2026 Gold Award Program

Girl Scout

Gold Award Ceremony

Saturday, June 27, 2026 Sharp Prebys Innovation Center 8695 Spectrum Center Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92123

Girl Scout Mission

Girl Scout Promise

Girl Scout Law

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

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.

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.

*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.

2

We Are Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life as they

work together to build a better world. Through our programs, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges— whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them.

3

Gold Award Girl Scouts Change the World A Gold Award Girl Scout identifies an issue in their community, drafts a plan to address a root cause, and leads a team of volunteers to implement their project plan. When the project is complete, the Gold Award Girl Scout and their team have made a measurable and sustainable impact that continues to last beyond their involvement.

Gold Award Girl Scouts set themselves apart from their peers through their perseverance and grit, and they gain tangible skills as they take action to transform their world. Earning the Gold Award is a huge accomplishment and credential that will stay with them; having the Girl Scout Gold Award on a high school transcript or resume can make a Girl Scout stand out with college admissions, scholarship applications, internships, and job interviews.

We can’t wait to see where our 2026 Gold Award Girl Scouts go next. Congratulations!

4

5

Gold Award Committee Elvarea Bennett Cam Bowman Tracy Bracht Moyosore Buari Sherri Charter Jennipher Harris Karrie Kwok Barbra LaPlante Jennifer Pernicano Judy Pritchett Tiffany Chatham Smith Linda Wightman

Interested in joining the Gold Award Committee to mentor the next class of Gold Award Girl Scouts?

Contact our Gold Award team at goldaward@sdgirlscouts.org.

6

Gold Award Ceremony Introduction Recognition of Support Council Address Guest Speaker Presentation of Awards

7

Special Thank You Gold Award Ceremony Presenters Valerie Attisha Vice President, Client and Community Relations, PNC Bank

Maryliz Campos Gold Award Girl Scout, 2024

Carol M Dedrich Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts San Diego

Madisyn Hamby Gold Award Girl Scout, 2025

Leila Morrow Gold Award Girl Scout, 2023

Kaavya Raamkumar Gold Award Girl Scout, 2022

Dawn Welch Vice Chair, Girl Scouts San Diego Board of Directors

Venue Sponsor Thank you to Sharp Health Plan for generously hosting the 2026 Silver and Gold Award Ceremonies at the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center.

Special appreciation to Girl Scouts San Diego partner and board member Summer Lee, VP and CFO of Sharp Health Plan.

8

Support Future Gold Award Girl Scouts Help 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.

9

Get an inside look at this year’s Gold Award Girl Scouts’ projects!

Scan the QR code to access the photo album.

10

Meet Our 2026 Gold Award Girl Scouts 11

Anika Bose she/her

Integrating Special Needs Students into Mainstream Society Through STEM Education Anika launched a STEM workshop series that delivered free, hands-on LEGO robotics and coding classes for students with special needs (ages 5-16) across San Diego.

Driven by cost barriers and limited adaptive programs, Anika addressed the lack of accessible, inclusive STEM opportunities. She partnered with Poway Unified School District, Autism Tree, Scratch Foundation, and St. Timothy’s Church to reach families and built a tailored curriculum that emphasized collaboration, problemsolving, and social development. To ensure sustainability, she created an online resource hub, trained younger Girl Scouts to continue sessions, and helped launch San Diego’s first two neurodivergent FLL robotics teams, creating a replicable national model.

By adapting lessons for students with special needs, Anika strengthened her empathy, patience, problem-solving, and communication skills. She discovered how to build confidence, teamwork, and belonging through STEM. She also learned that lasting change comes from empowering people and creating sustainablity.

I am deeply grateful to my family, Bijul Dalal, Tracy Bracht, Rita Kanno, and everyone who supported me throughout my Gold Award journey. Most of all, thank you to the students and the families who entrusted me with their children and allowed me to grow as a leader while helping their children grow.

12

Emma Bowman she/her

Dance for Everyone Emma created a free summer dance camp to introduce children to different dance styles. Her project targeted kids ages 5-14 from underrepresented communities in San Diego who may not otherwise have access to dance education and gave them the opportunity to discover a love of dance. By also providing families with online resources and information about local studios, her project had a lasting impact and helped children continue learning beyond the camp and continue their passion for dance.

Emma saw firsthand how access and encouragement can open doors for kids to explore activities they may not otherwise experience. She also learned how important it is to adapt teaching styles to support diverse personalities and learning needs.

Sincere thanks to everyone who helped make my Gold Award project possible. I could not have done it without the incredible support of Level 8 and the many dance friends who volunteered their time and talents to support my camps. I am especially grateful to my family, who have supported and encouraged me throughout many years of Girl Scouts and dance and who helped make this project a reality.

13

Ellie Brew she/her

Helping Young Kids Understand Nutrition Ellie recognized the lack of knowledge about nutrition in elementary aged students. After researching different elements of nutrition and its importance, she designed coloring sheets and put together workshops for kids, leading them in different educational activities to help them learn that healthy eating can be fun. Ellie also designed infographics and brought them to different medical facilities in San Diego to be displayed for patients to see in waiting rooms.

Ellie learned the importance of communication and persistence while coordinating and planning different elements of her project and gathering a team to help. She also learned that it’s important to stay focused on your goals and not stop when things get tough.

Huge thanks to both my Gold Award Committee mentor, Cam Bowman, and project advisor, Jennfier Nevius, for helping me overcome obstacles while completing my project. Thank you to my friend and fellow Gold Award Girl Scout, Julia Lockwood, who was a huge help throughout the whole process and always helped me stay focused.

14

Belle Ming-Ju Britson

School Safety Patrol Instructional Video While serving on the School Safety Patrol at Tierrasanta Elementary School, Belle realized that students had few resources to learn about safety. To combat this, she worked in conjunction with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) to create a detailed instructional video and pamphlet to teach students. Her learning materials will be used for decades by the SDPD in presentations, classrooms, and online to teach thousands of students annually about safety.

Belle learned how to effectively manage a project and work in a professional environment. Through planning filming dates, recruiting actors, and having individual meetings at the SDPD, Belle has gained the skills and confidence to be a real leader.

Thank you to my parents for leading me into Girl Scouts and helping me make a meaningful impact on my community; I will cherish this forever. Thank you also to my Gold Award project advisor, Mr. Villanueva, for aiding me in the editing process of my video, and lastly thanks to Officer Ryan Tentler and Sergeant Briggita Belz for being there every step of the way in my Gold Award; I do not know what I would have done without your guidance. Thank you tremendously.

15

Brenna Case she/her

Supporting Career-Bound High School Students Brenna noticed that students at her high school in career and technical pathways did not share equal recognition and validation with college-bound students. To fix this, she established a branch of the National Technical Honor Society club at Ramona High School. Brenna created a space where high school students can be celebrated for nonacademic achievements.

Brenna learned how to advocate for the things that are important to her, how to overcome obstacles, and most importantly, how to persevere, especially when things feel impossible. She gained skills in time management, communication, and problem solving.

Thank you to my project advisor, Dadre Rudolph, the students and school staff who helped make this club possible, and the supportive members of my community. A special thank you to my troop leader, Anne Marie Wilson, for being my own personal cheerleader, and to my brother, Scott, for being one of my steadiest supporters. Last but not least, Mom and Dad, I couldn’t have done it without you guys. You both provided so much guidance and support and were always ready to help me, no matter what. I love you so much!

16

Emily Chao she/her

Everyone Can TRI After completing her first triathlon, Emily discovered the impact of such an achievement on her mindset and selfbelief. However, financial barriers and lack of mentorship often stood in the way of of others completing a triathlon.

To address this issue, Emily developed the Torrey Pines Triathlon Club. She partnered with the Triathlon Club of San Diego and Judi Carbary, Team USA Triathlon World Championships Bronze Medalist. She found ways to eliminate financial barriers through grants, discounts, and financial aid. Spanning over 30 active members in five different schools across San Diego, her triathlon club continues to empower students to accomplish something they never thought they could.

Emily learned valuable project management and organization skills as she navigated outreach with coaches and sponsors and compiled resources for club members. She experienced the rewards of giving back to the community and demonstrated initiative in empowering students to tackle physical challenges.

Huge thanks to my parents, brother, Girl Scout troop, and friends for supporting my project and helping me achieve my vision.

Thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor and project advisor for providing me guidance and direction along my path to the Gold Award.

17

Dakota Coffey she/her

What Dogs Can Do Dakota noticed that there was a lack of knowledge on working dogs in her community. Due to this, individuals with disabilities who benefit from service dogs often face discrimination. To address this issue, Dakota partnered with local organizations to hold presentations to teach kids, teens, and adults about working dogs. She created a brochure that would continue to be used to spread awareness on working dogs at outreach events.

Through her presentations, Dakota gained public speaking skills and learned how to create valuable connections in her community. In addition, she discovered her passion for advocating for individuals with disabilities as well as the work of service dogs.

Special thanks to my mom who helped me with every question I had, every time I needed a volunteer, or even just some quick advice. Thank you to my dad and my brother who guided me and volunteered to help whenever needed. Thank you to my amazing advisor, Marilyn Fullen, for providing valuable guidance and support, and to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Judy Pritchett, for constantly believing in me and helping me bring my vision to life.

18

Kendall Crane she/her

From the Hair Down: Best Life Confidence Builder and the Value of Volunteerism Kendall addressed the lack of affordable grooming and professional confidence among women experiencing homelessness. Through her project, she provided free haircuts to residents at El Nido Transitional Living to improve self-esteem and professional appearance. Kendall also led philanthropy workshops for a school club, a Girl Scout troop, and local stylists to promote a pay-it-forward volunteer model. Serving 133 participants in total, she established a sustainable system for ongoing haircut sessions between stylists and the shelter. Additionally, Kendall produced a how-to manual that is being shared across the Interfaith Shelter Network to ensure her impact reaches women throughout the county.

Kendall learned how to be a leader and stay tenacious. She developed strong problem-solving skills by overcoming logistical challenges and coordinating her team. Most importantly, she gained the confidence to bring people together in efforts to make a real difference in her community.

Thank you to my family and friends for motivating me to complete my project and to the team of hairstylists and volunteers at the El Nido Transitional Living Center. Lastly, thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany Chatham Smith, for helping me complete my project.

19

Eva Cruz she/her

Inspiring Women of the Future Eva wanted to challenge stereotypes and show young girls that success is not a fixed image. She visited elementary classrooms at Foster, Hearst, and Benchely Weinburger Elementary Schools from grades K-5 and presented diverse women from history to over 200 students. These women came from varied backgrounds and ethnicities and had a variety of jobs to represent the vast ways a woman can succeed. Near one of the schools and in partnership with Girl Scout Troop 4830, she also painted a utility box containing the quotes from the women in her presentation.

Her project will sustain an impact through the knowledge of these new diverse role models.

Eva learned leadership, quick problem-solving, and accountability. While presenting, she learned to quickly adjust for specific audiences. She also learned how to responsibly reach out to community leaders and hold herself accountable for responding to emails and completing important parts of her project promptly.

Thank you to troop 4830, troop 4052, the Kiwanis Club, my troop leader, Ms. Stefani, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Barbra LaPlante, and my family for supporting the competition of my Gold Award.

20

Delaney Dalton she/her

Children’s Book About Having a Grandparent with Alzheimer’s Delaney realized that many young children who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a memory loss issue often experience confusion and struggle to understand the changes in that person and how it affects their relationships.

To address this issue, she wrote and illustrated a children’s book aimed to help kids understand the changes their loved one may experience with a memory loss issue. She worked with specialists at Alzheimer’s San Diego and a publisher to make the book easy to understand.

This project taught Delaney valuable skills including time management, leadership, and initiative. She learned the importance of compassion and patience during her time working with Alzheimer’s San Diego as she interacted with their clients and caregivers. Delaney is so grateful she was able to use her life experience to help other children and families facing similar challenges.

Thank you to my family, friends, and mentors for helping and supporting me throughout this experience: your encouragement and assistance helped me to complete my Gold Award.

21

Charlotte Doll

The Pet Pathway Charlotte noticed that a lot of animals did not safely escape during the Palisades fire, and she worried about what she would do with all of her animals if she had to evacuate with short notice. To address the issue, Charlotte gave presentations and demonstrations on what to keep packed and ready to go and how to treat emergency issues in cats, dogs, and rabbits. She also created an Instagram page where she shared helpful tips and tricks.

Charlotte learned how to structure and present information to people of all ages. She learned how to keep herself prepared for any emergency situation and how to treat common issues with her own pets along with sharing her knowledge with the general public.

Thank you to my mom, my troop and my leaders for providing me with helpful information and feedback throughout my project, and to all the troops that allowed me to host presentations.

Without them, I would not have been able to share my project.

22

Karina Ford she/her

Conociendo la Escoliosis Empoderando la Comunidad (Understanding Scoliosis Empowering the Community) Karina developed an educational video campaign to resolve the systemic lack of accessible, culturally-relevant health education for new scoliosis patients. She created eight videos in both English and Spanish to address low health literacy, particularly within the Spanish-speaking community. Karina partnered with the Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation (SSSF) and Rady Children’s Hospital to ensure her videos reached patients immediately postdiagnosis. The videos are permanently hosted on SSSF’s YouTube channel to ensure a sustainable global impact.

Rady Children’s Hospital distributes the videos to new patients, which are also shared within the San Diego Unified School District.

Karina learned she could lead and organize a team to create a tangible product that directly supported children facing scoliosis. The project helped her build courage by compelling her to share her journey publicly, develop strong skills in public speaking and collaboration, and cultivate strategic partnership for long-term impact.

Thank you to my parents and my sister for supporting me in Girl Scouts since the beginning and now through achieving my Gold Award. Special thank you to my dad for being my troop leader, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Ms. Jennipher Harris, and my project advisor, Dr. Upasani, for the help and guidance along my Gold Award journey.

23

Margeaux Faith Francia she/her

Personal Finance Basics for Teens Margeaux developed a financial literacy campaign for teens to address the root cause of limited practical money education in schools which leaves adolescents unprepared for real-world financial decisions. She created a workbook, website, and presentations, which she delivered to middle and high school students. Her program demonstrates measurable reach and offers a scalable, sustainable model for continued use.

The most valuable skill she learned was about being an effective teacher. Through this experience, she also learned the importance of being patient and showing perseverance in managing a project of this scale. The most valuable lesson she learned through this project is that perseverance truly is rewarding.

I’m grateful to my mom, dad, and brother, Philip, for their constant support. Sincere thanks to my advisor, Mr. Joseph Matosich, and my Girl Scout Committee mentor, Linda Wightman, for their invaluable guidance, encouragement, and belief in me. Thank you to the teachers, school administrators, and community partners who welcomed me into their classrooms and supported my presentations, as well as the students who participated. Finally, I appreciate all the friends, family members, and supporters who contributed their time, feedback, and encouragement.

24

Audrey Francis she/her

Money Master Audrey recognized a significant gap in financial literacy education, so she partnered with Stone Ranch Elementary School to visit weekly and teach engaging, age-appropriate lessons. She designed thoughtful lesson plans, led interactive activities, and created quizzes to reinforce key concepts like saving and responsible spending.

Teachers observed students applying what they learned by confidently demonstrating money-saving skills at the school store. Through her dedication and leadership, Audrey helped build a foundation of financial confidence that will benefit students well beyond the classroom.

Audrey learned leadership skills by teaching students about saving, spending, budgeting, and sharing money.

While organizing visits with 700+ students and creating lessons for varying ages, she adapted using organizational and communication skills. She discovered her passion for making a difference and thriving in leadership roles.

Thank you to my parents as well as my brother and my sisters for supporting me on the path to earning my Gold Award. Special thanks to my troop leader, Michelle, for everything she’s helped me with throughout my Girl Scout journey. One last thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor and project advisor for the advice and guidance along the way.

25

Pallavi Goel she/her

Building Biological Literacy Through Accessible Biology Education for Youth Pallavi created a hands-on STEM workshop series that made biology accessible to elementary and middle school students through weekly experiments, models, and interactive lessons at the Boys and Girls Club. She designed and taught low-cost activities to address the lack of engaging, hands-on biology education in under-resourced communities where STEM is often taught through memorization rather than exploration. She reached an average of 20 students per lesson while building scientific curiosity and confidence.

To sustain impact, she founded BioBridge at Canyon Crest Academy and created a replicable lesson notebook that trains future student volunteers to continue and expand the program.

Pallavi gained leadership, adaptability, and communication skills by designing lessons, managing volunteers, and teaching energetic classrooms. Through leading BioBridge, she learned how to make complex science engaging for younger students, balance structure with flexibility, and build a sustainable program that creates lasting educational impact.

Thank you to my parents for supporting me on the path to earning the Gold Award and volunteering their time to join my club and initiative. Additionally, special thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Jennipher Harris, and project advisor, Emma Lemus, for the advice and guidance along the way.

26

Nethra Gopalakrishnan she/her

Breaking the Silence: A Journey Beyond the Stigma Nethra found the problem of mental health stigma to be rooted in misunderstanding, so she launched an educational campaign to promote mental health awareness and emotional well-being. She led a series of workshops at High Tech High North County and San Marcos Senior Center where she discussed mental health topics. To ensure that her project is sustainable, she led workshops for her own club members on how to run mental health awareness events for the community.

Nethra learned to lead with empathy, adapt under pressure, and coordinate teams effectively when conducting the mental health awareness workshops for people of various generations. Through this experience, Nethra discovered her strength in creating inclusive, supportive spaces for everyone to improve mental health and to address mental health stigma.

Heartfelt thanks to Ms. Karrie, my Gold Award Committee mentor, for her constant guidance and encouragement, to Ms. Aleida, our school’s student dean, for her invaluable support, to Ms. Jennifer, head of the San Marcos Senior Center, for welcoming my project and helping me connect with the senior community, and to Mr. Andrew, my Gold Award project advisor, for his advice and inspiration. I am deeply grateful to my parents for their endless love, patience, and belief in me every step of the way, and I thank my friends Bella and Dave, all my club members, and my high school peers for their teamwork and enthusiasm.

27

Risha Guha she/her

Bytes for Brighter Healthcare Risha noticed that while medical treatments exist for pediatric HIV, children in developing countries often suffer because local clinics lack the digital infrastructure to manage their care effectively. To bridge this gap, she partnered with the nonprofit, Power of Love, to build a sustainable, predictive data-tracking platform for healthcare workers in Zambia. Risha also hosted an educational workshop series at local elementary schools to empower over 500 young students to understand global health crises and craft care bracelets for Zambian youth.

With over 100 healthcare workers utilizing her platform, Risha’s initiative continues to strengthen access to care while inspiring long-term community engagement both locally and globally.

Through this project, Risha developed leadership, adaptability, and communication skills. She gained experience turning ideas into sustainable impact and saw firsthand how consistent effort can create lasting results.

Thank you to my Gold Award advisor for her everlasting time and guidance, as well as my troop for inspiring me to pursue my Gold Award dreams, and to my community partner, local library, and PUSD schools, without whom my project would not have been possible. Finally, a special thank you to my parents for their love and support.

28

Ella Harkins she/her

Bring Change to Mind Mental Health Club Ella is very passionate about mental health awareness in teens and founded a high school club with the goal of de-stigmatizing mental health as a topic of conversation on campus with 6-12th graders. She gathered a team of executives, advisors, and club members to support and contribute and partnered with and received a grant from the non-profit, Bring Change to Mind, to fund all club activities.

The club hosted numerous school-wide events, including a Suicide Prevention Month presentation, an advice panel for incoming freshmen, a school-wide trivia activity for Mental Health Awareness Month, and much more. And, she established and created a curriculum for the club to continue after she graduates.

Throughout this project, Ella learned a wide array of leadership skills, including how to recruit a team, assign specific jobs, coordinate with administrators, and troubleshoot obstacles. She learned how to apply for and receive grant money, plan events, and stay on top of scheduling and appointments.

A huge thank you to my parents who have supported me throughout the entire journey to earning my Gold Award. Also, thank you to my amazing Gold Award Committee mentor who I couldn’t have done this without!

29

Autumn Jaehn she/her

Solutions For Change Community Enrichment Autumn led an enrichment and educational outreach project that focused on community-based needs by partnering with Solutions for Change to build a safe, outdoor gathering space for families experiencing homelessness. Her project addressed the lack of supportive community environments and limited access to resources for families. She collaborated with Solutions for Change, the Optimist Club, Soroptimist Club, Elks Lodge, and local hardware stores.

Through presentations, school visits, and public outreach at Kobey’s Swap Meet, she increased awareness and inspired ongoing community support. Her project remains sustainable through donated outreach materials, distributed flyers, and strengthened community partnerships, ensuring continued volunteer engagement and long-term impact for families seeking stability.

Autumn learned how to work with lumber while building the space, practiced better budgeting strategies, and gained more confidence with professional public speaking.

Thank you to my family for helping me bring this project to life, especially my dad, whose role was instrumental in so many ways, and to Roma Ferriter from Solutions For Change for her communication and patience as I figured out how to navigate earning my Gold Award.

30

Anaya Jain she/her

The Spoken Verse: Creative Writing Education For Adults Anaya addressed the widespread lack of creative writing opportunities for adults by creating The Spoken Verse, an educational initiative centered on making literature accessible to all ages. Her project included many online and in-person poetry workshops hosted at the Rancho Bernardo branch of the San Diego Public Library, a six-episode podcast, and a flash fiction contest promoted through 30+ libraries and organizations across Southern California.

Reaching over 100 participants across California and even multiple countries, Anaya left behind a free, publicly accessible website, podcast, and YouTube workshop series that adults can continue to learn from long after the project is complete.

Anaya discovered that making a difference takes immense time and dedication. Through years of managing her project independently, she learned persistence, open-mindedness, and a much deeper understanding of what it means to make an impact on society.

My sincerest gratitude to my Gold Award Committee mentor, project advisor, troop leader, family, and everyone who showed up and participated in The Spoken Verse. This project would not have been possible without any of you.

31

Liliana Jimenez she/her

This is Bloody Important!

Liliana recognized the critical global shortage of blood supplies and the lack of awareness surrounding blood donations. To address this issue, she collaborated with the American Red Cross to gain insight and hosted multiple blood drives in her community. By founding a dedicated club and designing educational pamphlets for her peers at Chula Vista High School, Liliana established a sustainable platform for advocacy that continues to emphasize the lifesaving importance of blood donations.

Through this project, Liliana learned important skills like engaging students to help those in need, community outreach, and how to turn vision into action. She gained vital knowledge in logistics, volunteer coordination, and cross-organizational teamwork while continuing to build her project management skills and deepen her commitment to sustainable civic advocacy.

Thank you to my parents for supporting me through my journey to earning the Gold Award, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany, my project advisor, Ms. Petersen, and my troop leaders for all the guidance throughout.

32

Aashni Katari she/her

Screen Time and Social Media Effects on Children Aashni spearheaded an educational initiative focused on the impact of social media on young people. She blended community outreach with a six-book literary series—”Beyond the Screen”—and explored topics like cyberbullying, peer pressure, screen addiction, and self-esteem. Aashni also organized brochure and poster presentations at local libraries and elementary schools. She plans to continue her advocacy by working with the Poway Unified School District Board to establish a Social Media Awareness and Youth Well-Being Day. Aashni discovered a passion for translating complex research into clear, accessible information, as well as for storytelling and writing books. She found joy in public speaking, engaging diverse audiences, and gaining new perspectives. She also learned time management skills and how to adapt calmly and effectively to changes while continuously improving her work.

Thank you to my family and friends for their support. I am grateful to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Ms. Judy Pritchett, my project advisor, Dr. Anjali Varigonda, and my troop leader, Ms. Brisson, for their guidance and encouragement. I also deeply appreciate my community partners, including Mr. Paul Koenig, PTF president of MRES, and my local library, who were invaluable in supporting this project.

33

Payton Keller she/her

Mental Health is More Than Skin Deep Payton identified the negative impact of social media and comparison on self-image, so she developed a mentoring and educational workshop series focused on building self-esteem and confidence among teen girls. Her program served girls ages 12-17 across San Diego and Los Angeles counties, primarily reaching youth through community groups like FANCY. Payton organized and led workshops— each supported by volunteers—and impacted more than 200 participants. She measured success through surveys, and most girls reported increased confidence and awareness.

To ensure sustainability, she created a detailed workshop binder with lesson plans and activities so future leaders can continue the program and expand its reach within the community and beyond.

Through this project, Payton developed leadership, communication, and organizational skills. She gained a deeper understanding of the impact of self-esteem on teen girls and learned how to create meaningful, lasting change through education, mentorship, and community engagement.

Thank you to my mother for encouraging and supporting me throughout my journey to earn my Gold Award. A special thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany Chatham Smith, and my project advisor, Latysa Flowers, for their guidance, support, and dedication in helping me successfully complete my project.

34

Maile Lee she/her

Ready To Recycle Maile addressed the growing issue of ocean pollution and environmental ignorance in San Diego by creating an environmental education website for youth and educators.

Working with I Love A Clean San Diego, Port of San Diego, and Living Coast Discovery Center, along with local schools, she developed interactive mini-lessons, games, recycling resources, videos, and watershed education materials for elementary through high school students. Shared across school districts and environmental organizations, the website reached thousands of users, expanded to classrooms in Hawaii, and continues to serve as a long-term educational resource that remains accessible.

Maile strengthened her leadership, communication, and time management skills. She also learned how to take initiative, build community connections, and overcome her fear of reaching out to organizations while creating a lasting impact on environmental education.

Thank you to my family, friends, troop leaders, and project advisor, Ms. Vallebo, for their support. I am also grateful to the environmental organizations and educators who collaborated with me and helped expand the impact of my project within the community and beyond.

35

Chloe Lestyk she/her

Storm Water Run Off Solutions Chloe led an environmental education and action project which combined workshops, community cleanups, and water quality research to address water pollution. Her project served Girl Scout troops, local community members, and readers of her research, and she partnered with I Love A Clean San Diego, Surfrider San Diego, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Cabrillo National Monument’s EcoLogik/CESAP program. Chloe also helped collect water quality data along the San Dieguito River and contributed to a published online research paper. Her project created lasting impact by increasing environmental awareness, encouraging volunteer cleanups, and promoting sustainable practices.

Chloe gained valuable experience in environmental education, community leadership, and scientific research. She developed skills in organizing workshops, collaborating with environmental organizations, and communicating complex topics clearly. Through her project, she strengthened her ability to lead volunteers, analyze environmental data, and inspire others to take action for local water quality improvement.

Thank you to my parents and my sister, Zoey, for their constant support, encouragement, and help. Thanks to Christina Arias Liles for her guidance and mentorship, and to everyone at EcoLogik for their collaboration, expertise, and support during my research and fieldwork.

36

Annabelle Loeffelholz she/her

A Taste of Unity Annabelle found that food insecurity is often worsened by a lack of awareness, unity, and community support.

To address this issue, she led an initiative that cultivated a dedicated garden bed section at the Monterey Ridge/4S Ranch Community Garden to grow produce for donation, hosted an event called, Evening in the Garden, where she educated community members about food insecurity, and developed a digital cookbook—”Flavors Without Borders”— to celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen community connections. Annabelle engaged youth and residents in growing produce for donation, supporting those facing food insecurity. Her project will have a lasting impact through continued student involvement in maintaining the garden bed, ongoing produce donations, and long-term access to educational resources and the cookbook.

Annabelle learned valuable leadership, communication, and adaptability skills while coordinating community partners and engaging diverse audiences. She gained confidence in guiding a long-term initiative and discovered how education and collaboration can inspire others to take action and strengthen community.

My deepest gratitude to all those who helped make this project possible: my family, friends, community, Gold Award Committee mentor, Judy Pritchett, and my project advisor and former teacher, Nicole Moore. Thank you for all the unwavering support and encouragement!

37

Calista Lowery she/her

MARS: Mind at Rest Space Mindfulness Club Calista created MARS: Mind at Rest Space, a school-based mental health and peer support program designed to foster connection, reduce stigma, and provide students with accessible coping strategies. Recognizing that many teens experienced increased social isolation and anxiety following the COVID-19 pandemic, she established a structured club that offered guided discussions, mindfulness activities, and resource sharing. MARS served high school students by partnering with school counselors and staff to ensure accurate information sharing and meaningful support.

By developing meeting guides, leadership materials, and a sustainable club framework, Calista ensured that MARS will continue beyond her involvement, creating a lasting impact on student well-being and serving as a model that can be replicated in other schools and communities.

Calista developed strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills while creating a supportive space for her peers. She gained confidence in advocating for mental health awareness and learned how to collaborate with school staff to implement lasting change, deepening her commitment to fostering inclusive, empathetic communities.

Thank you to my mom for her encouraging words and support, and to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tracy Bracht, for all the advice and guidance!

38

Annika Mara

Be a Bless-Ann Annika found that students cannot afford school supplies due to inflation and teachers have to buy them out of their own paychecks. To address this issue, she partnered with Catholic schools in her community to donated used and new supplies at the end of their school year. Annika has created relationships with nonprofits and organizations both here in San Diego and in Mexico, so that students can thrive in schools.

Annika has learned that being an empowering leader requires courage and grit. Through this experience, she has gained valuable time management and public speaking skills, which she can use for the rest of her life.

Firstly, thank you to God for blessing me with this opportunity.

Thank you to my wonderful parents and siblings for supporting me on my path to earning my Gold Award.

39

Isabella Moreno she/her

Be the change Isabella created an educational awareness campaign comprised of interactive presentations, discussions, and hands-on activities to teach students about bullying prevention. Her campaign also emphasized developing empathy, respect, and supportive behaviors toward others and served elementary and middle school students ages 8-14. By increasing students’ understanding of bullying through discussions and interactive lessons, Isabella has ensured her project’s sustainability.

Isabella gained a deeper understanding of the impact that bullying has on children emotionally, socially, and academically and strengthened her communication and leadership skills. She developed stronger empathy and patience and learned how to plan, organize, and adapt educational content to meet the needs of different age groups.

Thank you, Mrs. Tiffany, for your consistent guidance, encouragement, and support. Thank you also to my troop leader, Alison, who helped me begin this journey and provided important support. Thank you to the organizations I collaborated with, including the Mental Health Club, Mount Carmel High School, local libraries, and Girl Scout troops. Thank you to my biggest supporters, my mother, Angela and my father, Ernie, who continuously encourage me and support me in everything I do. I love you to the moon and back.

40

Ava Grace Nichols

Wear It Again Workshop: Building Confidence Through Sustainable Fashion Ava Grace created Wear It Again Workshop, a sustainable fashion education and workshop series designed to teach students in grades 1-6 about how to reduce clothing waste.

Recognizing that many young students are never taught how fashion impacts the environment, she partnered with The Princess Project San Diego and local community organizations to lead interactive workshops featuring styling activities, sustainability lessons, and confidencebuilding runway presentations. Participants also helped create comfort bags for cancer infusion patients using repurposed materials. To ensure lasting impact, she developed curricula materials and educational videos that are shared through online platforms. Her project continues to promote sustainable fashion awareness, environmental responsibility, and community service among youth.

Ava Grace developed stronger leadership, public speaking, and event-planning skills while learning how to create educational curricula and collaborate with community organizations. Through leading workshops and mentoring younger students, she gained confidence in using creativity and service to make a lasting impact in her community.

Thank you to my troop leaders, project advisor, Karen MartinSpellerberg, and everyone at The Princess Project San Diego for supporting me; thank you for the encouragement, guidance, and opportunities you gave me to turn my passion for sustainable fashion and service into a meaningful project.

41

Isabella Olson she/her

Flights for the Future After years of observing the decline of native species in her community and beyond, Isabella was inspired to take action.

She created a documentary to highlight the importance of protecting native pollinators through habitat preservation and the growth of native plants. With the support of the Wings of Change organization, Isabella helped plant over 100 native plants throughout local neighborhoods. Her documentary has also educated hundreds of viewers about the vital role pollinators play in sustaining healthy ecosystems.

Isabella vastly improved her communication skills by learning how to deliver a message that both educates and inspires, as well as the importance of putting yourself out there to advocate for your cause. Finally, Isabella discovered that with a confident attitude and a great team, you can accomplish absolutely anything!

I am deeply grateful to my project advisor, Stephanie Holbrook; I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without her. Thank you to my Girl Scout family, especially my leaders Miss Liz and Miss Leslie, and my Scout sisters who supported me. Finally, I am endlessly thankful for my grandparents, my sister, my mom, my dad, and my best friend, Natalie. I love you all. Thank you for always believing in me!

42

Jade Peters she/her

Girls Computer Science and Design Club Jade founded a program that encouraged young girls to engage in computer science and engineering topics to address the underrepresentation of women and girls in STEM. The program served students at Sundance Elementary through weekly meetings with lessons and project-based learning taught by high school volunteers and mentors. With help from San Diego’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE-SD), Jade designed and taught a complete 12-week curriculum that allowed students to apply their new programming and design knowledge to unique games and personal interests. Throughout the program, the girls were encouraged to think critically, collaborate with their peers, and learn to love engineering and science.

Jade learned the importance of collaboration when designing lessons so that all students are able to understand and learn from projects. The different strengths and perspectives from both volunteers and students were invaluable when teaching, as they identified mistakes or better alternatives that improved the lessons for everyone.

Thank you to my mom and dad for supporting me throughout this project; Dr. Tracy Nguyen, the president of SWE-SD; Judy Pritchett; Jen Russo; and all the volunteers who spent hours working with and connecting to the students to ensure the best experience for everyone.

43

Gabriella Reichel she/her

Groovin and Still Moovin When visiting her grandma in a retirement home, Gabriella noticed that the social and physical interactions were limited, so she created seated dance classes to focus on building social and emotional well-being. She visited retirement homes a a few times per week to lead the residents in upper and lower body stretches and dance moves to their favorite tunes. By the end of her project, she had over 63 residents moving and grooving. She continued her project by sharing her instructional slides and lesson plans with the activity directors so they can continue running her classes.

When she first stepped into a memory care facility, Gabriella wasn’t sure how to connect with the residents. By sharing her love of dance and combining that with music from the ‘60s and ‘70s, she found a way to bridge the gap.

Thank you to my family, my project advisor, Beverly, the Homesteader, and Vista Del Lago for all their support. Most of all, I am grateful for my mom, Carla, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Linda, and my community partner, Amanda for the guidance and encouragement these last couple months. I can’t thank you enough for helping to make this possible!

44

Sahara Rodriguez she/her

Becoming One With Our Community Sahara founded Young Leaders of San Ysidro, a studentled community service club focused on helping students in border communities access meaningful volunteer opportunities. Many students at San Ysidro cross daily from Tijuana and face challenges. To address this issue, Sahara organized flexible service opportunities within 10-15 minutes of campus and partnered with organizations including Casa Familiar, Youth Will, and The Global ARC. Students participated in food distributions, community cleanups, and outreach events while building leadership, communication, teamwork, and time management skills.

The club created a more connected and inclusive community and will continue through future student leadership and ongoing community partnerships.

Sahara learned how to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and organize projects that create lasting community impact. Through this experience, she strengthened her leadership, teamwork, and problemsolving skills while gaining confidence in her ability to bring people together and create opportunities for others.

Thank you to my family, advisors, friends, and community partners for supporting me. Thank you to Casa Familiar, Youth Will, The Global ARC, and everyone involved with Young Leaders of San Ysidro for believing in my project and helping me create a positive impact in my community.

45

Brooklynn Samaniego she/her

Reel Roots Student Film Festival Brooklynn identified that young students who are interested in film often feel excluded from or intimidated by the film industry due to its focus on adults and its limited opportunities for young aspiring filmmakers. To address this issue, she created a student-centered initiative that hosted educational film festivals and the Reel Roots Film Festival, where students learned about the filmmaking process and showcased their talents to their community.

She partnered with the staff and students from Barnard Elementary, Angier Elementary, Pacific Beach Middle School, Mission Bay High School, and members of the Mission Bay Film Club, which will continue hosting the festival annually to ensure the project’s sustainability and long-term community impact.

As team leader, Brooklynn developed strong time management, communication, and organizational skills and gained the ability to effectively work with and guide her peers throughout the project.

Thank you to my family and team members who supported me.

Special thanks to my project advisor, Mrs. Balestreri, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany, and the staff and students who made my project possible.

46

Sara Shah she/her

Autism Tree Project Tennis Clinic Sara recognized that teens and young adults with autism often have limited access to inclusive physical activities and social opportunities. To address this, she designed and implemented a structured, inclusive, and recurring tennis clinic in partnership with the Autism Tree Project at North Park Tennis Courts in San Diego. Over eight months, Sara hosted six monthly clinics that served 5-10 teens and young adults with autism per session. Participants demonstrated measurable growth in coordination, confidence, and social interaction throughout the program. By creating repeatable clinic materials and integrating the program into the Autism Tree Project’s ongoing programming, Sara ensured the clinics will continue serving the community beyond her direct involvement.

Sara learned that effective leadership requires patience, adaptability, and empathy alongside organization and initiative. Through designing and running inclusive tennis clinics, she grew more confident in making decisions, managing volunteers, and creating welcoming environments for individuals with diverse needs.

Thank you to my mom for her unwavering support and to my troop leaders for everything they have done. A special thank you to my project advisor, Kyera Franklin, and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Linda Wightman, for their guidance and help throughout the entire project.

47

Alexsa Shenouda she/her

Break The Silence Alexsa recongized that her community lacked understanding and knowledge of suicide and realized that this issue was often dismissed, especially in teenagers. She started a club at her school called Break The Silence, which focused on suicide prevention and how students can help themselves and others. She also reached local middle and elementary schools as well as beyond her community by creating social media resources and hosting booths to raise awareness and share her message.

Alexsa expanded her leadership skills by learning how to adapt to uncomfortable but needed conversations, and tested her flexibility and confidence as a leader.

Alexsa learned the importance of time management and organization and how to handle certain situations.

A huge thank you to my family and friends, especially my mom who listened to me ramble for hours and was there every step of the way, and my dad who would always try to help by sharing all the ideas he could. Thank you also to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany Smith, who was more than just a mentor to me; I always felt her excitement and pride. Lastly, thanks to all my members and advisors, like Mr Martin, who were crazy enough to trust the process.

48

Elle Siemens she/her

Mental Health Elle saw a need amongst her peers to have better access to mental health information and education. By starting a club at her school, she created a great venue for her fellow teens to have the tools needed to foster and protect good mental health.

Elle learned that the concept of mental health must be familiar to all in order to create a future where teens feel comfortable to access help when it’s needed.

Thank you to my parents and sister for supporting me in all my endeavors. Special thanks to my Gold Award Committee mentor and project advisor for their mentorship and kindness along the way.

49

Lauren Silver she/her

Oceanside Sand Toy Borrow Box Lauren Silver created a take one, leave one beach toysharing box in Oceanside to reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable practices. In addition to designing and installing the box, she led educational presentations at local elementary schools to teach students about plastic pollution, environmental responsibility, and the importance of reusing beach toys. Working with community supporters and local volunteers, Lauren established a project that continues to serve beachgoers daily. The box is monitored, cleaned, repaired, and restocked regularly, ensuring its long-term use and measurable impact on reducing waste while increasing environmental awareness among children, families, and visitors in the community.

Through managing her project, Lauren developed strong communication, leadership, budgeting, responsibility, and time management skills. Coordinating community support, organizing educational outreach, and maintaining the project taught her how sustainable change requires teamwork, dedication, and consistent community involvement.

Sincere thanks to my mentor, Janis Jones, for her constant guidance, encouragement, and support. I would also like to thank Dawn for helping maintain, repair, clean, and restock the beach toy box to ensure the project’s continued success.

Finally, I am incredibly grateful to my parents for their endless encouragement, support, and motivation.

50

Zara Singh she/her

“The Big 5” Teen Mental Health Podcast Zara created a podcast called “The Big 5” that spotlights the five most common teen mental health challenges: OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and eating disorders. Her podcast offers a starter kit of mental health information backed by extensive research, mental health professionals, and student stories. In making “The Big 5,” Zara increased mental health resources for young people.

In discovering a network of strong, passionate, and sensitive youth mental health advocates, she has grown more confident in her ability to overcome her own struggles. She was surprised by the dedication and effort of everyone involved in the podcast and further impassioned by all of the work that still needs to be done.

To say this project was a two-year roller coaster would be a major understatement! Thank you to everyone who rode it with me: my family (my mom, dad, brother, and sister), Ms. Jen Pernicano, Ms. Alessandra Rizzotti, Ms. Brittany Flores, Daisy Chen and Minjun Choi, Harini Iyer, Brynn Tyler, Paaramita Asuri, Dominic Hronek-Perez, Kanoa Le, Reego-Darian Rivera, Ariana Iyer, Parker Ridings, and Briana Beach, and Ms. Judy Lair, Ms. Jolia Awadallah, Ms. Shauna Pichette, Ms. Lorraine Weiner, and Ms. Mell Hagberg. All of you truly carried the process on your backs.

51

Kaylee Stewart she/her

Rising for Resolution Kaylee realized after the COVID-19 pandemic, many relationships were broken and communication became weak because of the time we spent by ourselves. To address the issue, Kaylee partnered with a local thrift shop to build civic engagement for the community and enhance entrepreneurship skills to help the store reach an audience.

She worked alongside store owner, Terry Norwood, to rekindle the lost engagement from our communities through in-store events and online activities.

Kaylee learned the importance of making connections and maintaining them towards entrepreneurial or business approaches to strengthen a community.

Thank you to my dad, sister, and especially my mom for pushing me to earn this award. A special thanks to my project advisor, Terry Norwood, and Gold Award Committee mentor, Judy Pritchett, for answering all my questions.

52

Harshini Subramanian she/her

Heritage Language Empowerment Harshini created Heritage Language Empowerment, an educational workshop series that promoted language preservation, cultural awareness, and cross-community understanding. The project addressed the declining use of Indian heritage languages among youth by providing structured opportunities for language learning, storytelling, and cultural engagement. Working with volunteers and educators at San Marcos High School, Harshini developed lesson plans, activities, assessments, and facilitation resources for youth ages 14-17 in the Indian community. Participants improved their heritage language comprehension and speaking skills while strengthening their connection to their cultural identity. To ensure lasting impact, Harshini created a turn-key program kit containing lesson plans, presentation materials, assessments, and volunteer training resources.

Harshini developed leadership, project management, and communication skills. She learned how to build sustainable programs, train and motivate volunteers, adapt to challenges, and create welcoming learning environments. Most importantly, she discovered the lasting impact that education and cultural connection can have on a community.

Thank you to my parents and family for their constant encouragement and support. Special thanks to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Linda Wightman, my project advisor, and everyone at San Marcos High School who helped make this project possible.

53

Stella Wahl she/her

Artistic Opportunities for all kids Stella noticed that COVID-19 removed many artistic opportunities for both neurodivergent and neurotypical children, so she hosted a series of workshops dedicated to teaching art, singing, and dance to youth ages 5-18.

Passionate about the arts, Stella created engaging workshops and showcases designed to improve creative and performance skills while also building confidence and self-expression in young girls. Working with ACES and Tap Fever Dance Studio, she organized inclusive activities that encouraged creativity in a supportive environment. To create a lasting impact, Stella also developed a volunteer training video that teaches future volunteers how to support students with disabilities in creative settings.

Stella gained leadership, communication, and problemsolving skills through organizing inclusive arts workshops.

She learned how to adapt to challenges, guide students with patience, and create a supportive environment that encouraged confidence, creativity, and self-expression.

Thank you to my parents for supporting me throughout the Gold Award process. Thank you also to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany, who was truly the best I could ever ask for, as well as my troop 4354 for all their guidance.

54

Devon Wulf she/her

Beach Purification Devon noticed that beaches in her local community suffered from pollution and many residents lacked the knowledge and resources to help address the issue. She partnered with the San Diego River Park Foundation, local libraries, lifeguard stations, and Girl Scout troops to organize beach cleanups, educational workshops, and community expos to focus on beach conservation and pollution prevention.

Through six beach cleanups, four workshops, and one expo, Devon educated her target audience by providing sustainable habits and practical ways to protect beaches.

By donating cleanup kits, sharing workshop materials, and conducting follow-up checks, she created a sustainable project that will continue to encourage and teach environmental upkeep and protect beaches in and outside of the community.

Devon developed leadership, communication, and organizational skills while learning how to coordinate community events and collaborate with local organizations.

She also gained a deeper connection and understanding of environmental education and discovered how education and community involvement can create lasting positive change.

Thank you to my parents, sister, friends, and troop leader for supporting me. Special thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor and project advisor for all the advice and guidance.

55

Samantha Yang she/her

Owning a Pet 101 Samantha created and led an educational campaign, workshop series, and interactive games to address the root causes of animal abuse. She partnered with Del Norte Animal Hospital, Monterey Ridge Elementary School, TeaNMore, and local Girl Scout troops to host educational workshops and outreach events. She also participated in community events like the Earth Day Fair and set up booths at the Paws4Thought Expo and Poodle Palooza event. Through these efforts, her campaign successfully raised awareness of pet care and animal abuse and reached more than 240 participants. Lastly, Samantha created a public Instagram account that continues to educate and inform the community.

Samantha gained confidence in leadership, public speaking, and project management by planning and leading community workshops. She learned to collaborate with professionals, adapt to challenges, and engage her audience while discovering her passion for animal advocacy and creating a lasting impact.

Thank you to my parents for their encouragement and support. I am especially grateful to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany Chatham Smith, my project advisor, Dr. Carrie Bone, and everyone who helped along the way for their guidance and support.

56

Leyla Yazici she/her

The Nutrition Mission Leyla recognized the bad relationship that many young girls develop with food, partially due to the lack of knowledge around nutrition. To address this, she created a nutrition patch program and workshops for young Girl Scouts and wrote a children’s book, “The Food Fairy,” that she shared in her neighborhood. In partnership with Olivewood Gardens, book publishers, and child nutrition specialists, Leyla created an accurate and effective curriculum.

Leyla learned both leadership and public speaking skills through conducting workshops for younger Girl Scouts. She also gained vital knowledge in creativity and collaboration through the creation of her children’s book related to the project.

Thank you to my family for supporting me as well as my project advisor, Gold Award Committee mentor, and all those at Olivewood Gardens for providing the resources and information.

57

1231 Upas Street, San Diego, CA 92103 sdgirlscouts.org @sdgirlscouts