2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts Yearbook

Gold Award Class of 2024

About the Girl Scout Gold Award

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious achievement in Girl Scouting, representing a girl’s dedication to making a lasting impact on her community and beyond.

Earning the Gold Award requires identifying a pressing community issue, developing a sustainable project to address it, and leading its implementation.

The Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania honors 70 remarkable girls in the Class of 2024. Their innovative projects have earned them this distinguished accolade, showcasing their exceptional contributions and bright futures.

This rigorous process cultivates skills in leadership, project management, and advocacy, empowering girls to drive change and inspire others. Each Gold Award project is a testament to a girl’s vision, perseverance, and commitment to making the world a better place.

Dear Gold Award Girl Scout,

Today, we honor your achievement in Girl Scouting. Earning the Gold Award demonstrates your desire to make the world a better place. You have worked hard to address issues in your community and create sustainable change, and we know you are just getting started on your journey to have a positive impact on others.

It is not easy to earn the Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. You devoted a minimum of 80 hours to problem-solve, plan, and implement your project. You faced obstacles with determination and overcame setbacks with positivity. You not only made a difference in your community, but you also serve as a role model for the next generation of girls.

While we honor you today, stay in the moment. Let your family and friends show you how proud they are of you and the impact you have made in your community. You have earned it!

Congratulations to the 2024 Gold Award class!

Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law

Girl Scout Mission

Building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

Executive Leadership

Janet Donovan

President and CEO

Miriam DeFehr

Chief Operating Officer

Adia Walker Chief of Staff

Board of Directors

Jayne Huston

Board Chair

Amy Beamer Murray Vice-Chair

Alison Bernhardt

Secretary

Dan Sheaffer

Treasurer

Members-at-Large

Elizabeth Dilullo Brown

Scott Ehrig

Robyn Holder

Betsy Keefer

Dawn Kirchner-King

Renee Mattei Montgomery

Mary Pochobradsky

Daren Russ

Gina Suydam

Adrienne Vicari

Ami Zumkhawala-Cook

Kathryn McCorkle, ex-officio

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.

Jayne Huston Board Chair

Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA

Janet Donovan President and CEO Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA

CLASS OF 2024

ADAMS COUNTY

LILY JORGENSEN

Gettysburg

Motivating Youth to Remember the Past for the Betterment of Our Future

Determined that history will not be forgotten, Lily partnered with a local World War II museum to create “fun sheets” filled with history-related activities to engage young visitors. She also highlighted child-friendly exhibits throughout the site to create talking points for tour guides focusing on a young audience. Her project will be sustained through the interactive booklets she created for museum visitors.

NADALIE KING

York Springs

Hammock Hollow

Never underestimate the value of downtime. That’s the message Nadalie hopes people will take away from her project. She created a space where girls can work together to hang hammocks at Camp Happy Valley and then relax and unwind in a calm environment. The project will have long-lasting effects as the hammocks are now a permanent part of the camp.

CENTRE COUNTY

ABIGAIL BARONE

Pleasant Gap

Mental Health Awareness Mural

With her project, Abigail wanted people to know they are not alone. She put the spotlight on mental health by creating a mural and spreading awareness of positive mental health resources through a display and social media page. Her project’s mission will live on in the longevity of and public access to the mural.

REBECCA BURNS

Pleasant Gap

Catholic Girl Scout Badges

To promote Girl Scout religious awards and encourage girls to pursue the honors, Rebecca established a patch program to teach girls about individuals on the path to sainthood. Her project pushed her to overcome her hesitation toward public speaking as she led workshops about the patches. Her efforts will be sustained because the patches are available for future use.

ALICE GIPE

State College

Charcoal Flats Trail Improvements

Poor signage and confusing routes in a local state forest prompted Alice to take action. For her project, she constructed an information kiosk at a trailhead, cleared trails for access, and installed boundary markers to make accessing the trails safer. Her project will have long-term impact as information on the kiosk can be updated regularly and the blazes are a permanent marker of the trail route.

KARA LEONORI

Bellefonte

Effect of Plastic Waste

Kara combined her love of art with a passion for the environment in her project. She constructed a sculpture out of plastic items to place in a local museum, raising awareness of the effects of plastic waste and encouraging ecological responsibility. She also created a website that contains information and resources for people who want to learn more about reducing plastic waste.

ABIGAIL

Bellefonte

WEISER

Interactive and Imaginative Outdoor Fun at St. John Elementary School

Transforming a parking lot into a playground might seem like an insurmountable task, but Abigail accomplished it through her project. She painted and installed unique features such as a theater section and a mini village to provide a place for children to engage in imaginative and interactive play. Her project will be sustained by the permanency of the materials she used for the playground.

CLINTON COUNTY

JOCELYN SPROAT

Mill Hall

Common Places Pre-Teen EmpowHER

Looking around her church, Jocelyn noticed that preteens lacked a space of their own. She took action to help this age group feel connected by creating a ministry to bring girls together to share their thoughts while enjoying devotions or lessons. She organized sleepovers, team-building activities, and various other events, all aimed at highlighting self-worth, fostering healthy friendships, and nurturing the love of God. Her project will live on through partnerships she created with local college students and a youth group.

COLUMBIA COUNTY

ANDREA PRYBYLA

Bloomsburg

Bullying in the 21st Century

After hearing from her sister that bullying was prevalent in middle school, Andrea decided to address the issue. She led a program focused on students in elementary school, helping them understand the harmful effects of bullying and guiding Girl Scouts to earn their bullying badge in the process. Once the program ended, the positive effects continued, as students learned how to support their peers.

A Story Worth Telling — Overcoming Drug Abuse

Kylie wanted to reach teens in middle and high school and share the message of saying no to drugs. For her project, she wrote a book that follows the story of how drugs negatively affected a boy. She published the book, and all proceeds from sales will benefit the chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions at her high school.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Day Blog

Lucia was determined to increase happiness with her project. She created a blog to highlight happy things happening throughout the world, complete with conversation starters to encourage people to talk about what makes them happy. Her blog also includes crafts and classes for individuals or groups, and it has attracted subscribers from around the world. Permanently accessible online, the blog will continue to provide joy to others.

CARLEE GUYER

Mechanicsburg

Personal Occupational Therapy Tool Kits

Focused on helping young children improve their fine-motor skills, Carlee created personal occupational therapy tool kits for a local preschool. Her kits included activities to improve memory, vision skills, and focusing abilities, and she added sensory boards that featured skills such as buckling, snapping, lacing, and buttoning. With durable materials, the kits can be used for years.

KYLIE SMITH Berwick

LUCIA CICALESE

Carlisle

Happy

AUBREY MACKEY

Carlisle

Women’s Health Topic Website

For her project, Aubrey created a website expressing her views on a women’s health topic. She gathered information to help women learn more about the issue. Her project will be sustained through the website as well as the social media promotion Aubrey completed for the project.

DAUPHIN COUNTY

GIANNA BOLSTER

Harrisburg

Food Pantry for Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School

Gianna wanted to tackle the topic of food insecurity, something she had witnessed firsthand among her peers. For her project, she held a food drive, collecting items to distribute to families in need. Healthy items were regularly provided through the food pantry, and the project will live on as other people have volunteered to continue the mission.

MADDELYNN BROOKS

Hershey

Storywalk and Birdhouses

Maddelynn wanted to raise awareness of land conservancy and climate change through her project. She built bluebird boxes to attract the birds, cleared areas of a local conservancy to make it more user-friendly, and created information pamphlets to educate various age groups about what’s located on the site. Her project will be sustained through the long-term use of the birdhouses as well as the visitors to the park.

EMMA BURD

Harrisburg

Voter Registration and Education Initiative

Even though she’s still too young to vote, Emma understands the importance of exercising your civic duty. She wanted to be sure her peers understood why voting matters. For her project, she provided information at community events on how to register to vote, where to vote, and more. Her project will have a long-lasting impact as people now understand how and where to use their voices in future elections.

MADELINE CASTELLANO

Harrisburg

A Helping Hand to Those in Need

Madeline wanted to help anyone in need in her community, so she organized multiple drives for clothes, water, food, and personal care items for her project. She then expanded her efforts beyond her town, partnering with an organization to provide donations to the people in Ukraine. Her efforts will be sustained as she inspired her local diocese as well as her school to continue the drives going forward.

MARY O’GORMAN

Dauphin

The Next Chapter Book Club

Like many students, Mary enjoyed attending the twice-yearly book fairs at her school, but she wanted to make sure that all students could take home a book, even if money was an issue. For her project, she created an ongoing book drive to collect books for students who couldn’t afford to purchase one at the fair. She then partnered with a service club at the elementary school which will continue the project in the future.

JINCY SALTER

Dauphin

Community Prayer Garden

Jincy noticed that her community has a lot of churches, but no outdoor space to pray. For her project, she created a garden for community members to relax, meditate, and feel closer to God. She prepared the space, installed a walkway of steppingstones as well as a bench, repurposed items to add to the garden’s charm, and planted flowers. The garden will provide long-term comfort to the community as church groups have pledged to maintain its upkeep.

MAKAYLA SHUTT

Grantville

Growing in Health and Heart: Bettering Mental Health with the Help of God’s Word

Makayla focused on promoting positive mental health through her project. She created a website, featuring information she curated on both specific and broad mental health concerns. She included resources such as hotlines and inspiring quotes as well as recommended music, apps, videos, scripture guidance, and more. Her project’s mission will continue to benefit people as the website stays active for years to come.

BROOKE

Dauphin

WHISLER

Mason Bees – Population/Protection/ Pollination

By constructing 10 mason bee houses in a local park, Brooke took action to help a species in need. The population of the bees has been steadily declining, due in part to lack of habitat. Fewer bees also means fewer plants are being pollinated, which can have long-term effects on our environment. Thanks to her project, mason bees now have a sustainable safe space to flourish.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

NEVAEH DEBRICK

Waynesboro

Antietam Humane Society Pet Food Bank

Owning a pet can be an expensive endeavor, and for people who struggle financially, feeding their pet can become a burden. Nevaeh worked to solve that problem by building a pet food bank at a local shelter and soliciting donations to fill it. Her project will continue to serve people in need as the pet food bank is now a permanent fixture at the shelter.

JULIA RHODES

Shippensburg

Perpetual Games for Intellectually Disabled Camp

For her project, Julia addressed a gap at a Christian camp for people with special needs. She created perpetual learning games that can be adapted to varying curriculums. Using durable materials to make the games, she ensured they will be useful for many years and will serve as a helpful resource for camp volunteers when planning future sessions.

JUNIATA COUNTY

Millerstown

Prayer Garden

Marissa realized there were no community-based prayer gardens in her area, so she decided to create one herself. She designed and built a prayer garden, featuring benches made from recycled materials she collected, rocks painted with Bible verses, plants and flowers, and a weather-proof bookcase lending library. The garden is now a permanent part of a community park, providing respite for visitors.

MARISSA LAUVER

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

KINSEY BELLO

Jermyn

Kid’s Camp

Kinsey wanted to provide hands-on activities for children to build life skills while having fun. She created a Kid’s Camp program at her church, hosting monthly events for children to make friends and try new things. Each camp included crafts, cooking, STEM activities, and games. Dozens of children attended the camps, and the project will keep serving the community as the parish will continue supporting the program.

ASHLEY HEMAK

Jermyn

Making the Trails a Safer Place

Wanting to improve the outdoor experience at a local park, Ashley cleaned up trails, created and displayed laminated maps, and hung ribbons to mark the right path. She also created scannable QR codes for people to access an online map and installed maps of the entire park on the main park boards to give visitors an overview of their hiking options.

PAIGE HUBER

Clifton Township

Bluebird Project

Paige focused her project on the Eastern bluebird as well as other Pennsylvania songbirds in need of support. She led a community program where volunteers built birdhouses to install on walking trails in the community and their own yards. Her project will be sustained by the long-term use of the bird homes as well as the knowledge she passed along to people who attended the program.

KATHERINE LUCAS

Clarks Green

Hospital Donations

As a former patient, Katherine knows firsthand how boring and long hospital days can be for children. For her project, she created fleece blankets to bring comfort to kids in a local children’s hospital and collected donations for most-needed supplies. She also created an Instagram page, with a scannable QR code on each toy, game and blanket, that links to the page to solicit donations and teach others how to make the blankets.

BREANNA RAMOS

Dunmore

Raising Awareness in Mental Health

With her project, Breanna wanted to raise awareness of mental health concerns, including the prevalence of suicide. She created a video to teach the “what” and “why” behind mental health issues. Her goal was to teach her target audience — her peers and members of her community — how to help someone who needs it and empower others to take action to support anyone who is hurting. Her project will be sustained as the video is shared throughout her school district.

GRETCHEN REESE

South Abington Township

Veteran’s Cemetery Cleaning Program

Knowing that funding is lacking for private cemetery upkeep, Gretchen recruited a team of volunteers to conduct cleanup events at a local cemetery. She especially focused on the graves of veterans, working to be sure proper respect was paid to each person. Her project will continue on as clubs in her school have taken over future cleanup efforts.

LANCASTER COUNTY

CATHERINE DATORRE

Elizabethtown

Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development Rubber Duckie Festival Games

Catherine knew that a local organization holds an annual community event to support a nonprofit therapy center for children with disabilities, and she wanted to help. She repaired some of the games that were worn out from years of use and created new ones that are accessible for all children. The games can be used at future festivals for many years.

EMILY FASIG

Mount Joy

Milanof-Schock Library Project

When her local library built a new outdoor patio, Emily recognized a need for a seating area. She built wooden tables for the space, ensuring that wheelchairs and strollers have easy access to the tables. She also provided several STEM-related games that patrons can check out at the library.

SARAH HAMM

Mount Joy

Mount Joy VFW Outdoor Restoration

Sarah wants everyone to feel welcome at her local VFW club, so she dedicated her project to enhancing the building’s exterior. She cleaned up the flower beds, planted new flowers, and painted a mural featuring her own design. Her project will have a lasting impact, as veterans who use the facility will enjoy the vibrant exterior, which significantly boosts the building’s curb appeal.

MIRANDA MARTIN

Conestoga

Honoring Veteran’s Memorial Flagpole

Miranda believes that veterans at a local cemetery should not be forgotten. For her project, she installed a flagpole and a plaque in a highly visible area to bring attention to the people who served our country. To keep her project sustainable, she also installed a solar-powered light to the flagpole so the flag does not need to be raised and lowered daily.

ELIZABETH MATTHEWS Lititz

When a clothing bank in her community received a surplus of children’s books, Elizabeth stepped in to help. She built a free little library, located outside the donation center, to fill with books and puzzles. She set an initial goal of 100 families accessing the library, and she met that achievement. Her project will continue as the clothing bank staff replenish the library as needed.

SARAH MILLER

Lititz

Awareness and Advocacy for Aaron’s Acres Buddy and Angel Programs

After volunteering with a summer camp for people with special needs, Sarah realized the camp could use more help. She focused on increasing awareness of the organization’s Buddy program, which features teen volunteers during summer camp, and the program’s Angels initiative, which pairs youth volunteers with campers for fun activities during the school year. By partnering with service clubs at local schools, she ensured her project will continue after her involvement.

OLIVIA NILSEN

Elizabethtown

The Pollinator Garden Project

By planting a pollinator garden at a local retirement community, Olivia increased the number of bees and butterflies that visit the space and provided a scenic addition for residents at the same time. She also partnered with a garden club at her high school to maintain the site for long-term impact.

Ferris Wheel Clothing Bank Library

LEBANON COUNTY

MADELYN LOWE

Lebanon

Falcon Youth Triathlon

Madelyn wanted to spread awareness about the sport of triathlon through her project. She knew from experience that the event provided an opportunity to have fun and stay active without requiring lots of equipment. She organized a triathlon for children to try the sport, which includes swimming, biking, and running, and she planted the seeds for their future involvement in triathlons.

MEGAN ORRIS

Palmyra

Painting for Rescue Dogs

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and Megan proved that with her project. She combined her love of art and animals to create a portrait of a senior shelter dog who had been waiting a long time for a forever home. Her goal was to spark interest in adopting the furry friend, and she fulfilled that mission. Her project will live on as she raised awareness of dogs who might be overlooked initially when it comes to adoption.

LUZERNE COUNTY

MADISON DAY

Harding

Putting an End to CPR Ignorance in Medical Emergencies

It only takes one person to save a life. Madison knew that helping people learn basic life-saving skills and CPR could make a big difference in her community, so she organized a course to certify participants. She also held an assembly at her school to promote STEM careers and women in STEM. Her project’s mission will live on as the people she reached now have the knowledge to help others in need.

AVA DEITER

Swoyersville

Holy Redeemer Key Club

Ava wanted to encourage her peers to volunteer, so for her project, she started a Key Club at her high school. She connected with her local Kiwanis Club to organize students for service projects and fundraising activities. Her project will have a long-term impact as the club is now established at the school.

PAIGE GRECO

Sugarloaf

Diminishing Dementia with Musical Memories

With a grandfather who suffers from memory loss, Paige wanted to do something to help. She used her talent as a trumpet player to host performances at local nursing homes, recruiting friends to accompany her on vocals. Her programs sparked memories and solicited joy from the audience members. To sustain her project, she created memory boxes for the nursing home staff to use for future musical therapy programs.

CORTNEY GUASTELLA

Sweet Valley

Private Swim Lessons

Knowing how to swim is a life skill everyone can use. Cortney wanted to make water safety and swimming accessible to more people, so she offered private swim lessons to members of the community. Her project’s impact will be sustained by the skills participants learned, which will serve them for a lifetime.

EMILY KANE

Hanover Township

Emily wanted to make a grotto at a local church more welcoming to visitors. She completed landscaping work, planted flowers, installed an arbor and fountain, and placed solar lights throughout the space. Members of the congregation have pledged to maintain the grotto going forward, making sure it has a permanent impact on the community.

COURTNEY MERILLAT

Kingston

Be a Buddy Not a Bully

To promote kindness and combat bullying, Courtney created a story and a cartoon on the subject. She also set up a rock garden at a local elementary school, full of stones with positive messages on them. Videos of her story and cartoon will inspire people who view them online and will be used in her local school as a resource for the social work department.

ANGELINA OPACHKO

Bear Creek Township

Adopt a Barn Owl

Angelina wanted to care for her feathered friends through her project. She concentrated on the barn owl, once plentiful throughout the state but now considered in need of conservation. To address the birds’ lack of habitat, Angelina built nest boxes, providing a long-term, safe solution for the animals. She also created a website to raise awareness of the need and inspire others to take action.

LYCOMING COUNTY

BREANNA CORLEW

Jersey Shore

Sensory Path

Breanna designed a sensory path to help children at a local Head Start organization refocus. Through her project, she supported young students with special needs by providing an outlet for their emotions and assisted teachers in creating a safer, more positive classroom environment. The path is now a permanent feature, offering sensory experiences for future students.

Montoursville

Caregiver Work Stations at Public Libraries

Parents and caregivers who use public computers at a local library now have a safe space for their toddler to play while they work, thanks to Sarah’s project. She built a work station that attaches to a computer desk and features a safety mat, high walls, and built-in toys. Her project will continue as the station is a permanent part of the library, and her project has inspired other libraries to consider similar setups.

MONROE COUNTY

ANGIE ESPINOZA

Tobyhanna

Period Wellness Bundles

Through her project, Angie worked to destigmatize menstruation and provide school-age girls with access to both period education and feminine hygiene products. She led a donation drive to collect products, which she then distributed to girls in an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. Her project will be sustained through a book she wrote, “Mindful Period,” to help girls understand more about the topic.

KATHERINE GUDE

Henryville

As a young girl, Katherine witnessed her grandmother’s heart attack, watching as paramedics saved her life. For her project, she wanted to make sure young people knew the importance of cardiovascular health and how to set themselves up for healthy living. Working with the American Heart Association, she presented programs on prevention, symptoms, emergency situations, and more. Her project’s mission will continue as the organization will use her materials to focus on educating young people.

Maria Goretti Grotto Renovation

SARAH KLINE

The Amadores Mission

MADISYN HOLMES

East Stroudsburg

Books Behind Bars

Madisyn wanted to promote literacy and acceptance through her project. She created a blog focusing on books that cover multicultural experiences, including identity and race. She provided resources about the authors and their reasons for writing their books, and she encouraged people to consider perspectives outside their own.

ALEXA PETROFF

Henryville

Church of Saint Luke Community Food Pantry: Empowering Our Community

One Meal at a Time

Inspired to combat food insecurity in her community, Alexa established a food pantry at a local church. She created a website, distributed flyers to gather donations, and assembled a team to help stock the pantry. Her project will have a lasting impact, providing community members with a reliable source of nutritious food on an ongoing basis.

ALEXIA PIEL

Saylorsburg

Adopt a Troop Initiative

Alexia loves Girl Scouts, and she wanted to promote the program to as many girls as possible. For her project, she held a recruitment night to encourage girls to join and parents to volunteer. She then paired older Girl Scouts with new troops to serve as mentors and guide the leaders to ensure longevity of the troop.

NATALIE SCOTT

Stroudsburg

This Room Feeds People

Natalie saw the potential in a space in her church and took action. Through her project, she refurbished a community room in the basement, making it more welcoming for the various groups that meet there and providing stability for people experiencing homelessness who use the room. She installed new furniture and appliances and brightened the space with fresh paint. Now, people can relax, socialize, learn, and feel safe in the room.

ALEXIS TUTTLE

East Stroudsburg

Educate and Save a Life

Worried that people in her community lacked basic life-saving skills to help in an emergency, Alexis hosted multiple events to teach the importance of CPR. She created flyers to promote certification classes and recruited certified instructors to assist her in demonstrating proper techniques. Her project’s mission will live on as she also created a yearly course to reach new girls and their families.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

ALEXYS O’DONNELL

Mount Carmel

Walk in Weiser

Alexys wanted to be sure people get the most out of their time in a local park. For the project “Walk in Weiser,” Alexys identified flora and fauna commonly found along a trail, providing information and entertainment to park visitors. The project will live on through information packets about the trails, distributed to local libraries, schools, and the park’s education center.

Greentown

Preschool Playground Restoration

Molly noticed that a playground at a local preschool had seen better days, so she took action. She fundraised for donations to improve the space and recruited a team to refurbish existing equipment. The end result was a playground that showcased attractive, interactive features in a safe and inviting environment to be used by children for years to come.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

MELAINA BARBE

Orwigsburg

Library Program – Adventure Academy Early Learning Center and Blue Mountain Elementary West

To give young children access to free books, Melaina constructed little libraries at two local schools. Along with hands-on work, including staining the wood and assembling the cabinets, she collected books to stock each site. Her project will have a long-term impact as the libraries are permanent structures at each site, with each school handling maintenance and refilling the books as needed.

MADISON MCNEAL

Muir

Children’s Book About Bullying

For her project, Madison wrote, illustrated, and published a book to teach young children how to be nice to one another. She focused on kids in kindergarten through fourth grade, encouraging them not to be bullies and demonstrating ways to spread kindness. She gave copies of her book to elementary teachers and a local library, ensuring her project’s mission will continue.

SNYDER COUNTY

ALEXCIA WAGNER Middleburg

Women’s Health

Alexcia wanted to empower young girls between the ages of 12 and 15 to take charge of their health. For her project, she led a workshop focused on feminine hygiene, breast cancer, healthy eating, and the importance of exercise. Her project’s mission will be sustained as the girls she taught share what they learned with others.

UNION COUNTY

ERIN DESANTIS

Lewisburg

“Philatelist E.”: Exploring History Through Stamps

Erin is passionate about stamp collecting, and she wanted to pass that passion on to others through her project. She developed a patch program to promote the hobby, created online videos and photos to inform her community, and presented programs about preserving history through stamps. Her project will be sustained through a website and YouTube page she created, and the patches.

DELANEY KRAUS

Mifflinburg

Wheelchair Accessible Swing

Enjoying a playground may be something most children take for granted, but equipment can pose barriers to kids in wheelchairs. Delaney wanted to change that, so she installed a wheelchair-accessible swing at a local playground. The swing, now a permanent part of the playground, can be used for years to come.

PAIGE RHYNE

Mifflinburg

Easter Egg Hunt

Sometimes, kids just need time to be kids. With that in mind, Paige organized a community Easter egg hunt for her project. She recruited volunteers and spread the word to invite children to the event. Along with hunting for eggs, the kids played games and enjoyed time socializing together. Her project will serve as inspiration for other groups to hold similar events in the future.

PIKE COUNTY

MOLLY DICKERMAN

MAGGIE ROAT

New Berlin

Alice and the Big Decision

Maggie wanted to be sure girls understood the value and impact of STEM careers. She wrote, illustrated, and published a book about women in STEM for Girl Scout leaders to use as a tool to help Daisies and Brownies completing STEM badges. To sustain her project, she donated copies of the book to local libraries for families to borrow as well.

WYOMING COUNTY

SOPHIA MANCUSO

Tunkhannock

Feral Paws of Gold

Sophia wanted to tackle the problem of feral cats for her project. She used humane traps to catch stray cats and find forever homes for them. She also had other feral cats spayed or neutered before releasing them back to the wild. Additionally, she shared information with the community about responsible pet ownership and the overpopulation of feral cats, working to have a sustainable impact with her project.

MALANA NESTOR

Factoryville

Gold Blooms & Butterfly Garden

Malana promoted biodiversity through her project. She created and planted a butterfly garden at her church, providing habitat for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to thrive. She selected native plants and other suitable hosts for the pollinators, and incorporated information she had learned through her research to make the garden sustainable with minimal maintenance.

YORK COUNTY

MEGHAN CAMPBELL

Red Lion

Recycle the Earth

Through her project, Meghan educated people about the impact of trash on the environment and the importance of recycling. She organized a program to teach young people how to manage waste, how to recycle, and how pollution affects the community. Her project’s mission will continue as she has shared her curriculum with local parks and recreation programs and her local library.

Adopt a Grandparent

Applause for Gold Award Girl Scouts!

We are super proud of all the commitment and hard work that you put in to making your incredible project a reality. Many people will benefit from what you've created and the message it shares about the importance of mental health in our world. Love you!

Mom, Dad, David, Abraham, Chester, and Woodrow Abigail Barone

As a volunteer at a nursing home, Mary saw firsthand how lonely some residents were. To remedy this problem, she created an Adopt a Grandparent program, partnering volunteers with senior citizens to participate in group and individual activities. To sustain her project, she assembled a binder of materials for future volunteers to use and encouraged people to stay on as participants in the program.

MEILYNN POLETTI

York

Passion for M.U.S.I.C.

Meilynn addressed the lack of music education in a local school, providing a program that targeted at-risk students. She held an instrument drive and recruited volunteers to help her teach students about the power of music. She also partnered with a local organization to continue the program in the future.

SOPHIE ROWER

York

Friend to Friend

For her project, Sophie addressed mental health and the needs of her peers. She revived a club to provide support for students, promote positive mental health, and reduce the stigma associated with the topic. Her project will continue as the club is now more fully established and will inspire other schools to create similar clubs.

We're so proud of your Gold

Congratulations! You did it. We are so proud of your accomplishments. Dad and I are so excited to see what your future holds. It has been our

We are so proud of you for everything you have achieved and accomplished so far. All your hard work and dedication has paid off from helping your community with Girl Scouts, high school and now at the University of Pittsburgh. Keep reaching for the stars.

We are tremendously proud of you and your accomplishments. Your Girl Scout journey has been amazing to watch and share. You have created meaningful friendships, learned and experienced many things. Carry these memories with you. Achieving your Gold Award should remind you of your strength and determination. You can accomplish great things when you set your mind to them.

Love, Mom, Dad, RJ, Christian, Grandma, Aba & Abo

Madison Day

Mom, Dad, Kendall, Carissa, Dan, Nana & Poppy

Nevaeh Debrick

You have grown into such a wonderful young lady and we all are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! With God in your heart and your family behind you, you will continue to go far in life. Congratulations on your Girl Scout Gold Award. We can't wait to see how you change the world! Love you lots!

Big G, Pappy, Serenity, Divinity, and Christiana

MARY LENTZ

Red Lion

Rebecca

Cicalese

Erin DeSantis

We're so proud of you, Erin! Congratulations on your Gold Award and on all your accomplishments!

Mom, Dad, and Daniel

Paige Greco

Molly, ever since you were a young girl, you loved the camaraderie and fun that Girl Scouts brought to your life. You are a shining example of what is right, good and positive in this world and now you are shining with Gold! We love you and are so proud of you in this HIGHEST accomplishment!

Molly Dickerman

Love,

Mom, Pete, Jewel, and Grammy

Sarah Kline

Congratulations Paige! We are so proud of you! We love you!

Dad, Mom, and Bryce

It has been a privilege watching you mature into an adult. From your first year as a Daisy Scout in Kentucky to earning your Gold Award and now leading your own Brownie/Junior troop. The sky is the limit, and your future is bright. As you take your next steps, always honor the Girl Scout Promise and Law, stay true to your ethics and integrity, and make the world a better place.

Mom and Dad

Marissa Lauver

Congratulations Marissa on earning your Gold Award. We are very proud of your accomplishment. You had the patience, dedication, courage and determination to get your prayer garden to look amazing. A lot of people have sat there and have been enjoying it and I’m sure many more people will continue to enjoy it throughout the years to come.

Love, Your leaders — Peggy and Michele

Cortney Guastella

Cortney — you have been in the Girl Scouts for 13 years. Completing your Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. The world is a better place because of you. We are so incredibly proud of you!

Love always, Mom, Dad, Joseph

Congratulations Sarah! We are so proud of you for earning the Gold Award!

Mom-mom & Pop-pop Maureka

Sarah Kline

We are so proud of you. Congratulations on earning your Gold Award. Love ya — always & forever.

Mom & Blaise

Mary, today is your big day! While we celebrate your Gold Award, we celebrate you as you move one step closer to achieving your dreams. Wishing you a very successful journey in life. We are so proud of you.

Love, Mom and Dad Mary Lentz

Congratulations Maddie! We are so proud of you and excited to watch you continue your journey.

Love, Mom and Dad

Madelyn Lowe

Sarah Miller

Kara

Leonori

Kara — your love and generosity has shown in all you do. From your Bronze and Silver Awards to the completion of your Gold Award, all of your hard work throughout your time as a Girl Scout has shown. We are so proud of you! Congratulations!

Mom, Dad, & Kate

Sarah — congratulations on earning your Gold Award! We love seeing your passion for Aaron’s Acres come through in your Gold Award project. We are so proud of what you have accomplished.

Love you, Mom and Dad

Lizzy Matthews

She started as a small Daisy with petals upon her vest. Moving to Brownies, she earned the Summit. Juniors brought Bronze. Cadettes, a Silver. Her ambitions are like no other, all awards she must achieve. Now here she is shining in Gold for all her sister scouts to see. Reflecting what it means to be friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong. She is shining bright while making the world a better place. Congratulations on earning your Gold Award Lizzy! Keep reaching for those golden dreams, we are so proud of you!

Love always, Mom, Dad, and Jake

Olivia Nilsen

To our remarkable daughter, Olivia. From the time you became a Brownie, you embraced the Girl Scout promise –to make the world a better place. Little did we know it would lead you to the pinnacle – the Gold Award. Your heart is as golden as the award you hold. You’ve shown kindness, empathy, and resilience. As parents, we couldn’t be prouder. Your journey has taught us that true leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about lifting others up…and making the world a better place.

Marissa Lauver

Ander O’Donnell

Thank you for bringing me on this adventure with you! I never would have imagined being this strong if I didn’t have you. Remember all the lessons you have learned along the way, from camping in a swamp to camping in a different country. Remember all the jokes and smiles and friends made along the way. One minute we were walking down the stairs of the library to sign you up and the next you are standing here getting your Gold. You always said WHEN I get my Gold, never if I get my Gold. I love you!

Mom

Mary O’Gorman

Love you always, Mom and Dad

To our pride and joy: know that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. In the words of Albert Einstein, "Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts." We love you Murry, and we couldn't be more proud of the young woman you've become. You're going to do great things in this world.

With all our love, Mom, Dad, Sam, and Blaine

Congratulations Angelina Opachko! We are so proud of your success as a Girl Scout and in achieving your Gold Award!

Love, Dad, Mom, and Tasha Angelina Opachko

Alexa Petroff

Alexa Petroff

Congratulations Alexa! We are so proud of the person you have become – a young woman of courage, compassion, and strength. Your dedication, hard work, and leadership have shone brightly throughout your Girl Scout journey. As you continue to grow and embark on new adventures, remember the values of Girl Scouts. This incredible achievement is a testament to your amazing spirit and the bright future that lies ahead of you. Keep on making the world a better place! We love you so much!

Alexa Petroff

Congratulations and keep up the great work. We love you so much and cannot wait to see you achieve all of your dreams. The sky is the limit for you!

Favorite Funcle, Cathy, Aiden, Alivia, & Max

Alexa Petroff

Poletti

My favorite hike ever with my favorite niece in a bear-y beautiful place. I always have a great time with you! Love you!

Tía Lissette (& Kam)

Meilynn, I’ve enjoyed being your leader for the past 13 years! I’ve watched you develop into an amazing leader who has confidence, passion, and determination. You’ve been passionate about your goals while encouraging and teaching others. Thank you for always sharing your talent of leadership with our Troop. Congratulations on earning your Gold Award and sharing your passion for music with young people. You have changed the lives of young people who may have never had the chance to play a musical instrument. The instruments you collected will be put to great use. We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments.

Mom and Dad

Alexa Petroff

Dad, Mom, Nick, Gabe, and Penny

Amazing, loving, enthusiastic, xenodochial award earning Girl Scout, Alexa — we are so proud of the person you are becoming and the positive impact you’re making in our world. Earning a Gold Award is an incredible accomplishment and we hope you take great pride in every action you took to get to this point. As you pursue your passions, may you continue to strive for change and follow your heart. Continue to spread kindness, joy and love in any room you enter. And, don’t let anyone dull your sparkle. We love you!

Erika, Edwin, Martha and Jonathan

We are so incredibly proud of you, Julia! You are an absolute joy to be around. You are a person of character. You have shown tremendous growth and bravery throughout your journey. Always remember so many people love you. “Honor her for all that her hands have done, let her works bring her praise” — Proverbs 31:31

Love, Dad, Mom, and Zach Julia Rhodes

Brooke, we are so proud of all you have accomplished, not only as a Girl Scout, but as a beautiful young lady. Don't stop reaching for the stars, the sky is limitless! Continue to spread joy with your smile and laughter and always know we are here supporting you every step of the way! Love you always!

Mom and Dad

Brooke Whisler

Congratulations Alexa on earning your Gold Award. What an amazing achievement! We are so proud of you and know that this is only the beginning of a bright, exciting future. We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Love you lots!

Tía Lucy, Tía Ruben, and the Troncoso clan

Breanna, I'm so proud of the hard work you put into all you have done in life. Keep reaching for the stars. You are an amazing young woman. I love you.

Love, Mom and Joe Breanna Ramos

Meilynn

The Silver Award is one of the highest awards a Girl Scout can earn, available to girls in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. Girls earn this honor by completing a Cadette Journey, identifying an issue they care about and then making a difference in their community. These outstanding Girl Scouts had to complete a minimum 50 hours of work, which can be completed by an individual Girl Scout or a small team of girls.

The following lists are by county, troop, and the girls who participated in the projects.

ADAMS COUNTY

Troops: 80965, 80750

Girls: Katherine L., Laken S., and Rylee F.

CARBON COUNTY

Troops: 30470, 52309, 30425

Girls: Zoey H., Priscilla P., Lily M., Gabriela C., Leah S., Ava S., Amanda M., and Beleza O

CENTRE COUNTY

Troops: 40418, 40171, 40421, 41123

Girls: Rowan B., Eliana K., Caroline C., Kaila R., Lily N., Cora H., Cecilia L., Daphne H., Allison H., Kaitlyn B., Claire S., Kate G., Carmen D., Ruby K., Gabrielle S., and Allison W.

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Troops: 32455, 32452, 60084

Girls: Mackeely Ske B., Mackaliya Sun B., Chloe W., Allanah S., Alyssa C., Leah F., and Mara T.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Troops: 11467, 10662, 15089, 10619, 11413, 11466, 10718

Girls: Alexis C., Liza Marie S., Paige K., Saffron Z., Larissa W., Melina L., Nadia A., Natalie K., Ella Y., Hannah B., Teagan H., Eden K., Katelyn B., Nichole B., Haley O., Caroline B., Tessa B., Teah C., Penelope L., Jaidyn S., Nevaeh G., Rebecca R., Cordelia T., Aubriella P., and Madelynn C.

DAUPHIN COUNTY

Troops: 14108, 12300, 10283, 10728, 11570, 11113, 11262, 14010

Girls: Asharia S., Ayla W., Aliyah S., Rachel P., Zoe R., Kyra W., Natalie B., Scout R., Juizveth S., Delia T., Charlize N., Savannah A., Mia B., Laurel G., Elizabeth H., Kassidy J., Brynnleigh W., Kelly W., Abigail S., Makayla K., Alexis K., Lily K., Brynn W., Emery C., Caroline P., Alexis W., Avery S., and Kamryn B.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Troops: 80161, 81010

Girls: Olivia A., Molly T., Elayna H., Hayden C., Rosie S., Katie Z., Kaia F., Ryleigh H., and Kara M.

FULTON COUNTY

Troop: 80338

Girls: Kyra B., and Kylee S.

JUNIATA COUNTY

Troop: 60323

Girl: Lily P.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Troops: 50145, 52140, 50075, 50630, 52141,

Girls: Alanna F., Tara T., Aleah V., Heather D., Sarah R., Jaidon E., Lilly H., Ruby S., Charley O., Mackenzie W., Bristol S., Hannah S., Dana O., Madeleine F., Juliana V., Leighton C., Margaret B., Mary G., Samantha H., Giada F., Gwen B., Emily K., Madeline P., and Gabri-Anne W.

CLASS OF 2024 CLASS OF 2024

LANCASTER COUNTY

Troops: 70525, 70514, 70133, 71686, 70106, 70541, 70417

Girls: Madeline T., Gabby W., Jacy S., Kara M., Maria Z., Ava L., Meadow M., Trinity G., Kaylee M., Gwen H., Emily A., Eleni B., Valerie H., Brianna T., Sophie S., Katie K., Kendra P., Grace M., Lucy T., Madison G., Maddie R., Elsie B., Keeli A., and Mya B.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Troops: 30228, 32728, 33262

Girls: Gabrielle D., Amara E., Savannah K., Maggie W., and Naomi L.

MONROE COUNTY

Troops: 51005, 50812

Girls: Chloe C., Naomi M., Sienna L., Faith G., Arianna R., Zoe P., Isabella B., Ezriella B., Lindsey P., Breslin B., Shannon C., and Catalina J.

MONTOUR COUNTY

Troop: 32919

Girls: Olivia W., Kimella T., and Abigail C.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Troops: 60413, 61313

Girls: Madison W., Karlee T., Katelyn M., Lydia C., and Julianna V.

PERRY COUNTY

Troop: 10402

Girls: Vanessa K., and Rebekah G.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

Troop: 33013

Girl: Lilyanne H.

UNION COUNTY

Troop: 62057

Girl: Hailey E.

WAYNE COUNTY

Troop: 50841

Girls: Danika D., Emma D., Emma M., Kaylee F., Marissa F., Molly A., Roslyn K., Rylee C., Vivian S., and Gabby G.

WYOMING COUNTY

Girl: Juliette Girl Scout Freyja F.

YORK COUNTY

Troops: 21676, 20338, 20078, 20774, 20322, 20497, 20472, Juliette Girl Scout

Girls: Alyssa L., Tala M., Delaney K., Alexis C., Olivia S., Abigail R., Isabella D., Aviana G., Alivia F., Sameera P., Tipton B., Carley C., Bianca B., Isabella P., Mia S., Adelyn B., Gabriella M., Jillian Z., Kelsey S., Sydney S., Siena S., Gwen F., Palin K., Madison B., Kiley P., Noelani K., Claire F., and Aliana A.

The Bronze Award is one of the highest awards a Girl Scout can earn, available to girls in fourth and fifth grade who completed a Junior Journey and teamed up with the troop to make a difference in their community. These outstanding Girl Scouts had to complete a minimum 20 hours of work, share equal responsibilities, focus on teamwork, and group decision-making along the way.

The following lists are by county, troop, and the girls who participated in the projects.

ADAMS COUNTY

Troop: 80096

Girls: Sullivan P., Eleanor F., Colletta C., Kaylee M., Abigail H., and Aria T.

CARBON COUNTY

Troop: 34320

Girls: Mackenzie G., Jessica A., Noelle R., Olivia S., Alexis M., Elizabeth C., Madison S., Madilyn M., Danielle L., Angelina G., and Sophia S.

CENTRE COUNTY

Troops: 40050, 40060, 40069, 40170

Girls: Hailey B., Camille S., Marlena C., Fay S., Genevieve N., Loreili C., Cat D., Lexi D., Ayla S., Lily M., Hadley P., Genevieve H., Emma R., Samantha F., Ally B., Isabella B., Tessa B., Leah F., Kaya M., Miranda W., Lily R., and Hattie B.

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Troops:30187, 32449, 32922

Girls: Quinn S., Lively S., Gloria C., Ava B., Cassadee A., Daycee W., Tia T., and Amelia D.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Troops: 10536, 10645, 11409, 11411, 11419, 20710, 20868

Girls: Madison C., Ariella B., Kylie S., Livvy D., Kyleigh M., Kassandra S., Bhakti P., Cassidy B., Carrie S., Elise K., Sadie R., Kennedy T., Katie S., Abby B., Zoya K., Katie C., Whitney H., Maddie S., Anna P., Cate B., Hazel H., Emma G., Avriana T., Abigail C., Alivia Z., Brooke W., Corinne R., Emalee M., Kathryn H., Lillian W., McKenna M., Phoebe M., Skylar E., Sophia O., Julia B., Maddy S., Cerise C., Leah A., Leah P., Kat G., Gabby N., Lauren B., Adyson W., Calista B., Emma H., Adley P., Candice B., Evelyn H., Jacqueline C., Donna H., Abby L., Ari M., Aa’liyah M., Armani P., and Katherine S.

DAUPHIN COUNTY

Troops: 10739, 11300, 11337, and 14104

Girls: Addison E., Allegra B., Darrah E., Emma G., Da’Nayla W., Indiya B., Kamryn M., Lindsay R., Leah R., Charlotte T., Kalynn W., Ella B., Ellie H., Rebecca K., Madilyn S., Violet H., Alexa C., Anna B., Laney D., Sophie S., Makenna G., Caroline H., and Arielle W.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Troop: 81010

Girls: Esther G., Lindsey Y., Ada B., Amelia B., Alaina P., Annie P., Emmalyn M., Lucy B., and Sophia S.

HUNTINGDON COUNTY

Troop: 40134

Girls: Gabriella B., and Lilly H.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Troop: 50866

Girls: Gabriella A., Genevra V., Sydney B., Ava P., Laney M., and Sophia B

LANCASTER COUNTY

Troops: 70416, 70528, 70583, 71308, Juliette Girl Scout

Girls: Annabelle V., Celia D., Klaire H., Jaeli R., Charlotte R., Lillian S., Kathryn W., Violet B., Jocelyn B., Rebecca S., Miranda J., Olivia E., Elizabeth L., Scarlett P., Lilly K., Isabelle S., Abby A., Natalie M., Alison J., Marianne H., Megan K., and Arianna A.

CLASS OF 2024 CLASS OF 2024

LEBANON COUNTY

Troop: 70982

Girls: Violet B., Riley S., Abby F., Samantha D., and Jocelynn N.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Troops:32109, 32295, 32624, 33261, 33265

Girls: Ava D., Brynn H., Caitlyn L., Hope R., Harper S., Maggie O., Olivia M., Verdana H., Erin D., Kimberly D., Sabrina N., Hailey H., Grace H., Stefania K., Madison W., Ella CIva K., Katie K., Olivia K., Tatiana M., Ella L., Angela B., Caleigh L., Gabriella B., Piper F., Kinsey E., Savanna C., Reilly F., Catherine G., Krista M., Ella L., Mia S., Madison F., Eileenah-bell E., and Cora L.

MONROE COUNTY

Troops: 50314, 50740, 51058, 52296, 52299, 52333

Girls: Madison V., Penny H., Rose D., Fiona C., Gabriela W., Haley R., Harper V., Kylee W., Mariana A., Madison B., Joselyn B., Klea D., Anna H., Kyleigh M., Vida Q., Olivia R., Ava S., Gabriella V., Skyler A., Paige P., Kara J., Ariana M., Michelle D., Alianna C., Danielle B., Ella R., Ella S., Emma W., Marlee M., Jenna C., Mollie H., Naomi O., and Savannah B.

MONTOUR COUNTY

Troop: 32919

Girls: Katherine W., and Priscilla C.

PERRY COUNTY

Troops: 10467, 10494

Girls: Ava P., Vera D., Kaci K., Isabella R., Mallory B., Alex H., Keirra K., MacKenzie P., Makenna S., Alivia D., Ryleigh F., and Evie C.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

Troops: 31128, 31260, 32730, 32840

Girls: Claire L., Abigail B., Tessa W., Alana S., Brenna F., Elise D., Jaylin K., Laci T., Layla F., Maura S., Brielle M., Madelyn G., Emma F., Emma S., Payton S., Sadie T., Sadie B., Addison D., Adalynn D., Adalyn M., Alexandra S., Noelle R., Katelyn G., Hailey S., Hannah M., Julia B., Willow N., and Calla N.

UNION COUNTY

Troops: 60353, 61128, 62051

Girls: Rylie U., Allura R., Layla L., Heidi H., Katie R., Amelia F., Ella M., Kyra M., Lucy H., Abigail S., Elise S., McKinley F., Mia L., Addison S., Gwen L., Kendall S., Lilyana M., and Kaylee K.

WAYNE COUNTY

Troop: 50143

Girls: Lucy B., Lilly M., Ava O., Sophie R., Jordana S., Emma V., Laural W., and Audrey Z.

WYOMING COUNTY

Troop: 51000

Girls: Emma H., Ella Z., Lillian D., Zeva D., and Rochelle P.

YORK COUNTY

Troops: 20312, 20325, 20343, 20429, 20480, 20482, 20672, 20821, 20840, 20842, 21077

Girls: Katie M., Braelyn M., Elizabeth W., Rebecca D., Averi J., Grace S., McKenzie S., Elaina G., Genevieve G., Leah C., Ava G., Libbie D., Emily H., Lucy K., Maesyn O., Molly R., Briar P., Odette W., Elizabeth M., Leah S., Ella M., Ava H., Shyann L., Mallorie H., Reilly R., Leah B., Madelyn D., Reagan D., Cassidy B., Macy C., Quinn N., Anna S., Evelyn Y., Natalie D., Katie L., Adalynn H., Alyssa A., Cadence B., Gabrielle D., Lorelle S., Maybreigh F., Sophianna F., Fiona B., Felicity K., Lena K., Corrine W., Amira D., Lillian W., Amelia L., Kathryn S., Lily A., Lillie G., Teagan H., Callie H., Olive K., Anna L., Navia S., Grace C., Ava C., Quinn H., Zaya H., Khalia J., Alisa M., Sophia M., and Caroline R.

Not waiting for permission since 1912.