for good teenage mental health, which included launching a social media account dedicated to posting uplifting quotes and providing support. Additionally, Sydney actively engaged with local service units and troops, community events, and farmers markets to share her information throughout the community. She developed informative pamphlets in English and Spanish outlining mental health resources and surveyed teenagers and parents to gather data for her community partner, the San Diego Center for Children (SDCC), to improve their existing programs.
Through planning and executing activities, presentations, and booths at farmers markets, Sydney significantly enhanced her leadership, time management, and communication skills. Additionally, she had the opportunity to develop other valuable skills, including responsibility, accountability, kindness, and more.
Gracie Hass
she/her
I would like to thank my parents and grandparents for constantly supporting me on my Gold Award journey. I would also like to thank my Gold Award Committee mentor, project advisor, and community partner for the valuable information, guidance and patience you offered me.
The World of Composting - San Diego Edition
Gracie found that many people did not know about organic waste recycling and its benefits. To address that, she taught all ages how to participate in organic waste recycling and its importance through presentations, workshops, and open houses at locations such as CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles, the Scripps Ranch, Carmel Valley and Del Mar Libraries, and fifth grade classes at Santa Fe Christian School. Gracie partnered with Dr. Emily Creegan from the City of San Diego and Megan Ziegler, a Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher at Santa Fe Christian School, to teach information that will serve all people, especially children, who now have the skills to spread this knowledge and take action.
Gracie learned valuable leadership and time management skills through teaching her lessons and improved her confidence by practicing public speaking and working with a specialist from the city of San Diego. Lastly, Gracie learned how to effectively educate and inspire others about topics she deeply cares about.
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me in pursuing my Gold Award, the Dickey family for their help, Melissa for being so gracious and supportive, and a special thank you to Tiffany, my Gold Award Committee mentor, for believing in me and guiding me through my project. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Annika Henry she/her Gardening 101 for Little Hands
Annika discovered an absence of parents and educators exposing young kids to the outdoors, especially in a postpandemic world with such high use of technology. To address this issue, she designed a gardening program to teach preschool-age children about the tools and information needed to grow plants. Annika created a lasting impact by helping children develop confidence and selfsufficiency and sharing her program guidebook nationwide.
Annika learned important skills in leadership, time management, and communication through teaching her program’s lessons, working alongside the preschool’s staff, and creating schedules to work through tight deadlines.
EJ Jerpseth they/them Healthy Kids
I would like to thank my sister, AnnaMarie, and my mother, Karla Havlorson, without whom I never would have completed this project.
EJ found that the children they worked with made responsible choices when given options and clear explanations. After observing how media negatively influences young children’s perceptions of nutrition, EJ was inspired to give kids more autonomy over their own bodies. This led to the creation of the Healthy Kids curriculum, which emphasizes both mental and physical health and explores how food choices affect both.
Through lesson planning and implementation, EJ developed valuable skills in community building, leadership, and project management.
I would like to thank my parents and siblings for encouraging me throughout my Gold Award journey. A special thank you to my project advisor, Pam Sivits, and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany Smith, for their guidance and support every step of the way.
Kaylee Johnson she/her Seniors Get Savvy!
Kaylee recognized that many seniors face challenges with modern devices and are at risk for online scams and decided to address the lack of technology education and support for older adults. To do so, she created a technology safety presentation and hosted one-on-one sessions to provide personalized assistance to older adults. Her project helped seniors become more confident using their devices and more aware of how to stay safe online. Kaylee partnered with Pam Sivits, the Resident Service Coordinator at Brookview Village, to ensure the resources she created will continue to benefit future residents.
Kaylee gained confidence in public speaking and strengthened her leadership skills by guiding one-on-one tech sessions. She also developed strong problem-solving abilities, as each session was different and required her to adapt to meet each senior’s needs and experience levels.
I would like to thank my family and friends for their support, as well as the incredible group of peers who assisted with my events. My Gold Award completion wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing troop leader, committee mentor, and advisor’s constant support.
Nora Johnson
she/her
Dress 2 Dance
Being a dancer herself, Nora observed that dance had become more expensive and unaffordable for many families, with one of the leading factors being the price of dancewear and costumes. To change this, Nora partnered with The Dance Spot Eastlake to create a dancewear recycling system between dance studios. Additionally, Nora conducted a series of Dance 101 Workshops for middle- and elementaryschoolers at The Dance Spot Eastlake and The Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center to educate youth about dance. Finally, Nora held an expo event at The La Mesa First United Methodist Church to bring the dance community together with performances and free dancewear. Nora’s donation boxes will remain in dance studios to recycle dancewear throughout the community.
During this project, Nora improved her time management, communication, and marketing skills to gain support for her project. Nora also improved her leadership qualities through many dance workshops that required her to teach young dancers.
I would like to thank my troop, Laura, and Ms. Judy, my advisors, and especially my mom. I couldn’t have done it without you all, and I’m so grateful for all you’ve done.
Rhianna Johnson she/her Shark Awareness
Rhianna learned that many people feared sharks because they were uneducated and didn’t know much about them. To fix this issue, she decided to hold workshops and go into classrooms of all ages to educate them on the importance of sharks and to lessen the fear surrounding them.
Rhianna learned valuable skills like public speaking, problem solving, and time management.
I would like to thank my parents, troop leaders, project advisor, Gold Award Committee mentor, and fellow Girl Scouts for guiding, supporting, and aiding in project implementation.
Rowan Juarez
Perennial Pollinator Habitat
Rowan, motivated by pollinators dying, created a pollinator habitat garden and curriculum on pollinators to teach kindergarten classes about pollination and the importance of pollinators. With the help of a local plant nursery and the teachers at La Presa Elementary, kindergarteners will be able to learn about pollination through her lesson plan, find pollinators in their garden, and observe the lifecycle of a butterfly in class for years to come.
Rowan learned confidence and public speaking skills while teaching the curriculum to kindergarten classes. Additionally, Rowan learned research, evaluation, and decision-making skills while determining the best plants to establish in the pollinator garden that would be the most beneficial for desired pollinators.
I want to thank my Gold Award mentor who was extremely patient and encouraging. Thank you to my mom and dad who supported me at all my events. And finally, I would like to thank my troop leader who inspired me to earn my Gold Award.
Megan Juza she/her STEM Ambassadors
Megan found that girls are less likely to risk joining a “harder class,” specifically in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), if they have never been exposed to the subject. To address this issue, Megan exposed girls in her high school and community to STEM through workshops and encouraged adults to expose girls to STEM activities. Working with her high school, troop leaders, and the Poway Community Library, Megan inspired young girls to pursue a future in STEM and created workshop materials to be reused by her high school and other troops.
Megan learned the value of adaptability and persistence in the face of setbacks.
Ellie Koff
she/her Tied with Love
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me on this path to earning the Gold Award. I would also like to thank Kathy Faller, for allowing Tied With Love to be implemented at Casas de Luz, and for her continued support and selflessness.
Ellie found that families in Tijuana lack adequate housing and financial resources, and needed something to bring them warmth and comfort. To address this issue, she began crocheting handmade blankets and stuffed animals and writing motivational cards to send to families moving into new homes built by the organization Casas de Luz. Ellie fostered community spirit and empowered individuals by teaching them the art of crocheting, thereby multiplying her impact and creating a sustainable support network for these families in Tijuana.
Ellie learned that she was more resilient and resourceful than she initially believed. When faced with challenges like recruiting members, securing funding, and organizing deliveries, she learned how to adapt and find creative solutions. She also realized how passionate she is about making a difference in her community and learned that she thrives in leadership roles where she can inspire and guide others.
I would like to thank my troop leader Leslie Carlson for her dedication and support throughout the past 12 years to become the Girl Scout I am today. I’m grateful to Alzheimer’s San Diego and President/CEO Eugenia Welch for being my community partner, encouraging me, and investing the time to help me thoughtfully develop my project. I also want to thank my Gold Award mentor Jennipher Harris for her guidance and insight throughout my project. Finally, I want to thank my family for always believing in me and helping me achieve my goals.
Kyla Kuo she/her
Conversation Starter Cards for People Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Care Partners
Kyla Kuo’s Gold Award Project was inspired by her grandmother, Lucy Lee. As Lucy’s Alzheimer’s disease progressed, Kyla noticed it was more difficult to communicate with her; however, when they discussed her grandmother’s childhood and past, Lucy’s eyes would light up and her memories would come alive. This sparked Kyla to create her Heart to Heart Conversation Starter Cards, a deck of thoughtful questions to help other grandchildren, family members, friends, and care partners communicate with their loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, developed with the help of Alzheimer’s San Diego. Her project has become a valuable resource to Alzheimer’s San Diego, helping their volunteers, clients, and families foster meaningful connections. The nonprofit continues to fund and distribute more decks.
Kyla learned that taking action on a seemingly simple idea can help improve the lives of others. She enjoyed collaborating with Alzheimer’s San Diego and learned invaluable leadership and communication skills.
I would like to thank my project advisor and the staff at the Women’s Museum of California for supporting me throughout my project and teaching me so much about the Women’s Rights Movement, and my Gold Award Committee mentor for her guidance! I’d also like to thank my mom and my troop for their help!
Annie Lawrence she/her Fighting for Her Story
Annie found that many young girls in her community were not aware of the history of their rights, or the challenges they still face as women due to a lack of women’s rights education in school history curriculums. To address this issue, she worked with the Women’s Museum of California, the International Alliance of Women, and various women’s history professors across the country to create a website with articles detailing the history of the women’s rights movement, current issues and ways to get involved, content for holding workshops at public libraries across the county for middle and high school students, and curriculum for teachers across the district to implement in their classrooms.
Annie learned valuable communication and marketing skills in advertising her workshops, public speaking skills in presenting at workshops and participating in the Women’s Museum of California’s women’s history fair, and creativity skills in creating engaging presentations, curriculum, and hands-on activities.
I want to thank my parents, brother, troop leader, Maya Laffler, Jennipher Harris, teachers, and friends who helped me with either completing my project, or when I had to miss school to give talks. A special thanks to Lucia Michell, Kylie Barger, and Mrs. Greene, who let me interview them for my podcast.
Elysees Lincecum
she/her
Daydreamers and Disasters
Elysees realized that many voices advising on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were coming from adults and parents rather than the kids who lived with ADHD. She felt underrepresented, so she created a podcast called Daydreamers and Disasters in which she reached out to elementary schools and organizations to answer questions kids asked about ADHD, ensuring they heard a voice that understood their perspectives. She created this podcast and lessons to be available for everyone who needs help understanding ADHD.
Elysees learned organization and management skills through communicating with members of schools and organizations, in addition to learning new logistical skills that came with making sure everything was ready and in place.
I would like to thank my project advisor, Mrs. Macceca, for helping with all the library- and Valhalla-involved parts of my project. She allowed me to reach so many students and amplified the influence of my project. I’d also like to thank Tiffany Smith for her guidance and advice. I appreciate all the times she emailed me and kept me on schedule. Finally, I’d like to thank my troop leader and mom for always supporting me and being involved in Girl Scouts.
Charlotte Lourey she/her
Increasing Literacy for High School Students
Charlotte became aware that many students lost interest in reading as they entered high school. She decided to partner with Valhalla High School’s library staff to fix this problem and increase literacy interest among her peers. Through presentations, workshops, clubs, school committees, and more, she was able to convince many students at her school and various other middle schools to love reading.
Charlotte learned how to get others interested in something she is passionate about and to efficiently share knowledge and speak up.
Erin Lucey she/her
I would like to give a special thanks to my mother for always fighting for me and for leading my troop as we all strive to become successful young women. Also, I am extremely thankful for the continued help of Shelby Bueno, who graciously reached out to provide support for my project when I needed it the most.
The World of Agriculture
Erin noticed a disconnect between the people in her community and the animal products they use every day. In response to this issue, Erin curated a series of lectures to engage the community and encourage understanding of the involvement of animal husbandry in our daily lives. With the aid of the Poway Future Farmers of America chapter, she was able to incorporate these lectures into the school curriculum to encourage appreciation of agriculture and animal husbandry in the next generation.
Erin learned incredibly valuable skills like public speaking, time management, and developing interpersonal connections by meeting regularly with the public to foster understanding about agriculture and food production.
I want to thank my community partners and all of the staff at my school who worked with me to make this program possible. I would also like to thank my Gold Award Committee mentor for guiding me through the process of earning my award!
Annelise Mages
she/her
“You Are Not Alone” Multifaceted Mental Health
Program
Annelise addressed the silence and stigma surrounding student mental health by creating “You Are Not Alone,” a multi-faceted program at San Diego High School (SDHS). She built an on-campus and online art exhibit featuring anonymous student submissions, compiled a local mental health resource directory, and launched a weekly selfexpression workshop series serving grades 9–12. In collaboration with the SDHS Wellness Center, the Bring Change 2 Mind Club, and local partners like the University of California San Diego, her initiative offered students a safe space to reflect, create, and connect. The program’s sustainability is ensured through staff leadership and growing student engagement. By sharing her resources district-wide and online, Annelise’s project helps normalize mental health conversations and inspire similar efforts beyond her campus.
Through her work building this program on campus, Annelise learned how to advocate for herself and other students, how to bring people together, and how to respond to an issue in her community using creativity and determination. She will continue to take these lessons with her to make her future school campuses a little less lonely and a little more supportive.
I would like to thank my project advisors David and Chris from Walter Andersen nursery, my Gold Award Committee mentor Jennipher Harris, my troop leader Michelle Lyons, my family and friends who supported me, and a special thank you to Renee Murphy for inspiring me with her passion for and dedication to the environment.
Maya May she/her
Building Awareness for Native Landscaping
Maya built awareness for the importance of native California landscaping to combat the extensive loss of native plants and habitat in San Diego. Maya learned that many home gardeners do not realize that choosing native trees, shrubs, and flowers supports biodiversity, reduces water consumption, and costs less overall. Maya partnered with Walter Andersen Nursery to promote the benefits of choosing native California plants and to share the local tools and resources available, and to encourage gardeners to make environmentally wise choices in their home gardens. Overall, Maya presented to over 300 people, including Walter Andersen shoppers, Girl Scouts, and local students.
Maya learned valuable lessons in public speaking by presenting to large groups as well as individual garden shoppers. Maya also developed time management skills while balancing her time spent on her Gold Award project with homework, family, friends, and co-curriculars.
I would like to thank my parents, Angela and Ernie Moreno, who gave me the motivation to keep pushing throughout every challenge in my project, and the most important person, my Gold Award Committee mentor Judy Pritchett, whose guidance and patience supported me through this journey. Another important person I want to thank is my project advisor, Amor Ledesma, who I’m extremely grateful for. I appreciate each one of you. Thank you.
Alexis Moreno she/her
Raising Foodprint Awareness
Alexis Moreno aimed to raise awareness about our Foodprint, which describes the environmental impact of our food choices, including factors like greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land use associated with food production, transportation, and waste. Alexis decided to educate participants via an informational PowerPoint presentation and Instagram stories, reels, and highlights about how every aspect of our food system has a larger, global impact on the people, environment, and animals around us, to provide an educational ground for participants to learn about Foodprint sustainability. She created visual campaigns to illustrate the benefits of sustainable food practices and encouraged participants to shop at local farmers’ markets for fresh, seasonal produce directly from farmers.
Throughout her project, Alexis learned the importance of organization, leadership and time management skills. She developed skills in presenting to different audiences based on their age group and found ways to connect with them based on their individual needs. With each new challenge, she expanded her knowledge.
Thank you to my family for their unwavering support, love, and guidance throughout this journey every step of the way. I love you all to infinity and beyond! Additionally, I would like to give heartfelt thanks to my advisor, Sheila Hatfield, mentor, Judy Pritchett, troop leader, Kimberly Gregan, teacher, Arlene Santos, and school librarian, Debbie Jefferson for the support, encouragement, and collaboration in helping me achieve the highest award in Girl Scouts...the Gold Award! Thank you all so much.
Alyssa Moreno she/her Bring Change to Mind: Addressing Mental Health
Alyssa found that after the pandemic, many high school students were affected by worsening mental health. To address this issue, Alyssa partnered with Each Mind Matters and Bring Change to Mind to create a lasting curriculum that engages students in mental health awareness. She led speaking engagements and presentations, hosted stress-free coloring activity sessions, posted positive affirmations, and led journal writing workshops.
Alyssa learned that she is extremely motivated to teach others about mental health. She used problem-solving skills to help others and stay on task, collaborated as a leader in her club, networked with others, and overcame obstacles. Finally, Alyssa acquired the knowledge to be prepared and confident when speaking in a public setting by practicing repeatedly.
I would like to thank my community partner, Mrs. Kay, for allowing me to present in her class, and Mrs. Tyrell, a pediatrician, for educating me about nutrition. I am incredibly grateful to my mom for helping me complete this project, my troop leader, Mr. Ford, and my fellow Girl Scouts for their support and encouragement.
Kate Nahrstedt Nutrition Education for Youth
Kate found that the root cause of poor childhood nutrition was a lack of nutritional education combined with the prevalence and accessibility of processed foods. To address this, she made a series of 10 interactive workshops for students from kindergarten through fourth grade that make nutrition education engaging and practical. She collaborated with local schools to reach approximately 250 students with over 95% participation. More than 90% of students demonstrated an understanding of balanced diets. To ensure sustainability, she created classroom binders with lesson plans and resources as well as an accessible website for teachers, parents, and students.
Kate gained valuable leadership, communication, and organizational skills through developing interactive workshops and collaborating with schools. She learned how to effectively engage young audiences, measure impact through post-surveys, and create accessible resources. This experience strengthened her passion for promoting healthier lifestyles and making a lasting difference in her community.
I would like to thank my friends and parents who supported my efforts, as well as my Gold Award Mentor, Tiffany Chatham Smith, who provided guidance throughout my project.
Haley Nguyen she/her Viva Vietnam
Haley’s project, Viva Vietnam, sought to promote a community of cultural tolerance, pride, and unity for students who lacked one. She designed engaging lesson plans for a series of workshops at local K-12 schools, using activities like cooking cultural foods and making arts and crafts to immerse students in Vietnamese culture, food, and art. In doing so, Haley served as a role model for students to proudly share aspects of their own unique cultural identities. For her older audiences, Haley raised awareness on cultural intolerance by fostering healthy conversations on racism and prejudice. With the support of Marshall Middle School Primetime, Haley created a club that will promote attitudes of diversity and acceptance in future generations of students to come.
Haley learned leadership and public speaking while guiding her team and directing classroom agendas. She developed strong time-management and organization skills as she built event programs. Through her efforts to unite diverse students, Haley exemplified her values of communitybuilding and highlighting the unique qualities of different people.
I would like to thank my parents, my fellow troop members, the dedicated staff at BASE, and my amazing mentor, Judy Pritchett, for their full support throughout my journey to earning the Gold Award. A special thank you to Mrs. Karla, who never doubted me and encouraged me every step of the way.
Tessa Pothos she/her The Kindness Project
After experiencing bullying firsthand, Tessa was inspired to take action and create a positive impact in her community. She created a Kindness Curriculum designed specifically for young children aged 5-7 that aims to empower them with the tools to stand up against bullying and foster a more compassionate environment.
Tessa implemented her program through a public school’s Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) program. Her interactive approach combined art, books, games, creativity, and rich dialogue to keep children engaged while learning about empathy, inclusion, and how to be a positive force in their communities. The project was organized into a reusable Kindness Kit, which included all supplies and lesson plans compiled in a binder, allowing the program to be easily repeated and shared with other educators.
Through this experience, Tessa gained valuable leadership, time management, and organizational skills. Designing, preparing, and delivering lessons strengthened her ability to manage responsibilities and connect with young learners. Most of all, it deepened her love of working with children and her passion for building a kinder world.
I would like to thank my amazing mom for all her help and support throughout this process, I couldn’t have done it without her! I would also like to thank Linda Wightman, Merack Publishing, and everyone else who helped me earn this award.
Sarah Pritchett she/her Girls Can Do Anything
Sarah Pritchett’s project focused on writing and publishing a children’s book, “Girls Can Do Anything,” aimed to inspire young girls ages 3-8 to pursue any career, including those in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her book featured women in various careers and included activities like crosswords and coloring pages. She held workshops at Foster Elementary School, Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, and with local Girl Scout troops. Her collaborators included Merack Publishing and the San Diego Fire Department. The book remains available on Amazon and will continue to encourage conversations about gender equality and empowering young girls to dream beyond societal expectations.
Sarah gained valuable leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills during her project. She learned resilience when facing setbacks, improved her public speaking through workshops, and developed patience and perseverance. Additionally, she deepened her understanding of gender equality issues and the importance of empowering young girls to pursue their ambitions.
Thank you to my family—my mom, dad, and brothers—and my boyfriend, Dominic, for their support throughout my Gold Award project. I’m also incredibly grateful to my project advisors, Sarah Eichler and Shannon Mueller, for helping me bring my vision to life. A special thank you goes to my Gold Award mentor, Jennipher Harris, for her ongoing support and guidance throughout the project. Lastly, thank you to Mrs. Shannon Alberts, my principal Joshua Way, and the SCHS staff for their encouragement and support.
Ariana Ramos she/her
“Hidden Tears” A Fight Against Bullying
Ariana acknowledged the profound impact of bullying on young people, including anxiety, depression, academic struggles, and even long-term psychological trauma. She choreographed two dance pieces, “Hidden Tears” and “Intramural Tears,” that reflect her experience and understanding of the issue. Ariana also created a PSA that was shared with elementary, middle, and high school students to foster awareness, education, and discussion about bullying.
Ariana discovered her resilience and passion for storytelling in dance, realizing she could create impactful pieces that create deep feelings like fear, sadness, desperation, courage, hope, and empathy. She felt impacted, transforming from a victim of bullying into a strong advocate against it. This experience solidified her commitment to making a difference through her art and kindness.
I would like to thank my parents, project advisor, and Gold Committee mentor for supporting me through my project and helping it become a reality. I’d also like to thank all the rescues I worked with, because their participation and expertise made my project possible and truly demonstrated the impact it had on the community.
Zoe Reich she/her
Raising Awareness for Fostering Pets in San Diego
After her family fostered a litter of kittens from the San Diego Humane Society, Zoe saw that many animal rescues and shelters had very few regular foster families and thus couldn’t take in new animals without overcrowding. To help these rescues and their animals, Zoe created a website with information on the benefits of fostering and shared it through public booths outside of local pet stores. Alongside representatives from various animal rescues, Zoe was able to reach out to many animal lovers and potential foster families. Zoe’s posters, flyers, and website are now used by a cat sanctuary and a dog rescue in her community to continue to promote fostering.
Zoe learned how to collaborate with established organizations and coordinate meetings to make her ideas a reality. She grew stronger in public speaking, exercised her creativity when designing posters and her website, and learned more about the issues in the animal rescue community and how to solve them.
I would like to thank Ranger Greg, my mentor Barbra, Girl Scout Troop 2180, and my family for supporting me throughout this project.
Sofia Rose Saffiote
she/her
Daley Ranch Junior Ranger Program
Sofia created the Daley Ranch Junior Ranger Program, an interactive environmental education initiative for children. The project addressed the lack of affordable, hands-on nature learning in her diverse community by offering a free bilingual (English and Spanish) booklet filled with activities about conservation, local ecosystems, and sustainability. Hosted at Daley Ranch in Escondido, CA, and supported by the City of Escondido Lakes Department and Girl Scout Troop 2180, the program exceeded expectations by reaching over 150 children. Rangers continue to distribute the program, ensuring its sustainability. By promoting outdoor education and environmental stewardship, Sofia’s project builds lasting awareness in her community and connects local youth to a broader national movement of Junior Ranger programs.
Sofia realized that passion alone isn’t always enough to accomplish everything. She discovered that a good leader knows when to accept help from others and isn’t afraid to ask for support. The experience taught her that she is capable of both seeking assistance when needed and offering help to others.
I would like to thank my parents and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany, for encouraging me throughout my project. I would also like to extend a special thank you to my robotics team members and advisors for working with me during my project.
Katie Schmitz
she/her
Robotics Learning
Katie found that members of the Rancho Bernardo High School robotics build team were inexperienced with the required tools, and that leaders and older members of the team didn’t know how to support new members effectively. To combat this, she made QR Code posters that linked to easily accessible short videos and step-by-step instructions for each machine. Katie also taught different strategies to the leadership team to better connect members. Her posters are now featured and utilized by multiple robotics teams, and she has even found a community of women interested in engineering.
Katie learned leadership and time management skills while working on her Gold Award and strengthened her ability to break tasks into smaller parts and delegate them to others as the team leader. She also explored her passion for mechanical engineering.
Chael Sener they/them
I would like to thank my family and friends for helping me earn my Gold Award, being patient while I struggled to complete work, and pushing me to keep moving when I felt like giving up.
The He/She/They Project
Michael found that many transgender individuals weren’t being properly supported by friends and family due to a lack of available education on allyship for cisgender people. They decided to share this information in a way that was easy to navigate by working with the Francis Parker School’s Queer Affinity Group to compile research and conduct global interviews on allyship and brought it all together in the form of a website that can be accessed anywhere.
Michael learned the importance of relying on others for projects, as this ambitious project could not have been accomplished alone. Furthermore, they gained experience in delegating and trusting their team.
Ella Short
I would like to thank my family, project advisors, Cara and Rick Beltran, as well as the Del Cerro Tennis Club for their guidance and support of my project! I would also like to thank the Gold Award Committee and my Gold Award Committee mentor for their assistance as well.
Del Cerro Tennis Club Training for Coaches and Volunteers
Ella discovered that the Del Cerro Tennis Club needed a training manual for its new coaches and volunteers. To address this issue, she went through the training program herself, researched numerous training manuals, and then created a training manual and assessment that she could leave with the Club. Ella elicited feedback from coaches, peers, and tennis professionals at other clubs throughout California and the nation, which she used to enhance and fine-tune her manual.
Ella learned valuable coaching and leadership skills through her training and mentoring from coaches, peers, and management.
I want to thank my Gold Award mentor and project advisor for their guidance and encouragement, my sister Sarina for her unwavering support and graphic design skills, and my parents for introducing me to logic puzzles and nurturing my love of math.
Delilah Sonnenshein
she/her
Logic for Learning
Through extensive research, Delilah found that math had become a widely disliked and avoided subject among students starting in late elementary school. Disliking math had even become a trend, contributing to low performance and understanding nationwide. As a math enthusiast who valued its many benefits, Delilah aimed to change this. She discovered that logic puzzles—which she loved—helped students approach math more creatively, rather than through rote memorization. She led popular logic puzzle classes at her local library, where elementary and middle school students enjoyed developing their problem-solving skills. To expand her impact, she started a puzzle page in her school newspaper and launched a website offering a variety of puzzles, instructions, and tips for starting similar pages—making these resources accessible to students and educators across the country.
Delilah learned the value of viewing problems from different perspectives by approaching math more creatively rather than purely analytically. She also discovered the importance of individualized support through working with diverse students in her classes, realizing that everyone needs help in different ways—and that it’s essential to meet people at the level and mindset they currently have.
I want to thank all the different groups that collaborated with me to perfect my project, especially my community partner, Joan Bockman, for all her guidance and advice through this process. Special thanks to my mom for her constant support and encouragement. I love you so much!
Elliana Sottile
she/her
Garrison Creek Interpretive Trail
After learning about San Diego’s unique biodiversity, Elliana installed eight interactive trail signs along a local trail and launched an educational campaign to spread this important knowledge to hikers, first and third grade students, fellow Girl Scouts, and preschool-aged children and their parents. Through a series of workshops and surveys, she saw a major increase in her target audience’s knowledge of native and invasive species, human threats, and the significance of biodiversity hotspots. She partnered with many different groups to articulate her plan and make it successful, including a graphic design teacher, the Buena Vista Audubon Society, a conservation group called Friends of El Corazon, ecologists, Alpha Graphics sign printing, her local Lowe’s store, and Ivey Ranch Elementary School.
Elliana gained new leadership skills as she learned to manage large projects, think creatively to solve problems, and refine her public speaking skills. Through this project, she has gained self-confidence in her ability to accomplish anything she pursues.
I would like to thank my mom and troop leader, who has been supporting me on my path to earning the Gold Award. Special thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Judy Pritchett, and project advisor, Mark Crawford, for their advice and guidance along the way.
Madelyn Swingle she/her
Minimizing Waste: A Goal Mental Health Book
Madelyn recognized that many teens struggle with mental health and lack the resources to cope effectively. To address this, she developed a sustainable, long-term solution by creating an educational book on mental health. Her book provides teens with coping strategies and guidance on supporting friends facing mental health challenges. Madelyn made her book accessible both online and in children’s primary care offices to reach a wider audience.
Madelyn discovered the importance of time management skills as she faced challenges in adhering to her original timeline and staying consistent with her work on the book. She also learned that she excels at designing visually appealing and engaging materials for children and teens. Additionally, she demonstrated strong leadership skills by effectively guiding her team and seeking their feedback to enhance the book’s quality.
Tu-Mi
Tran she/her
I would like to thank my family, friends, and those in Troop 1000 for supporting me.
Wellness Within
Tumi realized that the stigma around mental health illnesses was preventing her peers from finding a space to learn and embrace mental wellness. She began the Wellness Club to combat this issue, which gave presentations about coping mechanisms to promote mental and physical wellness. She also hosted bonding activities in which members could connect with each other, creating a safe space to share their experiences.
Tumi learned about being a reliable person by fostering a space where everyone felt comfortable. She also learned leadership skills when assisting her team by overseeing club logistics and stepping in when necessary.
I would like to thank my parents, troop, and friends for their invaluable support throughout my journey toward earning the Gold Award. Special thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Ms. Marilyn Fullen, project advisor, Ms. Kristine Caddell, MCHS school principal, Dr. Yael Bozzay, and student volunteer team.
Aashna Umatt she/her
Mt. Carmel Online Visual Arts Gallery
Research has shown that engaging in art fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills and boosts confidence and social-emotional development. Aashna observed that a sustainable visual arts initiative was lacking at her high school and other public schools. To address this issue, she proposed and led the creation of an online visual arts gallery at her school with a team of faculty and students. The art gallery website that she designed and developed was successfully launched in Fall 2024 (www.mchsartgallery. com). This student-managed site will be updated with new artwork every trimester, serve as a platform for talented artists at her school, and offer leadership opportunities to students on an ongoing basis. She plans to expand this initiative to other high schools in her school district.
Aashna learned valuable leadership skills, including collaboration, decision making, time management, and public speaking while working with her community partner (Mt. Carmel High School) and target audience (students and parents).
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me while I worked through my project by doing whatever they could to help me be successful. I would also like to thank my mentor, Tiffany Chatham Smith, community partner Studio Ace, project advisor Julia Fister, and my troop leader, Wendy Sottile.
Sarah Watson she/her Mini Art Gallery
Sarah found that there was a lack of education and affordable access to art within schools and her Oceanside community, and she wanted to increase art access to people of all ages and backgrounds. She built a miniature, traveling art gallery that carries artwork and supplies for people to donate to and take for free. Working with Studio Ace and Ivey Ranch Elementary School, she presented on the importance of art and taught an engaging craft with her traveling gallery. Her project website also includes an art history lesson and video lessons for art projects that people of all ages can enjoy.
Sarah learned valuable leadership skills like collaboration, time management, and problem solving through working at community events and with her community partner, Studio Ace. Between school and sports, she had to learn to manage her time, and when her plans didn’t work out as she thought they might, she learned to solve problems.
I would like to thank my project advisor, Anne Fege, and my committee mentor, Marilyn Fullen, for their guidance and expertise, as well as my dedicated team for their invaluable support. Special thanks to SanDiego350, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Alliance of Chinese Americans, and, of course, my family for believing in my vision and helping me make a lasting impact in my community.
Eleyn C Xiong she/her
Climate Action Engagement Campaign
Eleyn Xiong identified disparities in environmental action participation among different demographic groups in San Diego. To address this issue, she conducted a survey, collecting over 200 responses to determine which communities were underrepresented. Partnering with SanDiego350 and Citizens’ Climate Lobby, she built a datadriven model to analyze participation trends, revealing that older individuals engaged less in climate activism. To bridge this gap, Eleyn organized two virtual workshops and four in-person workshops that engaged over 250 participants through interactive activities and discussions. These workshops provided resources like fellowships and grants to empower individuals to take action. By sharing insights with local climate organizations and creating a followup system with her Alliance of Chinese Americans civic engagement internship, Eleyn ensured a lasting impact on her community’s climate engagement.
Eleyn gained leadership, project management, and data analysis skills while adapting outreach strategies to engage diverse audiences. She learned the importance of flexibility when workshops unexpectedly attracted families, requiring her to engage both adults and children. Through collaborative problem-solving, she successfully created a more inclusive and sustainable climate action campaign.
I would like to thank Heidi Gutknecht from Mission Trails Park, who helped me throughout my project, Jen Pernicano, who advised and oversaw my project, my Dad, who helped me every step of the way, and my Girl Scout troop, who were involved in the set-up of my walk. Thank you.
Ruby Zatyko she/her
Mission Trails Sensory Walk
Ruby discovered that public parks often do not have options for individuals with disabilities and developmental challenges. In order to address this issue, she created the “Mission Trails Sensory Walk”—a path where everyone, no matter their ability status, could enjoy the park to the fullest extent. With the help of a Mission Trails staff member, Heidi, she created a walk that will be used in the park for years to come.
Through this project, Ruby learned how to be a leader and get things done on time by relying on herself. She grew as a person and gained valuable real-world career skills.
I would like to thank my Gold Award committee mentor, Mrs. Smith, for guiding me through the Gold Award process and always pushing me to get things done. I would also like to thank everyone who supported me along this process, including friends and family who brought props for the play and ideas.
Alexis Zecha she/her Lights, Camera, Inclusion!
Alexis addressed the entertainment industry’s lack of inclusion, representation, and diversity through 10 empowering workshops for elementary school students of all backgrounds. Students aged 5-10 years old were empowered and learned about the importance of inclusion by taking on various roles in the industry, learning life and acting skills, and rehearsing for a production of The Little Mermaid. Alexis worked with Bird Rock Elementary to host the workshops, rehearse for the play, and implement a Junior Achievement program. She posted the final play on YouTube and shared her workshop curriculum with local public schools.
Alexis learned strategic planning, leadership, and time management skills by teaching acting and other entertainment industry skills—including coordinating costume changes, curtains, scripts, and noisy kids—to youth and peers.
Help us inspire the next generation of changemakers to turn their big ideas into reality. Donate to support future Gold Award Girl Scouts at sdgirlscouts.org/give or by scanning the QR code.
