2019 Gold Award & Scholarship Ceremony Thursday, June 6, 2019
Our Mission
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
The Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
2019 Gold Award & Scholarship Ceremony June 6, 2019 - 7-9 pm Baruch College
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.
Our Vision
A New York City in which every girls feels empowered to lead in her community, the workplace, and the world.
Welcome .......................................................................................................... Melissa D’Andrea Flag Ceremony............................................................ Gold Award & Scholarship Recipients Board President Greetings ..................................................................... Stephanie Schnabel CEO Remarks................................................................................................... Meridith Maskara Keynote Address Gold Award Presentations......................................... Melissa D’Andrea, Meridith Maskara • Advocates • Educators • Humanitarians A Tribute to My Mentor........................................................................ Gold Award Recipients Future Woman of Distinction Scholarship Remarks ...................................... Jocelyn Chin Scholarship Presentations................................... Stephanie Schnabel, Meridith Maskara • Dr. Harry Britenstool Scholarships • Carmen Dubroc Bright Future Scholarship Closing Remarks............................................................................................. Melissa D’Andrea Flag Ceremony ........................................................... Gold Award & Scholarship Recipients “God Bless America” .............................................................Jhanique Daniel and Audience
12 %
GSGNY At-A-Glance
NYC girls are receiving the Gold Award – the highest honor in Girl Scouts – tonight.
NYC Girls Served in 2018
25%
80+
23% 15%
hours to design and implement a community service project.
Independent/Other: 5%
4,960+
7,432 5,000+
adult volunteers.
girls attend Camp Kaufmann.
70+
college scholarships are available to Girl Scouts who complete their Gold Award.
70
%
of girls come from low to moderate-income families.
hours of community service performed by this year’s NYC Gold Award Girl Scouts.
The Gold Award At-A-Glance
31,281
62
22%
Welcome! We are delighted to welcome you to our 2019 Girl Scout Gold Award and Scholarship Presentation Ceremony. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn, indelibly marks a Girl Scout as an accomplished and distinguished member of their community and the world. At the Girl Scouts, we strive to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The remarkable young women we celebrate this evening are shining examples of these ideals. We are proud to bestow on them, the Girl Scout Gold Award. Earning the Gold Award is no easy feat – only 6% of eligible girls achieve this prestigious honor. We are thrilled that 62 girls here in New York City demonstrated real leadership in their communities through the design and completion of an 80+ hour Take Action Project this year. The Gold Award acknowledges the recipient’s dedication to not only empower and better herself, but to making the world a better place for others. Gold Award Girl Scouts prove that they are courageous leaders and visionary change-makers that leave a sustainable legacy in their communities, throughout New York City, and beyond. On behalf of the Girl Scouts, volunteers, board, and staff of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, we congratulate all of our extraordinary Gold Awardees and Scholarship recipients. You are truly girls of courage, confidence, and character, who have – and will continue – to make the world a better place. Yours in Girl Scouting,
Meridith Maskara Chief Executive Officer
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious award a young woman can earn in Girl Scouting. More than 5,500 Girl Scouts, nationality, design, implement, and complete Gold Award projects every year. Each girl is required to design and complete an 80+ hour Take Action project that will have a great impact on her community.
Dr. Harry Britenstool Scholarships
The Britenstool Scholarship is endowed in honor of Dr. Harry Britenstool for the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. It is designed for those young women with high scholastic ability, strong dedication to serving their communities, and career goals oriented toward the fields of medicine, science, or civic affairs. The scholarship is an award for the first year of college and is renewable for three years, provided that all renewal eligibility requirements are met. The award may be applied to the college of the recipient’s choice. The number of awards and the amounts vary each year, since the available funds are based on the annual income from the Dr. Harry Britenstool Trust.
Carmen Dubroc Bright Future Scholarship
The Carmen Dubroc Bright Future Scholarship is presented in honor of Carmen Dubroc, President and Chair Emerita of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York’s Board of Directors. It is designed for a young woman interested in pursuing a career in the arts, education, civil service, STEM, or the non-profit sector. The Girl Scout awarded with this scholarship has demonstrated a commitment to community service, participation in extracurricular activities, leadership ability, and the values of Girl Scouting and the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Future Woman of Distinction Award
Each year the Future Woman of Distinction Award is given to one Ambassador Girl Scout in New York City who has earned her Gold Award, and who represents the ideals inherent in Girl Scouting through her participation in and commitment to community service, high academic achievement, leadership skills, and ability to communicate the values of Girl Scouting, and who provides an exemplary example of Girl Scouting for all Girl Scouts and the Council’s constituents. This Award, together with a scholarship to continue her education, was presented to Jocelyn Chin at our annual Women of Distinction Breakfast in October 2018.In addition to receiving this Award at the Breakfast, Jocelyn shared her Girl Scout experience with our 500+ person audience.
About Tonight’s Awards
Girl Scout Gold Award
2019 Gold Award Recipients
Abigail Akbar Taylor Allen Nina Amatore Danielle Amster Victoria Andre Diana Bello Elizabeth Bianco Ciara Brody Khara Burnett Tiffany Challenger Annabelle Cheng Jocelyn Chin Jhanique Daniel Caroline Dannacher Amanda DiVittorio Mia Enmanuel Tiffany Fong Lenore Hernandez Kaitlyn Ho Emily Jaenicke Anna Koch
Anokhi Ladhani Jessica Lam Kareece Le Brun Angelica Lee Courtney Li Christy Lin Jennifer Macias Natalia Macias Brianna Maher Zhaleh Mahootian Kaleigh McDonald Jessika McLean Talyna Melendez-Jacobs Serena Minca Victoria Mollo Imani Moore Tahirah Moses Faith Mulosmanaj Samantha Muscat Camryn Myers Samantha Nierer
Ashley O’Keefe Nicole Pavlounis Elise Pereira Marieteresa Porcher Allen Phebe Potts Brielle Randall Nicole Renzetti Abigail Rivera Julia Romano Samantha Sabah Kayla Samuel Sydni Sang Briana Sapini Helen Scarborough Gabriella Schwartz Natalie Small Evie Strati Jasmine Ting Sarah Tugetman Juliana Zask
Tiffany Challenger Brianna Maher Sophia Richardson
2019-2020 Dr. Harry Britenstool Scholarship Recipients Rida Ahmed Sandra Cangelosi Tiffany Challenger Jocelyn Chin
Jeovanna deShong-Connor Jadhia Harper Sophia Richardson
2019-2020 Dr. Harry Britenstool Scholarship Renewals Sarah Atanasio Dimple Belani Giavanna Corazza Aiyanna Pierce-Dezonie Alyssa Diaz
Natelle Pitts Elizabeth Karpen Xiomara Kelly Maggie Loh Grace McGrath
Tahirah Moses Samantha Nierer Amanda Tang Janice Wang
Scholarships
2019-2020 Carmen Dubroc Bright Future Scholarship Recipients
2019 Gold Award Recipients ABIGAIL AKBAR
TAYLOR ALLEN
VICTORIA ANDRE
DIANA BELLO
Troop / Borough: 6127 / Bronx
Troop / Borough: 3054 / Manhattan
Troop / Borough: 2702 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 5428 / Staten Island
Years in Scouting: 12
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 8
Years in Scouting: 11
Her Plans after High School: To attend University of Connecticut and major in Medicine.
Her Plans after High School: Currently attending SUNY Oswego, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Public Justice.
Her Plans after High School: To study Medicine, Business and Marketing at an HBCU.
Her Plans after High School: To attend Pace University’s Physician Assistant program.
Her Interests/Achievements: International travel, Girl Scout Bronze Award, Key Club, 90+ Honor Roll, Youth bridge NY Intern.
Her Interests/Achievements: Marching Band, National Honor Society, National Junior Classics League Club, Spring Musical, SING-Student Directed Musical
Her Project: Victoria addressed racial segregation in media by putting together a multicultural arts showcase.
Her Project: Diana addressed literacy issues in under-resourced communities through the collection, organization, and distribution of over 1,000 books to youth and families in need.
Her Interests/Achievements: Volleyball, Reading, Drawing Her Project: Abigail addressed the lack of relevant, ageappropriate, and interesting books for children in a local Delaware town’s library. Through the development of a social media marketing campaign focused on raising awareness of youth literacy issues, she collected gently used books to supplement the library’s collection She Would Like to Thank: Her leader and her mentorDawn and Melissa McEvoy, individuals who donated books to her cause, and her Mom and Dad for supporting her.
Her Interests/Achievements: Member of the Association for Black Psychologists, Reading Her Project: Taylor’s project brought to light the issue of human trafficking. Through the development and delivery of community presentations, she raised awareness of the issue as well as resources to prevent trafficking, and support victims. Presentations highlighted the importance of cyber-safety in combatting human trafficking through social media.
She Would Like to Thank: Her family. Her leader and mentor Stacey Bell, for the memories and for pushing her to complete her Gold Award
She Would Like to Thank: Her leader and her mentorDawn and Melissa McEvoy, individuals who donated books to her cause, and her Mom and Dad for supporting her.
She Would Like to Thank: Everyone who donated books and her mom for allowing her to keep over 1,000 books spread around the entire house.
NINA AMATORE
DANIELLE AMSTER
ELIZABETH BIANCO
CIARA BRODY
Troop / Borough: 2208 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 4772 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 5397 / Staten Island
Troop / Borough: 2029 / Brooklyn
Years in Scouting: 11
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 12
Years in Scouting: 13
Her Plans after High School: To attend St. John’s University with a major in Speech Pathology and Audiology.
Her Plans after High School: To attend Binghamton University and major in Biomedical Engineering.
Her Plans after High School: To study biology at The Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College.
Her Plans after High School: To major in Zoology and Wildlife Preservation.
Her Interests/Achievements: Arista Honor Society, Editor-in-Chief of School Newspaper, President of Youth Group in the NYC Region
Her Interests/Achievements: Glee Club Vice President, NHS President, Music, Theatre, Photography
Her Interests/Achievements: VAnimals, Nature, and assisting her community in whatever way possible
Her Project: Elizabeth worked to foster intergenerational connections, address issues of loneliness and isolation in nursing homes, and build a more positive atmosphere in nursing homes. She organized groups of her peers to bring positivity and light to the seniors through music.
Her Project: Ciara addressed food justice, urban farming, and sustainability in the Windsor Terrace community through the creation of a sustainable winter community garden. She built cold frames for the garden and provided the local food pantry with her harvest every two weeks to provide to families in need.
Her Interests/Achievements: Varsity Softball, Varsity Soccer, National Honor Society, Student Council Her Project: Nina promoted youth leadership in her local church community by restoring the altar server program. She recruited and trained 40 young people to become altar servers. Through Nina’s efforts a vital service in the church is being performed and sustained, and youth have developed valuable leadership skills and opportunities for consistent community service. She Would Like to Thank: Her Mom, her troop leader, Maria Aulisa, and the parish that supported her every step of the way.
Her Project: Danielle saw a need to tackle the issue of food waste in her local community. To address the issue from both a policy perspective and encourage personal behavior change, she met with local politicians and also created a blog to share strategies to combat food waste. She Would Like to Thank: Her troop leaders Kym Muscat, Jenn Zitron, and her Mom for constantly supporting her and assisting her to reach her goal.
She Would Like to Thank: Her mom, Stephanie Bianco, without whose guidance she could not have earned Gold Award.
She Would Like to Thank: Her leader, Dr. Maryellen Keogh, for being so amazing and patient throughout the whole process of completing her project.
2019 Gold Award Recipients KHARA BURNETT
TIFFANY CHALLENGER
JHANIQUE DANIEL
CAROLINE DANNACHER
Troop / Borough: 2702 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 1575 / Bronx
Troop / Borough: 2248 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 3107 / Manhattan
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 12
Years in Scouting: 13
Years in Scouting: 9
Her Plans after High School: To attend college and study International Law.
Her Plans after High School: To major in Engineering at Penn State University.
Her Plans after High School: Attend SUNY Oswego Business School for Marketing and Advertisement.
Her Interests/Achievements: International travel, step team, swim team, band, Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards.
Her Interests/Achievements: Yearbook Committee, Girl Scout Leadership Institute, GS STEM Next Academy, High School Principal Honors, NYPD Service Award
Her Interests/Achievements: Concert Choir, lifetime Girl Scout, SGA Fundraising Coordinator, National Honor Society.
Her Plans after High School: To study Biology and Chemistry in college, attend medical school, and pursue a career in medicine.
Her Project: Khara educated others on the contributions of art by introducing students to Tinga Tinga art, which originated in Tanzania. She hosted a hands-on art bazaar and excursion to the New Victory Theatre to see the Kenyan musical “Tinga Tinga”.
Her Project: Tiffany educated teens on how to be more involved in their communities through volunteering opportunities. She created educational materials including an informational brochure on the value of volunteering in the lives of individuals.
Her Project: Jhanique addressed and contributed to improving the scarce supply of medical materials in union Island, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines.
She Would Like to Thank: Her family and her Leader, Stacey Bell, for being her mentor and encouraging her to pursue her dreams and turn them into accomplishments.
She Would Like to Thank: Her mom, Heava Challenger; Her Girl Scout Leader, Michelle Sajous; Co-Op City Girl Scouts; and Citymeals.
She Would Like to Thank: Her Troop Leader and Family Members.
Her Interests/Achievements: Club Soccer, Girl Scouts, Math Team, School Newspaper, Women in Science Empowerment Her Project: Caroline promoted volunteerism for teenage girls by creating a website and social media campaign showcasing the importance of volunteerism. Additionally, Caroline published a teen volunteer guide to help her peers find causes about which they are passionate, and inspire teens to get involved and share their volunteer stories. She Would Like to Thank: Her mother, Anne Dannacher. Her troop leaders for supporting her.
ANNABELLE CHENG
JOCELYN CHIN
AMANDA DIVITTORIO
MIA ENMANUEL
Troop / Borough: 4570 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 5428 / Staten Island
Troop / Borough: 4448 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 8030 / Manhattan
Years in Scouting: 8
Years in Scouting: 12
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 2
Her Plans after High School: To pursue a career in Dermatology.
Her Plans after High School: To study engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.
Her Plans after High School: To further her education and become an elementary school teacher.
Her Interests/Achievements: Violin, Hip Hop/ Korean Dance Club Vice President, Orchestra Concertmaster, Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Her Interests/Achievements: Band (Flute and Piano), Student Organization, Yearbook, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Running
Her Interests/Achievements: Dance, acting, national foreign language honor society.
Her Plans after High School: To study International Studies and Political Science with a minor in Women’s Studies.
Her Project: Annabelle worked with the Alley Pond Environmental Center to learn about and address the environmental issues that lead to population decline in birds. She created and maintained bird feeders to increase the bird populations by addressing food shortage issues.
Her Project: Through music, Jocelyn addressed the misconceptions of the special needs community by teaming up with the local nonprofit service provider Lifestyles for the Disabled. She formed a group of student musicians to teach music to participants with disabilities and executed a performance to educate the community.
She Would Like to Thank: Her parents and advisor for all their help, her fellow Girl Scouts, and Girl Scout leaders.
She Would Like to Thank: Her Girl Scout Troop Leaders for their constant support, Lifestyles for the Disabled for the help they provided, and all the musicians!
Her Project: Amanda addressed the issue of students wasting and throwing away untouched or unopened food and plastic by talking to many council-members and students in her school on the importance of recycling. She Would Like to Thank: Her family, especially her Mom. Her leader Rosanne Smith -- without her this project wouldn’t have been possible.
Her Interests/Achievements: Co-Captain of HS Dance Team, National Honor Society, Advocated at City Hall for Education Equality Her Project: Mia’s project focused on global access to education, addressing a lack of access to the vital school supplies in the Dominican Republic. She created and delivered education kits filled with all of the necessary supplies for an entire school year to 25 children who live in an orphanage. She Would Like to Thank: Her parents for their support and everyone who donated supplies.
2019 Gold Award Recipients TIFFANY FONG
LENORE HERNANDEZ
Troop / Borough: 4772 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 1182 / Bronx
ANNA KOCH
Troop / Borough: 1182 / Bronx
ANOKHI LADHANI Troop / Borough: 4675 / Queens
Years in Scouting: 12
Years in Scouting: 11
Years in Scouting: 10
Her Plans after High School: To attend Hunter College and major in Nursing.
Her Plans after High School: To study Painting and Drawing at SUNY Purchase.
Her Plans after High School: To attend college and become an ophthalmologist.
Her Interests/Achievements: Photography, Graphic Design, Editing, Yearbook, American Red Cross Club
Her Interests/Achievements: Scholastic Art Awards (gold key), National Honor Society, Painting and Drawing
Her Interests/Achievements: National Honors Society, Soccer, Track, Lacrosse, Girl Scouts
Her Plans after High School: To attend university for nursing and eventually become a nurse practitioner. Also to travel the world and to continue pursuing the arts as a hobby.
Her Project: Tiffany designed activities to keep children who are in the hospital engaged and entertained. She created an activity book filled with fun games, coloring pages, and quotes to keep children in good spirits for the hospital to continually distribute.
Her Project: Lenore worked with teenagers across NYC who struggled with mental health issues by creating a four-week program using different art therapy strategies, educating on coping mechanisms, and exposing them to galleries and performances.
Her Project: Anna created an inspirational mural to motivate and encourage students of all ethnicities to strive for success and accomplish their dreams.
Her Interests/Achievements: Dance theatre club, Model congress, National History Day, The Music Lovers Club, writing
She Would Like to Thank: Everyone who helped and encouraged her throughout her project.
She Would Like to Thank: Her leaders and her parents for their support, Blue Star Coloring Company, and Jillian Quinn.
She Would Like to Thank: Her mom, dad, and Troop Leader, who supported her along the way!
Her Project: Anokhi loves the arts and she realizes the dangers of bottling up emotions in the young generation. She hosted a series of workshops and created a social media platform as a safe place for youth to share their self-expressive art.
Years in Scouting: 3
She Would Like to Thank: Mrs. Hellenbracht, her parents and everyone who helped create the social media platform.
KAITLYN HO
EMILY JAENICKE
JESSICA LAM
KAREECE LE BRUN
Troop / Borough: 4570 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 5364 / Staten Island
Troop / Borough: 4011 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 2043 / Brooklyn
Years in Scouting: 11
Years in Scouting: 11
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 7
Her Plans after High School: To study Nursing to become a Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.
Her Plans after High School: To earn her bachelor’s degree.
Her Plans after High School: To attend college and major in Marketing.
Her Plans after High School: To major in Psychology and become a Social Worker.
Her Interests/Achievements: Girl Scouts, Venturing, JROTC, Fencing, Track and Field, Bike Tours, Traveling
Her Interests/Achievements: Water Conservation
Her Interests/Achievements: Dance, Performing, Film & Animation Club Co-President, Girl Scouts, Girl Scout Leadership Institute Graduate
Her Interests/Achievements: Booster/Cheerleader, Black Student Union, SPARK club, Silver Award Recipient, Psychology.
Her Project: Jessica partnered with the nonprofit organization The Halloween Helpers to give adolescents and pre-teens a forum to partake in Halloween festivities and address safety concerns on Halloween. She also created and distributed Halloween Safety Cards to children across the country.
Her Project: Kareece filled a need for supplies in underresourced areas through the creation of supply kits designed for daycare centers, women’s centers, and homeless shelters.
Her Project: Kaitlyn was motivated by the increase of birds residing in unconventional urban environments instead of their usual natural habitats. Kaitlyn focused on impacting public consciousness and spreading awareness of how humans can negatively effect fauna and flora. She Would Like to Thank: Her mom, dad, Leader Lien Ling Lee, and APEC for their guidance throughout the entire process.
Her Project: Emily conducted various activities in her community with 7-9 year olds to educate them on water pollution. Emily created an Instagram Page to educate a group of her peers on water conservation and sustainability. She Would Like to Thank: Daisy Troop 5050 for allowing her to share her project.
She Would Like to Thank: Her troop leader, Ms. Mansour, for helping her organize her project, costume donators, and The Halloween Helpers, who helped make this project successful.
She Would Like to Thank: Her Mom and her mentors: Ms. Foreman and Mrs. Roberts.
2019 Gold Award Recipients ANGELICA LEE
COURTNEY LI
NATALIA MACIAS
BRIANNA MAHER
Troop / Borough: 3197 / Manhattan
Troop / Borough: 3197 / Manhattan
Troop / Borough: 2702 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: Juliette / Queens
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 11
Years in Scouting: 6
Years in Scouting: 9
Her Plans after High School: To attend SUNY Binghamton.
Her Plans after High School: To attend SUNY Binghamton.
Her Plans after High School: To attend Fashion Institute of Technology and study design with the plan of living and working in Milan or Rome. Natalie would also like to study psychology.
Her Plans after High School: To major in Medicine and to become a Family Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant.
Her Interests/Achievements: Spanish Media Club, Travelling, Active Brownie troop assistant Her Project: Angelica addressed unhealthy eating habits among high school teenagers by interviewing various health professionals. Angelica used the information she gathered from her interviews to create a slideshow presentation, brochures, information cards, and flyers on the effects of unhealthy eating habits on teens. She Would Like to Thank: Her Mom, Troop 3197, and all the leaders.
Her Interests/Achievements: GS Bronze and Silver Awards, Science Team, Math Team, Dance Company/ Ensemble, Peer Tutors, Asian Affinity Her Project: Courtney noticed that society’s increased reliance on technology was pulling the current generation away from in-person communication with the elderly. She decided to address this issue by bringing teenagers to the bi-monthly birthday parties at Hamilton-Madison’s Adult Day Services Center to facilitate a variety of activities. She Would Like to Thank:HHer family and friends for their constant support and the volunteers that helped her execute her project.
Her Interests/Achievements: International travel, Girl Scout Bronze and Silver, Volleyball team, and Camp Counselor Her Project: Natalia recognized that while her alma mater P.S. 139 was very diverse, there wasn’t much interaction between the various cultures. She organized an international buffet where the PS 139 families could experience other cultures which began the discussion of culinary and cultural similarities promoting pluralism. She Would Like to Thank: Her Leader Stacey Bell who introduced her to Girl Scouts at the most difficult time in her life which helped her get through.
Her Interests/Achievements: Varsity Volleyball, Track, National Junior Honor Society, Community Theater, Women in Science Award, Debate Judge Her Project: Brianna addressed the need for early Breast Health Awareness by putting together an assembly with a breast surgeon present to educate teens on breast health. Brianna provided hand-made ribbons and self-breast exam reminder guides to all participants and developed an informational website for teens. She Would Like to Thank: Her mother for guiding her, Dr. Chen for presenting, and Principal Nicoletti, for the opportunity to learn about breast health.
CHRISTY LIN
JENNIFER MACIAS
ZHALEH MAHOOTIAN
KALEIGH McDONALD
Troop / Borough: 4570 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 2702 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 2873 / Bronx
Troop / Borough: 5397 / Staten Island
Years in Scouting: 11
Years in Scouting: 6
Years in Scouting: 7
Years in Scouting: 13
Her Plans after High School: To major in Psychology.
Her Plans after High School: To continue to work as a camp counselor and to continue travelling. Jennifer hopes to attend college and study Business and Marketing with the hopes of working in a field that will include work abroad.
Her Plans after High School: To study nature and writing.
Her Plans after High School: To major in Psychology with a concentration in Child Therapy.
Her Interests/Achievements: Painting, Cooking, Orchestra Her Project: Christy addressed the issue of abandoned pets by providing education on pet care expectations and responsibilities. She also promoted pet adoption over buying by debunking stereotypes about shelters and sharing the benefits of pet adoption. She Would Like to Thank: Her mom for being there for her and her leader for advising her.
Her Interests/Achievements: International travel, volleyball team, Mentor to younger Girl Scouts, Camp Counselor. Her Project: EJennifer connected immigrant and other underserved community members to free resources available to them in NYC through forums and tabling at events. She Would Like to Thank: She would like to thank Ms. Stacey and her family who she credits with making her the person she is today.
Her Interests/Achievements: Writing in journals, art, cooking, Programming Club, Journal of Biology club Her Project: Zhaleh addressed the condition of a historic site in a major NYC park. She helped improve its condition through setting up a plaque, organizing a cleanup day, getting the support of multiple organizations, and other initiatives. She Would Like to Thank: Her mom for encouraging her to keep going farther and her leader, Voula Floutsis, for always being there to help.
Her Interests/Achievements: Girl Scouts, She’s the First, National Honor Society, Community Service, Golf Her Project: Kaleigh addressed body image issues among young girls by creating a documentary to inspire girls to love themselves. Her documentary also shed light on the prevalent role that social media plays in the daily lives of teens around the world. She Would Like to Thank: Her parents and friends for constantly encouraging and supporting her over the course of her journey.
2019 Gold Award Recipients JESSIKA McLEAN
TALYNA MELENDEZ-JACOBS
IMANI MOORE
TAHIRAH MOSES
Troop / Borough: 2087 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 5008 / Staten Island
Troop / Borough: 2905 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 2141 / Brooklyn
Years in Scouting: 11
Years in Scouting: 2
Years in Scouting: 13
Years in Scouting: 11
Her Plans after High School: Pursing a career in Art.
Her Plans after High School: To attend college.
Her Plans after High School: To attend a SUNY school.
Her Interests/Achievements: Art, Cooking, Cartoons
Her Interests/Achievements: Breast Cancer Awareness
Her Interests/Achievements: Songstress, Violinist, Community Service.
Her Plans after High School: Attending Hunter College. Majoring in Sciences.
Her Project: Talyna educated her community on the lack of awareness of Breast Cancer and its effects.
Her Project: Imani through her project worked on educating her community to remove the stigma around feminine hygiene by preparing hygienic kits to girls in need.
Her Project: Jessika used art therapy activities to address confidence issues affecting young children and promote the expression of emotions through art. She Would Like to Thank: Everyone who contributed to her courses.
She Would Like to Thank: Her Troop Leader for inspiring her to complete her Gold Award Project
She Would Like to Thank: Her Girl Scout Leaders Betty Pitchford, Lakeasha Pitchford, Tamyka Sylvester, Kathy McCoy, Yvonne Clare. Her advisors: Renee Gregory, Susan Ransom and the St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Women’s Guild.
SERENA MINCA
VICTORIA MOLLO
Troop / Borough: 4772/ Queens
Troop / Borough: 2766 / Brooklyn
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 11
Her Plans after High School: To Attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado.
Her Plans after High School: Victoria is currently attending Macaulay Honors College at the College of Staten Island on the Pre-medicine track and is majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience.
Her Interests/Achievements: Black Belt in Martial Arts Her Project: To address a clear need that she saw of increasing community support and respect for the men and women in the armed services, Serena focused her project on volunteer opportunities for people to give back to the servicemen and women. Activities included making Valentine’s Day cards for Vets, sending care packages to veterans, and cleaning up national cemeteries. She Would Like to Thank: Her parents and Girl Scout Leaders.
Her Interests/Achievements: Presidential Service Award, National and Foreign Language Honor Society, Volunteer at the Brooklyn VA Hospital Her Project: Victoria addressed the safety conditions of Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve’s nature trail. She widened the path, cleared the overgrowth, and lined the trail with wood chips, establishing a safer experience for its visitors. She Would Like to Thank: Her family, leader, and volunteers for the unconditional support.
FAITH MULOSMANAJ Troop / Borough: 1477 / Bronx Years in Scouting: 7 Her Plans after High School: To attend college with a major in Journalism and minor in Communications. Her Interests/Achievements: National Honor Society, Soccer Team, Basketball Team, Track Team, Bronze Award Recipient, Counselor-In-Training, participant in GSGNY’s Leadership Institute Her Project: Faith addressed the issue of international health by holding various get-togethers in her community that educated community members on pressing global health issues and providing resources for people to get involved and make a difference outside of their neighborhood. She Would Like to Thank: Her principal, Ms. Lori O’Mara, her troop leader, the Feast of Sangennero, Riverdale Neighborhood House, the women of Uganda, and Sole Hope.
Her Interests/Achievements: Captain of Girls Fencing Team, top 10% of her graduating class Her Project: Tahirah worked to promote voting awareness and education on the electoral process by designing an education campaign to inform the public on the policies and procedures that the electoral college follow to select the US President. She Would Like to Thank: Her parents, brother, and her troop leader for supporting her.
SAMANTHA MUSCAT Troop / Borough: 4772 / Queens Years in Scouting: 11 Her Plans after High School: To attend Binghamton University with a major in Biochemistry on the Pre-medicine track. Her Interests/Achievements: Girl Scouts, Italian Club, National Honor Society with specializations in Foreign Language, Math, and Science. Her Project: Samantha addressed the issues of food waste and food insecurity by creating a website, Facebook page, and events to educate and inspire people to make changes in their lives and practices to help combat these issues. She Would Like to Thank: Her family, especially her mom, her leaders, Roseanne Smith and her sister Girl Scouts for always supporting her!
2019 Gold Award Recipients CAMRYN MYERS
SAMANTHA NIERER
ELISE PEREIRA
MARIETERESA PORCHER ALLEN
Troop / Borough: 2402 / Bronx
Troop / Borough: 4197 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 2029 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 1477 / Bronx
Years in Scouting: 9
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 12
Years in Scouting: 11
Her Plans after High School: To study human development at Cornell University.
Her Plans after High School: Samantha is currently attending St. Thomas Aquinas College, majoring in Biology with a concentration in Physical Therapy and minoring in Psychology.
Her Plans after High School: To attend college and study political science or history and minor in theatre.
Her Plans after High School: To attend college with a major in Finance and a minor in Law.
Her Interests/Achievements: Writing, directing and performing in shows at school.
Her Interests/Achievements: Community Service, reading, writing, listening to music, hanging out with friends, Student Ambassador at St. Thomas Aquinas College, Dean’s list, Honors Program Scholarship. Britenstool Scholarship Recipient, REOMAC Foundation Scholarship recipient
Her Project: Elise addressed how the local garden that provides food for her parish was not sustainable for all seasons. She built cold frames and researched how to grow produce throughout the colder months in urban environments..
Her Interests/Achievements: National Honor Society, Spirit Alive Recipient, Marion, Silver and Bronze Award Recipient, Feast of San Gennoro Queen, Alter Server, Golf Team, Cheerleader, Counselor-in-Training, GSGNY’s Leadership Institute
Her Interests/Achievements: Girl Scouts, Student Government, Peer Leadership, National Honor Society Her Project: Camryn addressed the lack of healthy eating in her community by conducting workshops where she demonstrated easy, nutritional recipes. In addition, she grew produce such as kale and lettuce to donate to the local food pantry. She Would Like to Thank: Dr. Maryellen Keogh for the assistance and support. In addition, her mom and the Windsor Terrace community.
Her Project: Samantha’s project helped unemployed and financially unstable mothers slowly re-enter society. Her project also helped prepare mothers for job interviews. Additionally, she collected donations of clothes, hygiene products, baby formula, and other items for children.
She Would Like to Thank: Her troop leader, Dr. Maryellen Keogh, for always encouraging her to work her hardest. Her Mom and Grandpa for their support.
Her Project: Marieteresa addressed the diabetic epidemic among children and teens in the state by creating online tutorials to teach youngsters and college students how to cook healthy meals for themselves. She Would Like to Thank: Her principal, Ms. Lori O’Mara; Faith Mulosmanaj, her leader; the Feast of Sangennero; and the National Diabetes Association.
She Would Like to Thank: Her Family and Leaders!
ASHLEY O’KEEFE
NICOLE PAVLOUNIS
PHEBE POTTS
BRIELLE RANDALL
Troop / Borough: 5417 / Staten Island
Troop / Borough: 2873 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 1175 / Bronx
Troop / Borough: 8030 / Manhattan
Years in Scouting: 12
Years in Scouting: 9
Years in Scouting: 8
Years in Scouting: 3
Her Plans after High School: To study Computer Science.
Her Plans after High School: To attend Georgetown University to study Sociology and pursue a career in Law.
Her Plans after High School: Attend College studying Theater and Business, work with Girl Scouts and the Council.
Her Plans after High School: To travel the United States and other parts of the world, study the Japanese language and culture, and continue to work on creative ways to promote advocacy.
Her Interests/Achievements: Girl Scout, Marching Band, National Honor Society, Flautist, Girls Who Code, Perfect Attendance Her Project: Ashley addressed the declining population of horseshoe crabs at her local beach by partnering with her troop to conduct weekly horseshoe crab counts and “tagging.” She also organized beach cleanups to prevent further pollution of the environment. She Would Like to Thank: Her mother, her troop leader, along with her fellow Girl Scouts and local participants. .
Her Interests/Achievements: College Ambassador, Big Sibs, National Honor Society, Girl Scouts Future Woman of Distinction Award Finalist, Photography Her Project: Nicole addressed the widespread infestation of jiggers, a parasite found in Uganda, Africa that targets people of all ages and prevents them from walking. She donated many medical supplies that can help some Ugandans cure themselves of jiggers. She Would Like to Thank: Her mom and leader for supporting her! Everyone who donated medical supplies and made inspirational cards for those with jiggers.
Her Interests/Achievements: Girl Scouts, singing in choirs, running the snack bar in church, dance, theater & creative writing. Her Project: Phebe realized that healthy eating in her community was not only difficult but also, in some cases unheard of. She sought council through her leader and researched demographics and healthy foods, gave demonstrations as well as surveyed people and reported on social media to raise awareness. She Would Like to Thank: Her mom, dad, brothers, leader (Ms. Sandra) & former co-leader (Ms. Topaz) for pushing & supporting her.
Her Interests/Achievements: Art, Fashion, Music, Psychology, Technology, Geo Mapping, SXSW/G4C Tech Panelist, Tokyo Ota City Plaza exhibition Her Project: Brielle addressed harassment issues within online fandom communities. She spread awareness, impacting both perpetrators and victims, by promoting a safe online forum for fans to experience the creative world of fandom without the fear of harassment. She Would Like to Thank: Her mother and mentor, the bloggers and journalists who helped inspire the creation of her project, and the fandom community.
2019 Gold Award Recipients NICOLE RENZETTI
ABIGAIL RIVERA
KAYLA SAMUEL
SYDNI SANG
Troop / Borough: 5327 / Staten Island
Troop / Borough: 4772 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 3054 / Manhattan
Troop / Borough: 2696 / Brooklyn
Years in Scouting: 13
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 6
Years in Scouting: 8
Her Plans after High School: Majoring in Psychology at Concordia University in Montreal. Currently in the Honors program.
Her Plans after High School: To attend college and obtain a Bachelor’s degree.
Her Plans after High School: Kayla will be attending Mount Holyoke College to study Dance and Biology.
Her Interests/Achievements: Swimming, National Honor Society, Student Government and Girl Scouts.
Her Interests/Achievements: Theater Club, Dance Team, and Honor Roll
Her Project: Abigail’s Gold Award was focused on making a positive impact on the lives of children living in St. Mary’s Children’s hospital. She assisted the staff in creating monthly events and activities for pediatric patients.
Her Project: Kayla created her own Theater Technology Club, providing insight into how the performing arts world works, to her school community. Theater Technology is not normally offered in high schools, offering opportunities for career exposure and valuable skills for students to use in college and beyond.
Her Plans after High School: Sydni will be attending College of Maryland in the Fall, and hopes to become a Physical Therapist and open her own practice on the East Coast. She’s also looking forward to getting her driver’s license.
Her Interests/Achievements: Horseback riding, Delta Phi Epsilon, Travel Her Project: Nicole addressed the issue of anxiety in school-aged girls by creating an anxiety-relief program and conducting presentations on anxiety to local Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in Montreal. She Would Like to Thank: Her mother and sister for always pushing her and supporting her.
She Would Like to Thank: Her family, leaders, and mentor for guiding her. Everyone who donated crafts and supplies for the events.
She Would Like to Thank: Her mom and leaders for supporting her!
Her Interests/Achievements: Bowling, Cricket, Softball, Swimming, Dance Her Project: Sydni focused on aiding underprivileged women and children through donating lightly used clothing to a women’s shelter in New York. Most of the collected items were also sent to a school in Haiti. Her project opened the eyes of many teenagers and allowed them to see how fortunate they already are. She Would Like to Thank: Her family and leader for supporting her!
JULIA ROMANO
SAMANTHA SABAH
BRIANA SAPINI
HELEN SCARBOROUGH
Troop / Borough: 5176 / Staten Island
Troop / Borough: 2766 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 2333 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 3199 / Manhattan
Years in Scouting: 12
Years in Scouting: 12
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 11
Her Plans after High School: To study Forensic Science with a focus on Forensic Psychology.
Her Plans after High School: To attend Northeastern University for Biology and Mathematics.
Her Plans after High School: To study biology as a premed major at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.
Her Plans after High School: She hopes to attend college and prepare for a career in health sciences.
Her Interests/Achievements: Fast Pitch Softball, National Honor Society
Her Interests/Achievements: Book Club, SING, Swimming Instructor, National Honor Society
Her Project: Julia addressed the need to build teams of volunteers for seasonal projects in her community, starting with a toy drive for hospitalized children during the holiday season. She organized volunteers to deliver toys to the children of those recently deployed.
Her Project: Samantha’s project helps keep pets in their homes while their humans are experiencing financial difficulty. She created a Pet-Food Pantry to ease the financial burden of pets on low-income people by supplying owners with safe, packaged food supplied by donations.
Her Interests/Achievements: Varsity Swim Team, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, Girl Scouts, College Now, Microbiology Intern at Brooklyn College
Her Interests/Achievements: Chapin Student Body President, Three-Season Varsity Athlete, Girl Scout Cookie Executive, Global Student Leadership Institute.
Her Project: Briana addressed literacy by organizing a book drive and creating audio books for students to listen to as they read for an elementary school classroom in Brooklyn with a high population of immigrants below the poverty level.
Her Project: Helen addressed the need for free and widely accessible music therapy for people with Multiple Systems Atrophy (“MSA”). She created the first-ever YouTube Channel for MSA patients to exercise their swallowing muscles and vocal cords with 18 decadespecific karaoke videos.
She Would Like to Thank: Her family, volunteers, and Mr. Rau for trusting in her.
She Would Like to Thank: Her Mom and her leader for their guidance, advice, and encouragement.
She Would Like to Thank: Her mom and dad for always being there for her. Rosemarie and Vicki for helping her and everyone who donated to her project.
She Would Like to Thank: The health care professionals and support organizations who advised her on content, and to the Leaders of Troop 3199!
2019 Gold Award Recipients GABRIELLA SCHWARTZ
NATALIE SMALL
SARAH TUGETMAN
JULIANA ZASK
Troop / Borough: 2029 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: 2249 / Brooklyn
Troop / Borough: Troop 5327 / Staten Island
Troop / Borough: 4383 / Queens
Years in Scouting: 13
Years in Scouting: 13
Years in Scouting: 10
Years in Scouting: 10
Her Plans after High School: To study Legal Studies at St John’s University Honors College.
Her Plans after High School: She is currently attending Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, where she is majoring in science with a concentration in mathematics.
Her Plans after High School: Currently attending Marist College. Studying Fashion Merchandising.
Her Plans after High School: Currently attending college. Plan to Receive a Master’s Degree in Prosthetics.
Her Interests/Achievements: President of the National Art Honor Society, Vice President of the Key Club, Member of the Marist College Fashion Club.
Her Interests/Achievements: Robotics
Her Interests/Achievements: Irish Dance, National Honor Society, Student Council. Her Project: Gabriella’s project focused on teaching the community about the benefits of healthy eating. She helped the local food pantry have fresh vegetables throughout the colder months by making a cold frame garden. Gabriella also held a community workshop about the project. She Would Like to Thank: Her whole family especially her mom and sister! Also, Dr. Maryellen Keogh who has helped her since she was a brownie!
Her Interests/Achievements: Girl Scouts, National Honor Society, Student Government Treasurer, Peer Group Connection, Table Tennis, Tutoring Math Her Project: Natalie addressed the inadequacy of schools supplies for youth in her community. She provided children at her former Daycare/Elementary school with backpacks and school supplies to improve the quality of learning tools. She Would Like to Thank: Her mom and leaders for supporting and encouraging her on this journey. And everyone who donated supplies to her project.
EVIE STRATI
JASMINE TING
Troop / Borough: 4772 / Queens
Troop / Borough: 4570 / Queens
Years in Scouting: 4 Her Plans after High School: To study Biomedicine, get her PhD and become a Pediatrician. Her Interests/Achievements: Track and Cross Country Captain, National Honor Society (Archon/Arista), Girl Scouts, Greek Club, Elefunds Her Project: Evie addressed growing rates of suicide attempts within homeless, substance addicted, and LGTBQ populations. Through interviews, research and web design, she made a website with information for kids in those communities or anyone willing to help. She Would Like to Thank: Her troop leaders and Ms. Fox for giving her the time and motivation. Her friends for empowering her to be proud.
Years in Scouting: 7 Her Plans after High School: Jasmine will be attending Stony Brook University as a Biochemistry major and hopes to attend medical school after University. Her Interests/Achievements: Learning new languages, spending time with her friends, volunteering, Linguistic Research, Science club, Honor Society, National Merit Finalist Her Project: Jasmine focused on spreading awareness about mental health and bringing her community closer, prompting more open discussion on the topic and removing stigma surrounding mental health. She gave presentations, hosted workshops at two different nursing homes. She enlisted the help of her friends and her troop to volunteer, so the residents could have the best experience possible. She Would Like to Thank: The Girl Scouts of troop 4568, 4569, and 4570 for being so willing to help out in making her project a true success and embracing the welcoming and honest spirit that she wanted her Gold Award project to leave behind.
Her Project: Sarah created an exhibit on women’s clothing of the late 19th century in America as a means to preserve an historic attraction in the Staten Island community. The exhibit is now on display in the house of a late 1800s army doctor’s family in Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island. She Would Like to Thank: Her troop leader for encouraging her to pursue her Gold Award. Her family for inspiring her and always supporting her in meeting each of her goals.
Her Project: Juliana educated a group of 10-17 year olds in her community on the benefits of engineering by introducing them to robotics and displaying various projects she completed, one of which was a robot that she built from scratch! She Would Like to Thank: Her family and her leader!
Awards Committee
President Stephanie K. Schnabel
Gold, Silver, and Scholarship Awards Committee Maggie Vasquez, Vice President of Programs Marlinda Cesar-Wiley, Manager of Girl Leadership Programs Jennifer Chung Audrey Clayton Yolande Collymore Pauline Edwards Stavroula Floutis Nalda Gomes Elizabeth Kohli
Wendy Leung Joy Lu Grace McGrath Kacey Montana Anita Persaud-Dass Rosanne Smith Venus K. Smith
Vice Presidents Patrice A. Tanaka Robert Ouimette Alyssa Moeder
Maryann Stimmer Susana Torres Hannah Walter Rhonda Whitely Christine Yau
Todd Guenther James Gundell
Barbara J. Cooperman Jennifer M. Lee Kerry A. Tatlock
Treasurer Kim Bourne
Board Members Kimberly S. Blanchard Rhonda Boston Brittany Bragg Stephanie R. Breslow Jennifer Chung Sarah E. Cogan Lynda Davey
Monique Herena Shan Hicks Samantha Kappagoda Dawn McEvoy Lindsay B. McKenna Martha Monserrate Amanda N. Persaud
Caitlin Pincus Menna Samaha Davia Temin Belanne Ungarelli Marty Willis Suzanne Yadav
Presidents Emeritae Nicolette P. Bingham Carmen Dubroc Lynn A. Foster
Edina Jennison Rose M. Littlejohn Susan Nitze
Chief Executive Officer Meridith Maskara
Mary S. Phipps Patricia Stensrud
Board of Directors
Chair Michelle R. Clayman
Upcoming Events Leadership Institute Senior Symposium Baruch College Friday, June 7th
Breaking the Code Film Festival SVA Theater Saturday, June 15th
Women of Distinction Breakfast Cipriani 42nd Street Wednesday, October 23rd
Gold Achievement Gala Cipriani 42nd Street Monday, May 4, 2020
Girl Scouts of Greater New York Leadership Center 40 Wall Street, Suite 708 New York, NY 10005 www.girlscoutsnyc.org 212.645.4000