Gold Award Ceremony Program

Girl Scout Mission

Girl Scout Promise

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

Girl Scout Law

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God* and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

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

We Are Girl Scouts

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

Gold Award Girl Scouts Change the World

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

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

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty seven percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts agree that earning their Gold Award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally, and ninety six percent say their experience inspired their ongoing commitment to community service.

We can’t wait to see where our 2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts go next. Congratulations!

Gold Award Committee

Anne Bader

Cam Bowman

Tracy Bracht

Sherri Charter

Marilyn Fullen

Jennipher Harris

Barbra LaPlante

Jennifer Pernicano

Liza Potocki

Judy Pritchett

Tiffany Chatham Smith

Linda Wightman

Interested in joining the Gold Award Committee to mentor the next class of Gold Award Girl Scouts? Contact our Gold Award team at goldaward@sdgirlscouts.org.

Gold Award Ceremony

Introduction Sofía Pérez Valles Gold Award Girl Scout, 2019

Recognition of Support

Emily Rex Vice Chair, Girl Scouts

San Diego Board of Directors

Council Address Carol M Dedrich Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts San Diego

Guest Speaker Hon. Sherry Thompson-Taylor Judge, San Diego Superior Court

Presentation of Awards

Ana De Almeida Amaral Gold Award Girl Scout, 2019

Croquette Hudson Director of Programs, Girl Scouts San Diego

Cameron Mackey Gold Award Girl Scout, 2022

Lucia Pérez Valles Gold Award Girl Scout, 2020

Get an inside look at this year’s Gold Award Girl Scouts’ projects! Hover your phone’s camera over the QR code to access our digital photo album.

Girl Scouts San Diego Leadership

Carol M Dedrich Chief Executive Officer

Carol Dedrich leads a team of more than 100 staff who support more than 24,000 youth and adult members in San Diego and Imperial counties. She attributes the lessons she learned as a young Girl Scout with preparing her for leadership roles in school, the military, and throughout her career. Now, she is a champion of girls and women, committed to helping them overcome insecurities and building collaborations to expand their perspectives and skills. As CEO, Carol’s priorities include serving a geographically and economically diverse girl and volunteer base, leveraging community partnerships to better reach underserved communities, enriching the volunteer and older Girl Scout experiences, and building lasting relationships with donors to serve more girls with relevant, critical programming. Among her many awards and accolades, Carol was named San Diego Business Journal’s 2023 CEO of the Year in the Nonprofit category.

Emily Rex Vice Chair, Board of Directors

With a life-long interest in human motivation, Emily Rex developed a fascination with the creation of powerful, lasting, and influential brands as she progressed through her career in advertising. Now, she is the founder and CEO of Departure, a branding, marketing, and website development firm headquartered in San Diego. She oversees operations, sales, finances, business development, brand strategy, project management, day-to-day operations, client relationships, and more. The current success of her business has confirmed her belief that nothing great is possible without motivation. Emily is also a member of Girl Scouts San Diego’s Board of Directors, where she serves as vice chair and on the Executive and Philanthropy Committees.

Gold Award Ceremony Speakers

Hon. Sherry Thompson-Taylor Judge, San Diego Superior Court

Sherry Thompson-Taylor was appointed to the San Diego Superior Court in March 2022 by Governor Gavin Newsom. For two years, she presided over criminal matters in the East County branch of the San Diego Superior Court, more recently moving to Chula Vista, where she now works on family law cases including divorce, child custody, visitation, child and spousal support, and domestic violence. Sherry has received numerous awards, including San Diego Metropolitan Magazine’s 40 under 40 Award, the Legal Trailblazer Award, the Thurgood Marshall Award from the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, and more. She has also been active within Girl Scouts San Diego for more than 10 years, serving in numerous volunteer roles. Most recently, she led troop 5548 through their middle and high school years, guiding many of them through earning the prestigious Silver and Gold Awards. In March, she was honored as one of Girl Scouts San Diego’s Cool Women of 2024.

Sofía Pérez Valles Gold Award Girl Scout, 2019

Sofía Pérez Valles is a recent graduate of UCLA, completing a major in Public Affairs with minors in Spanish and Global Studies. She is from Chula Vista and has always loved exploring. Growing up with parents who enjoyed road trips throughout California and Baja California set the foundation for Sofía’s passion for environmental issues. This was reflected in her Girl Scout leadership experience as she tackled highest awards projects that addressed those topics. Sofía spent 10 years as a member of troop 5912 and became a Trifecta Girl Scout who earned the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Now, Sofía looks forward to taking a few gap years in preparation to pursue a graduate degree.

Meet Our 2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts

Mikaela Abella

she/her

Ethical Eating

Mikaela recognized that her community lacked understanding of the negative effects of commercial farming. To combat this, she created a website and Instagram page with lasting resources so users can expand their knowledge and find their nearest farmers market. Additionally, she held a booth at the Escondido Farmers Market, where she promoted her project and gained community interest. Mikaela connected with various groups in her community to host in-person presentations for students and staff at San Pasqual High School, parents in Escondido, and healthcare workers at Alvarado Hospital to increase education about supporting local farms and ethically grown food.

Mikaela expanded her leadership skills by practicing effective communication and time management. She grew her confidence in public speaking by presenting to many different audiences and collaborating with others. Mikaela also executed resourcefulness and perseverance by facing challenges throughout her project.

I want to thank my project advisor, Chrisanne Moats, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Jennipher Harris, and my family and troopmates for their continual support and encouragement during my project.

Carolyn Ackerman she/her

Get Excited About Science Early!

Carolyn noticed that elementary students weren’t being introduced to scientific topics in an engaging way. To get students excited about science, she developed multiple hands-on activities and lessons that introduced topics in an ageappropriate and engaging manner. She presented to over four hundred students in school classrooms, Girl Scout meetings, and a community science night. Carolyn also distributed her materials both in-person and digitally to create a lasting impact.

Carolyn gained important skills in research, organization, and public speaking. She learned to engage with her community by developing valuable relationships with community leaders and educators to inspire younger students.

I would like to thank my troop leaders, Ms. Lucy and Ms. Cathy, my parents, and my community partner, Kimberly Desmaris, for always being supportive and helpful throughout the entire process. Special thanks to my Gold Award Committee mentor for all her guidance.

Camila Alvarez she/her Puppy

Love

During the pandemic, Camila saw that many people were acquiring dogs as companions for personal comfort but were not educating themselves on how to be knowledgeable pet parents. To address this, she created a pamphlet and booklet to serve as a guide for pet owners. She worked with seniors, adults, teens, and children in her community and at Escuela David Lynch in Tijuana, Escuela Jardin Tecalitlan in Guadalajara, the Helen Woodward Animal Center, and MANA de San Diego. She taught her audience that owning a dog and treating them kindly is not as expensive as many people think. Her goal was to ensure that dogs live a good quality of life and that their “parents” have the best knowledge to care for them.

Camila learned to problem solve, research, and organize, and gained public speaking and presentation skills through demonstrations.

I would like to thank my family, friends, and troop leader, Irene Barajas, for guiding and encouraging me through my Gold Award journey.

Daniela Alvarez she/her

Keep Calm, You Can Do It

Upon discovering that many children were not prepared for emergencies during the pandemic, Daniela broke down cultural barriers by delivering informative presentations in San Ysidro. Realizing that many mothers did not speak English, she translated the information into Spanish. She created booklets, which she sent home with families to continue learning the information. Daniela presented at the Casa Familiar fall festival, veteran organizations, Balboa Park, and various summer camps for younger children. She impacted people from different backgrounds in San Diego County, demonstrating that the survival skills she shared are essential for everyone, regardless of their region.

Daniela learned to be adaptable because she was able to adjust her plan when needed in order to exceed the expectations of her audience. She became detail-oriented and succeeded in improving her presentations one-by-one.

I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me throughout the process of completing my Gold Award. I would also like to thank my troop leader, Irene Barajas, for encouraging me to be the best version of myself and for teaching me to always take initiative.

Charlotte Bailey Project Prom Dress

Charlotte learned that many teens either don’t have a dress for prom or don’t know what to do with their dresses after wearing them just once. To address this, she created a club at her high school called Project Prom Dress. She worked to educate students, teachers, and community members about sustainable fashion through social media and newspaper interviews. By organizing an annual dress drive in her community, she collected over 135 prom dresses for teens in San Diego last year. Project Prom Dress will continue its fashion sustainability education and annual dress drive.

Charlotte learned valuable collaboration and organization skills through her partnership with Princess Project San Diego. Additionally, she gained confidence when her idea impacted a school and a whole community. She is proud that she was able to inspire and motivate others to join her journey and pass along the ongoing message of fashion sustainability.

I would like to thank my family, friends, troop leaders, and project advisors for their support and encouragement on my Gold Award journey. A very special thank you to my mom who has been my troop leader since kindergarten. I love you so much!

Ciela Bell she/her

Calling All Father Figures

Throughout her elementary education, Ciela observed that while plenty of moms volunteered in classrooms or on school boards, very few fathers offered to volunteer at her school. She also discovered the many benefits of father figures being involved in their children’s education and school safety. To address this, she introduced the nationally known Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students) program to San Pasqual Union Elementary, creating a fun way for father figures to get involved. With this program, the number of male volunteers at the school skyrocketed, and fathers and their children formed deeper bonds through their engagement in education.

Ciela learned valuable time management and organizational skills while planning events, making the program more sustainable and efficient, and recruiting volunteers.

I would like to thank my family, especially my mom, who helped me so much on this journey. Thank you to SPU and my project advisor for being so welcoming and supportive and to my Gold Award Committee mentor for her guidance!

Athena Bernheim she/her Financial Literacy

Athena found that one of the main complaints from high school students across the US is, “Why did school teach me that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, but not important things like how to pay taxes?” In response, she created a free, online, and shareable program to educate teenagers on basic financial literacy, both in and out of a classroom setting. The program involved several modules, each containing a lesson, lectures, notes, interactive games, and an outline. Athena worked with her high school, High Tech High North County, to implement the program into parts of their College and Career Readiness Program.

Athena learned the importance of networking, especially when working on a personal project, as well as time management. Additionally, she enjoyed learning about the different types of learning styles. This was integral in attempting to reach a broader audience.

I would like to thank Jared Coates and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Linda Wightman. I would also like to thank all external factors that contribute to myself, my actions, and my circumstances.

Shreya Bharath she/her

Composting and Repurposing Food Waste

Shreya developed a curriculum to spread awareness about composting and the repurposing of food waste. She realized that many families are not educated on the consequences of food waste, so they continue to generate it. She taught high schoolers about the environmental impacts of discarded food waste, encouraging them to change their daily habits and be more mindful of repurposing waste. She held workshops at her school to discuss topics like microorganisms in composting and the effects of composting on climate change. She also created a video and shared the educational materials with her school’s environmental club so they can continue teaching the content in the future.

Shreya furthered her environmental passions and committed to making a positive impact on the environment through composting practices. She also developed and refined her leadership skills in project management, team coordination, and effective communication.

I would like to give a huge thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Mrs. Liza Potocki, and my project advisors, Mrs. Jennifer Ott and Mrs. Ford, for supporting me in this project and providing me with valuable feedback. My project would not have been possible without your constant support and encouragement.

Aasha Bishop she/her

Sensory Blankets to Help People with Dementia

Aasha discovered a significant lack of community awareness about dementia and ways to assist those affected. To address this, she developed an innovative sensory tool using crochet. Engaging with students from elementary through high school and community members of all ages, Aasha gathered donated materials. She taught community members how to crochet, created crocheted sensory blankets, and collaborated with memory care patients and caregivers to ensure these tools met their needs. Aasha raised awareness about dementia by presenting to her school’s Crochet for a Cause club, local Girl Scout troops, Mrs. Smith’s La Costa Meadows Elementary School GATE/ STEM class, and by publishing a website with instructions on creating crocheted sensory tools and their benefits.

Through innovative, empathetic, and collaborative thinking, Aasha devised a way to help community members maintain cognitive function. She applied research and decision-making skills to develop a prototype sensory tool and utilized project management skills to lead her teams. Additionally, Aasha gained confidence in public speaking and enhanced her communication skills.

I would like to thank Jennipher Harris for being my Gold Award Committee mentor, Erin Clements for helping me identify this community need, Kristie Francis for being my troop leader since third grade, and my Gold Award project advisor, Susan Smith, a Gold Award Girl Scout herself, for being my original inspiration. I also want to thank my mom for her constant support and everyone who participated and continues to participate in this project.

Adison Bradley she/her

TPWK bracelets

Adison observed that in our busy lives, kindness is often overlooked, despite its profound impact on everyone. To counter this trend, she collaborated with local schools and participated in community events, sharing her project and distributing over 1,600 bracelets inscribed with ‘Treat People with Kindness.’ In return, she asked people to perform kind acts and share them. These acts are showcased on her Instagram page, with over 130 contributions from people across the United States and other countries. Scripps Ranch High School and several local Girl Scout troops in Tierrasanta will continue her project to keep spreading kindness.

Adison learned the importance of organization and time management throughout her project. She also conquered her fear of public speaking, presenting to audiences as large as 400 people. Additionally, she developed skills in presenting to different age groups and finding ways to connect with them based on their unique needs.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family and friends, especially my mom, for their unwavering support and enthusiasm for my project. I also want to thank my project advisor, Ms. Wang, and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Jennipher Harris, for their consistent support and guidance throughout this journey.

Katelyn Brus she/her

Sage Creek Photography Club

Katelyn noticed that her fellow students felt discouraged from pursuing photography due to the lack of stress-free resources resulting from the focus on grades. To address this issue, she partnered with Sage Creek High School and its photography teacher to re-establish a Photography Club for aspiring photographers seeking more opportunities in a grade-free environment. After successfully launching this club, she reached out to Calavera Hills Middle School to provide students there with the opportunity to learn more about photography. At the end of each year, club elections are held to ensure the club continues as a positive space for student photographers to gain experience and community at Sage Creek.

Katelyn learned the importance of leadership skills, managing logistics, and community building through her experience re-establishing and running the Photography Club at Sage Creek High School. With each new challenge, she expanded her skillset and knowledge.

I would like to thank all those who helped make this project possible: my parents, my club officers and members, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Liza Potocki, and my project advisor and photography teacher, Jodi Williams, whose valuable support greatly contributed to my success.

Michelle Bryant she/her

Mental Health at SFC

Michelle found that after the pandemic, high school students had trouble connecting and forming lasting friendships, leading to decreased mental health and self-esteem. To address this issue, Michelle created a club that connected underclassmen with upperclassmen, pairing each student with a mentor or mentee to help them navigate high school. She then sent out instructions on creating similar clubs to other schools to help students worldwide.

Michelle learned valuable time management skills, how to lead and organize a group to bring people together, and how to overcome her fear of public speaking.

I would like to thank my amazing parents and sister for supporting me as I worked to earn my Gold Award, and my friends for always asking how they could help. Special thanks to my Gold Award Committee mentor and project advisor for their encouragement and advice.

Isabella Cambou she/her

Injury Prevention and Recovery in Youth Sports

After years of playing competitive sports and sustaining significant injuries, Isabella realized that the mindset in youth sports surrounding injury recovery did not promote a healthy environment, often pushing athletes to rush back into playing. To address this, she worked with Scott Evans, a doctor at SDSU, and other sports medicine doctors to create a program that emphasized the importance of proper recovery and preventative measures. This included new warmup routines and a comprehensive guide on where to go when injured and how long recovery should take. She presented to local soccer, field hockey, and high school sports teams, and passed on her resources to the coaches and athletic department to create lasting change.

Through her project, Isabella learned the importance of her voice and its potential to create change. She refined her public speaking skills, improved her time management, and enhanced her organizational abilities, setting her up for a bright and successful future.

I would like to thank my parents Michele and Randy Cambou for pushing me to stick with this project and for spending countless hours listening to me practice my presentation, helping me write emails, and reviewing my final report. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you, I love you guys. Another essential person was my Gold Award Committee mentor, Jen Pernicano, whose support I’m extremely grateful for. I want to thank my field hockey coaches, Amanda Warford and Ari Hooper, for their help and for letting me present to their teams and pass along my resources. Last but certainly not least thank you to my troop, 2191, for always pushing me to be my best.

Maryliz Campos she/her

The Life of A.C

Maryliz wrote a book to spread autism awareness, dedicated to her younger brother Amador, who struggled with understanding why people bullied him at school. In the book, she discussed autism and apraxia and how they affect the body and brain functioning together. She worked with a local nurse to better understand apraxia and collaborated closely with her project advisor, a special education teacher, to understand what other kids with autism experience. She reached approximately 350 locally and globally through presentations at high schools, churches, and health fairs. She also created TikTok and YouTube videos to encourage people to learn more about autism and apraxia. She is now working on approval from the Library of Congress to publish her book.

Maryliz learned leadership, communication, and public speaking skills through writing her book and presenting it to her classmates and community members.

I would like to thank my mom for her encouraging words every step of the way. Thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor and Mrs. Hopkins, my project advisor, for their support and guidance through this journey.

Gabriella Cimmino she/her

Project Alopecia

After being diagnosed with alopecia areata in her freshman year of high school, Gabriella realized that many people in her community had never heard of it. To address this, she began to educate and raise awareness of this autoimmune disease. She partnered with the Diocese of San Diego Schools to deliver her Project Alopecia kits to every school in the diocese, providing support for children recently diagnosed with alopecia. Gabriella also hosted a health and wellness fair at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, which included a guest speaker with alopecia areata and more than a dozen health and wellness vendors. She created an educational video and social media accounts for Project Alopecia, promoted awareness on her school’s morning TV program, and authored a guidebook for planning future health and wellness events at her high school.

Gabriella’s experience taught her valuable lessons in community building and collaboration. She learned to transform a negative experience into a positive one through hard work, dedication, and community support.

I would like to thank my mother, my troop leader for the past 13 years, for her love and guidance, and my father and brothers for their encouragement and support. I also thank troop 6030, Judy Pritchett, Greta Van Cuylenburg, Arielle Lugn, Dr. Brandy Sato, Allison Knoll, Leticia Oseguera, the Diocese of San Diego Schools, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, the principals in the Diocese of San Diego, all the vendors at my health fair, and Girl Scouts San Diego. I appreciate you all!

Teagan Cross she/her

Blacktop to Garden Agricultural Introduction

To address opportunity inequality due to poverty, Teagan served as the project manager and instructor for the design and execution of a mobile gardening system for a Title I school. She carried out a hands-on educational STEM project, teaching her high school peers and young adults important building skills. This allowed her to utilize her creativity and engineering design expertise, which she passed down to her project’s build team. The bench and three mobile sub-irrigated planters were brought to Clay Elementary School for the continued education of children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Through trial and error, Teagan gained valuable time management skills. Her confidence grew as the design and construction progressed, and she also expanded her leadership skills with each building session.

I would like to thank my team of peers who assisted me every step of the way, as well as my parents, whose constant support and encouragement were the primary reason I was able to earn this award.

Jessica David she/her

Empowering Children in Computer Science

Jessica hosted coding workshops for young children in her community, specifically empowering girls to explore STEM subjects. Recognizing the root causes of gender disparities in STEM, like stereotypes, Jessica aimed to challenge these barriers by providing early exposure and creating a supportive environment for children at her local elementary school, Midland ESS. She successfully measured impact through pre- and post-workshop surveys, showcasing improved confidence and knowledge in coding among participants. To ensure sustainability, Jessica documented and shared project details with other local schools and uploaded the curriculum online, linking her Gold Award project globally and making STEM education accessible beyond her community.

Jessica gained leadership, adaptability, and communication skills while overseeing her coding workshops. Overcoming personal challenges, she demonstrated resilience and learned the importance of effective team management. Jessica’s project empowered children in STEM and helped her grow as a compassionate leader.

I would like to thank my family and troop for supporting me on the path to earning the Gold Award. Special thanks to my Gold Award Committee mentor and project advisor for their advice and guidance along the way.

Kristina Deal she/her

Protecting Our Local Bird Population

Kristina aimed to engage the youth in her community and educate them about the declining bird population. She discussed with preschoolers the human activities that harm birds, such as deforestation for construction. Over a series of workshops at her church and a neighboring one, Kristina involved the preschool children in activities like building and painting birdhouses, making bird feeders, reading books, and playing bird bingo and a matching game.

While working with the preschool students, Kristina learned leadership skills, instructional techniques, teamwork, and patience. She had to work with others to ensure her project’s success, requiring effective time management, teamwork, and communication.

I would like to thank my parents for supporting me through the process of earning my Gold Award. I also thank my Gold Award Committee mentor for keeping me on track and providing valuable advice when needed.

Prisha Desai she/her

Creating Cultural Awareness

Prisha noticed a lack of cultural awareness in her community, especially regarding unique cultures from different parts of the world like South Asia and Ireland. To address this, she used her passion for Indian Classical Dance to educate others. Prisha formed a club at her high school and collaborated with peers from different cultural dance backgrounds to spread awareness. Together, they created presentations and dance tutorials about their respective cultural dance styles and shared this knowledge at school, local community events, and the public library.

Prisha learned valuable leadership, time management, and public speaking skills by engaging with people of various ages and partnering with local organizations.

I would like to express my gratitude to my troop leader, Gold Award Committee mentor, and project advisor for their guidance and support throughout this project. I also want to thank my family for their unwavering support during my Girl Scout journey over the past decade.

Shannon Elwin she/her

Creating an Interact Club at Grossmont High School

Shannon noticed a lack of volunteer opportunities for students at Grossmont High School. With support from the La Mesa Rotary Club, she created a club that prioritized student involvement in planning and executing activities. These activities impacted the school, local, and international communities. The club continues to grow in numbers and expand in opportunities, with leaders already lined up to take over after Shannon graduates.

Shannon gained public speaking skills by forging connections through email, phone, and in-person conversations. She learned to put herself out there, work with organizations, delegate tasks, and communicate effectively with the club. The format of the club allows members to be part of the planning process, showing their genuine desire to help the community.

I would like to thank my troop leader, Jen Lyon, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Jennipher Harris, Rotarian, Mr. Ashman, and the teachers who provided their rooms at lunch for supporting me. I deeply appreciate my friends, club members, and family for cheering me on along the way.

Andreana Frangos she/her

Big Wigs Business Camp

As a child, Andreana started every small business imaginable, becoming selftaught in online marketing, food handling, and budgeting. Realizing the lack of guidance for young children interested in business, she created Big Wigs Business, a camp for 4th to 6th graders to learn the ins and outs of running a small business. Working with business owners and the Coronado Public Library faculty, Andreana created a lasting curriculum accessible on her website and TeachersPayTeachers.com.

As the head of Big Wigs Business, Andreana took on roles such as event planner, website developer, and curriculum designer. She learned that careful planning, consistent communication, and close collaboration are crucial aspects of leadership.

I would like to thank my parents and my project advisor, Mrs. Gina Balourdas, for supporting me every step of the way. I also want to thank Ms. Natalie Stringer and Ms. Jennipher Harris for partnering with me and believing in my project.

Jules Freeland she/her

Food Insecurity and Compost Education

Jules noticed that many schools in her community lacked adequate compost bins. To address this, she partnered with the Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts to create a comprehensive educational curriculum on the environmental benefits of composting. Through engaging lessons and on-site composting bins, Jules made a lasting impact on her community. She continued to educate students at her high school on the importance of food security, emphasizing that community gardens and composting bins are steps in the right direction.

Through her project, Jules learned the value of coordination and communication to achieve any goal. She gained extensive practice in public speaking and classroom leadership, creatively rethinking education to be interactive and engaging for students of all ages.

I would like to thank my project advisor, Tiffany Hinestro, and Gold Award Committee mentor, Judy Pritchett, for their guidance. I also want to thank my parents for their support and inspiration throughout my journey as a Girl Scout.

Sara Fultz she/her

Sunshine 4 Kids

Sara identified various stressors affecting children’s joy, from illness-induced isolation to socioeconomic barriers. She initiated Sunshine for Kids at her school, partnering with Project Sunshine. The club packaged activity kits for hospitalized children nationwide, bringing joy to families. Sara organized free, themed summer camps, which fostered social interaction and fun for kids in her community. She ensured the club’s continuity, providing program materials and maintaining an Instagram presence to advocate for the importance of play, especially during illness. Sara remained co-president for her senior year, guiding the club based on insights from her Gold Award project. The Instagram account continues to share the value of play for children battling diseases.

Sara established her leadership skills and learned persistence in the face of many challenges. She discovered that communication is key and that relying on community assistance is not as easy as one might hope.

I would like to thank my family, troop leaders, and project mentors for their support and encouragement. Special thanks to my troop members and friends who made this project possible.

Elizabeth Gant she/her

Making Environmental Change Tangible

Elizabeth saw many students struggling to connect the ways they are told to help the environment with the nature they see around them. To help students connect with the nature around them, she led hikes and camping trips, working with Poway Backpackers to create an entertaining curriculum. Elizabeth taught her peers how to change their habits for the planet during her Environmental Club meetings and Girl Scout workshops. She created the Environmental Club Coalition with clubs from across San Diego to expand their impact. Finally, she created the website “Avocados and Adventures” to share sustainable living tutorials, enabling young students to change their habits while living at home.

Elizabeth learned leadership and organizational skills through managing the Environmental Club Coalition and nature talks. She found that most people want to help the environment but do not know where to start.

I would like to thank my parents, Meredith and Scott Gant, and my sisters, Cecelia and Abigail Gant, for always supporting me through my project. Thank you to Jennipher Harris and Jenny Lucey for guiding me through my Gold Award and pushing me to make the world a better place.

Genevieve Grismer she/her

Urban Bee Conservation

Genevieve noticed that many people were interested in saving bees but didn’t know how or why bees needed to be saved. In response, she led an educational campaign to teach others about the dangers bees face, their impact on our lives, and how to support local bees. Working with San Diego Beekeeping Society board member, Holly Haeseler, Genevieve created workshops for all ages, educating participants on saving bees and providing materials to make backyard bee waterers. She collaborated with the Environmental Club at Poway High School, providing project materials and information so her project could continue.

Genevieve expanded her leadership skills and selfconfidence through community interaction and hosting workshops. She learned the power of passion and the value of a strong support system, advocating for a healthier future by protecting bees.

I would like to thank my parents, mentors, fellow Girl Scouts Lauren Mascardo and Erin Lucey, and all those in my community who helped this project succeed. Special thanks to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Anne Bader, project advisor, Holly Haeseler, troop leader, Lyssa Powers, and longtime friend and mentor, Alison Lizarraga for believing in me and supporting me throughout this journey.

Emily Hays she/her

Living Substance Free!

As the Fentanyl crisis continued to impact teens across the nation, Emily felt passionate about fostering greater discussion around the dangers of substance misuse. In partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital, Emily created a Living Substance Free patch outline to help youth learn about the risks of drug use and develop healthier coping strategies. Using the patch outline as a guide, she hosted three online Living Substance Free workshops, available to Girl Scouts and teenagers across the United States. Locally, Emily organized Poway High School’s Red Ribbon Week and created a drug awareness presentation for ninth grade homerooms to receive annually.

Despite setbacks and the stigma surrounding substance misuse, Emily persevered, teaching her that dedication and perseverance can implement lasting societal change. She learned the importance of taking initiative and being a selfstarter.

I would like to thank my Gold Award Committee mentor, Linda Wightman, and my project advisor, Julie Purdy, for their guidance. Above all, I want to thank my mom for her encouragement, patience, and support—I aspire to someday be as organized as her!

Lillian King she/her

Farm Animals DO Live in The City

Lillian noticed the lack of educational programs in local farms about farm animals in the city. To address this, she partnered with the Stein Family Farm to design and build a scavenger hunt and trail map with fun facts about farm animals. She also developed a badge workshop for Girl Scout Juniors to earn their Animal Habitats badge at the farm. Lillian provided the program materials needed for the Stein Family Farm to support the badge workshop and other educational programs in the future, leaving a lasting impact on youth and adult visitors.

Lillian learned important leadership skills like problemsolving, project management, teamwork, and organization through building her trail map and developing the badge workshop. These skills were crucial for overcoming obstacles, collaborating with her team, and ensuring the project’s smooth completion.

There are many people I’d like to thank for their support of my Gold Award project. Judy Pritchett, my Gold Award Committee mentor, for guiding me throughout my project and keeping me on track. Lori and Christopher at the Stein Family Farm for their excitement and support. My dad for helping build the trail sign and being a cool Scout Dad. And lastly, my mom and troop leader for encouraging me throughout 13 years of Girl Scouts and inspiring me to go for Gold. Thank you!

Julia Krenek she/her

Dog Behavior and Training Awareness Program

Since childhood, Julia has had a passion for animal welfare. Recognizing the distressing prevalence of dog euthanasia from overcrowded shelters, she sought solutions. Volunteering at Thrive Animal Rescue and mentored by Coco, a certified dog behaviorist, Julia learned about the effectiveness of dog training in mitigating behavioral problems. With this knowledge, she educated dog owners about training methods through presentations and videos. Her collaborative efforts with community partners and posters featuring QR codes continue to refer dog owners to her dog training videos. Julia’s project has significantly reduced dog relinquishments and increased adoptions, effectively reducing shelter overcrowding and euthanasia.

Julia learned valuable insights about dog behavior and training, along with leadership, time management, and communication skills.

I would like to thank my community partner, Thrive Animal Rescue, for educating and advising me about my project. I also want to thank my troop leaders and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Jen, for their support.

Mira Langin she/her

Music for the Ages

Mira noticed that older and younger generations lacked meaningful connections, leading to misunderstandings and loneliness. To address this, she created her nonprofit 501(c)(3), Music for the Ages, which connects high school musicians with senior citizens through music. Working with San Marcos High School students and Brookdale seniors, Mira organized performances where the youth played music and educated the seniors about themselves and their musical passions. Music for the Ages will be passed along to underclassmen who will continue to run the nonprofit for years to come.

Mira learned communication skills from recruiting performers and planning performances. Additionally, being an emcee for the shows significantly increased her public speaking confidence. Through this program, she gained a greater understanding of people from different backgrounds and ages.

I would like to thank my parents, Dan and Jyoti Langin, along with the Primosch family for supporting my endeavors to spread happiness through music. Additionally, I’d like to thank all the wonderful performers and my project advisor, Laura Hankla, for encouraging me through every step of the process.

Chelsea Long she/her History for Everyone

Chelsea wanted to promote diversity in her school curriculum and raise awareness of parts of history that are often overlooked. She addressed this issue by creating an educational campaign about LGBTQ+ history that she presented to more than 100 students at five different high schools. She also distributed the educational materials digitally throughout San Diego Unified School District with the help of the district’s Youth Advocacy department.

Chelsea conducted extensive research, collaborated with peer reviewers to refine the project, and improved her public speaking skills with each presentation. She was extremely proud of her project’s success in engaging students and supporting diversity in schools.

I would like to thank my project advisor and my troop leader for providing me with guidance on my path to the Gold Award. I’m also grateful to my project volunteers and my family for their help and support.

Amanda Lyons she/her

Market Your Nonprofit

Amanda identified a communication gap between small nonprofits and their donors, which hindered donors from staying updated on the nonprofits’ efforts and accomplishments. She partnered with Colombia Sin Fronteras, a nonprofit operating a learning center in Colombia, to close this gap by creating a website, social media schedules, and newsletter templates. These marketing platforms educate the nonprofit’s donors and allow future volunteers to continue her efforts.

Amanda learned about communication and planning through multinational and multi-language calls with Colombia Sin Fronteras. She gained experience with various marketing and social media platforms, enhancing her technological and virtual networking skills. Additionally, she honed her collaboration and decision-making abilities.

I am thankful for my family and troop members for supporting me on my Gold Award journey. I would also like to thank Kristen Crane and all the volunteers at Colombia Sin Fronteras for their collaboration and encouragement throughout this project.

Annie Mara she/her

The Warriors of Tomorrow Project

Annie recognized that students without JROTC programs lacked support for future military endeavors and information about the benefits, summer programs, and pathways to joining the military. To address this, she created a comprehensive presentation, a concise flyer, and a resource sheet with links to information about various military branches. Working with United States Marine Corps recruiters and Cathedral Catholic High School, she presented this information at multiple schools, clubs, and troops. She shared all her resources with school counselors to guide students who are interested in the military.

Through this project, Annie gained valuable leadership skills. She learned patience while dealing with unresponsive school counselors, organizational skills to balance her schedule, and self-advocacy to reach out for necessary information and support.

I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity to serve my community. I also want to thank SSgt Padilla, Mrs. Pernicano, Mrs. Eppers, Mrs. Brisson, the service members who filmed videos for my project, the school counselors, Marine recruiters, and my family for their support.

Grace Martin she/her

Muscles, Minds, & Meals

Grace realized that elementary-aged students lacked proper education on fitness, nutrition, and mental health. She created a 90-minute program to teach children about these topics through games, information, exercises, and healthy snacks. Collaborating with former teachers, schools, and her fitness coach, Carl Koch, Grace left a lasting impact through pre- and post-program surveys and a website for replicating the program in other communities.

Grace developed her public speaking and organizational skills, becoming knowledgeable and prepared for her presentations. This experience helped her grow as a person and leader by sharing her passion with others.

I would like to thank my parents, the teachers who allowed me to present in their classrooms, my project advisor, Carl Koch, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Linda, and my troop leaders, Cathy Palmer and Lucy Wetherhold for their support throughout this life-changing project.

Daphne Mayer she/her

Garden Therapy

After researching the benefits of garden therapy for physical and social well-being, Daphne designed a program to deliver these benefits to individuals at Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS), a community organization for those with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities. She led weekly horticultural sessions for eight weeks and left a framework for TRS to continue the program.

Daphne learned to manage her team members and assign tasks based on their expertise. She also learned to lead a group of various ages independently and document activities for future replication.

I would like to thank my family, Gold Award Committee mentor, Linda Wightman, project advisor, Luisa Schultz, TRS community partner, Sharon Moninger, and troop leader, Audrey Gans for their guidance and support throughout this journey.

Emily McKewan she/her

ASL in the Community

Emily found that the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community at her school struggled to communicate with the hearing community. To address this issue and bridge this gap, she formed an ASL club on campus and taught sign language to various community groups.

Emily learned the importance of community and acceptance, developing valuable leadership and teaching skills through her outreach efforts.

I would like to thank my mom, my troop leader, and my ASL teacher for their helpful support on this journey.

Madison McPherson she/her

Preschool Music Program

With the guidance of child educators and a professional musician, Madison created an early music education program for preschool children at Gigi’s Getaway. The program included lessons on the basic building blocks of music—note length, scales, rhythms, tempo, and dynamics—and craft projects for making instruments like maracas, kazoos, castanets, and drums. She also designed and constructed a music wall with a wooden xylophone, drums, handbells, music triangles, and more. Madison’s project will continue to help preschool children as the music lessons, craft projects, and information on how to construct a music wall have been shared on her website.

Madison learned the value of a well-organized plan and schedule and the importance of a reliable team. She provided clear instructions to her team members in a positive and motivating manner.

I would like to thank my parents for their support while I worked on my Gold Award project. I would also like to thank Melissa Heinemann, Bradley Nash, and Jennifer Pernicano for their advice and guidance.

Ava Milanowski she/her

Encouragement of Education on Symbiosis of Butterflies and Their Roles in Our Gardens

Ava noticed a lack of engagement with the outdoors, specifically in gardens. With an interest in butterflies’ positive environmental impact, she partnered with the Wings of Change Foundation to develop a curriculum on butterfly symbiosis, now taught at Paloma Elementary and available to other schools and organizations.

Ava learned to be a strong leader while being open to compromise, effectively communicating her abilities and boundaries. She also gained interesting insights into butterflies and their life cycles.

I would like to thank my advisor and mentor for helping me realize this project. Special thank you to my parents for pushing me all the way through this adventure, from the initial idea to the final report.

Emilia Mirea she/her

Spread Christmas Cheer!

Emilia started the North Pole Express Mailbox project to address the issue of children’s letters to Santa going unanswered in her neighborhood. Acting as “Santa,” she and her team aimed to bring holiday joy by responding to each child’s letter with personalized messages and details. Expanding across language barriers, the project promoted inclusivity and cultural awareness. The mailbox has become a local tradition, emphasizing the importance of small acts of kindness.

This project taught Emilia the value of genuine connection, enhancing her creativity, sensitivity, adaptability, and organizational skills.

I would like to thank my mother for supporting me on the path to earning the Gold Award. Special thanks to my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany Chatham Smith, for her advice and guidance.

Kianna Monaco she/her

Expanding Wetlands to Promote Carbon Sequestration and Combat Climate Change

Kianna tackled the pressing issue of climate change by educating the community through an information booth at Love Your Wetlands Day, and creating infographics, posters, and a petition form to encourage further community involvement. She recruited, led, and educated volunteers during wetland work parties and presented the benefits of carbon sequestration and wetland preservation at her high school. The educational materials Kianna created are used on an ongoing basis by the San Diego Audubon Society at events and during visits to local schools and colleges.

Through working on this project, Kianna improved her leadership, confidence, and public speaking skills by speaking at city meetings and leading information booths at outreach events.

I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me on the path to earning my Girl Scout Gold Award. Special thanks to my mentors and the staff at the San Diego Audubon Society and the UC Natural Reserve System for their advice and guidance. The Girl Scout program has equipped me with lifelong skills, which I will continue to use to pursue my passions.

Layan Moussa she/her

Youth in Action

Layan discovered that many young people lack financial literacy, which can negatively impact their futures. She addressed this issue by leading a team to renovate and stock a snack shop at the Muslim Community Center to support youth programs. She focused on educating youth about budgeting, record-keeping, and starting online businesses. Additionally, she taught teens how to save for college and avoid debt through various in-person and Zoom meetings, public presentations, and social media posts. The snack shop continues to benefit the community, and the Facebook and Instagram pages she created are ongoing sources of financial education.

Throughout her Gold Award journey, Layan gained valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and time management. She learned how to set a budget and create a project plan, becoming more self-confident and financially knowledgeable in the process.

I want to thank my dad, brother, and friends. A special thanks to my mom for her help and support! A big thank you to my Gold Award Committee mentor, project advisor, and troop leader for their guidance and assistance.

Mihika Mukherjee she/her

The Fight Against Period Poverty

Through research and interviews with medical professionals, Mihika learned about the stigma surrounding menstruation and the lack of access to hygiene products in underserved communities. To address this, she led workshops to assemble feminine hygiene kits and held presentations to spread awareness and dispel misconceptions and harmful beliefs. Partnering with Poway Youth in Transition, Orange Glenn HS, Father Joe’s Villages, and Texas Yes to Youth, she distributed 168 kits and over 1,400 pads. Mihika also created a website with statistics and helpful information to further break the stigma.

Mihika learned to lead her fellow Girl Scouts and bring people together to work towards a common goal. She developed management skills by balancing the different parts of the project, which all came together successfully in the end.

Thank you to my project advisor and the doctors who provided valuable information, as well as my troop for their support and participation in the workshops. Lastly, thank you to my project mentor, parents, and everyone who helped me through the process.

Maya Cazares Murchison she/her

AAMP: African American Mentor Program

At Maya’s high school, African American students make up less than 4% of the student population, and she had only one Black teacher out of 40 in her entire K-12 educational experience. After the isolation of the pandemic, Maya felt it was important to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, especially for underrepresented Black students. She created the African American Mentor Program (AAMP) between her high school and local middle school to provide mentorship, role models, and increased knowledge of Black history and culture. AAMP has impacted over 100 students in her community and received national recognition through the Princeton Prize for Race Relations and the My Impact Challenge Special Award from the Bill of Rights Institute.

Maya learned to advocate for herself and be creative in making a positive change. She serves as president of Black Students California United and is a voice for Black youth across California. Her 10+ years in Girl Scouts and her Gold Award experience have given her the confidence and leadership skills to take action and make a difference.

I would like to thank my amazing troop leader, Ms. Sally Cimmino; my principal, Dr. Ricardo Cooke, for his constant encouragement; the North County African American Women’s Association for teaching me the importance of mentorship; my high school Black Student Union; BSCU for teaching me about Black Excellence; and my parents for teaching me to dream big.

Olivia Murphy she/her IT Ambassadors

Olivia identified a lack of connection between the elderly and youth in her community and found that many elderly individuals struggled with technology. To address this, she created a life skills-based project and set up a team of teens to assist the elderly with their technology questions. Olivia made a lasting impact by helping the elderly feel more confident online and fostering community connections.

Olivia gained valuable leadership, empathy, and project management skills throughout her project.

I want to thank my parents for pushing me to finish this project. I would also like to thank Shaun Wolchinsky for assisting me throughout the completion of my project.

Hannah Nevius she/they

Running Clubs in San Diego Elementary Schools

Hannah learned that over half of SDUSD elementary schools did not have running clubs, contributing to the nationwide issue that only about 20% of children meet the recommended daily physical activity (60 minutes). Many families did not have accessible, affordable, and convenient ways to provide their children with those opportunities. To address this, Hannah started running clubs with help from community partners at Hancock Elementary, Horton Elementary, and Cherokee Point Elementary. She organized supplies, explored tracking options for student miles, cheered on runners, trained volunteers, and ensured the program’s continued success.

Hannah’s experience helped her develop communication, organization, and leadership skills by working with her community partner schools, volunteers, and students. She balanced her project with school, sports, and other commitments, learning what it means to be a leader and role model.

I would like to thank my parents for keeping me on track and guiding me throughout my project, and my Gold Award Committee Mentor Jen Pernicano for her support. I also thank the principals, administrators, teachers, and volunteers who believed in and encouraged my project, with special thanks to Danielle Garegnani, Principal of Hancock Elementary School.

Emily Nguyen she/her

The Craft of Healing

Emily recognized the lack of mental health awareness among youth. After researching and meeting with counselors and psychiatrists, she learned about the causes of poor mental health, the degrees of severity of mental illnesses, and ways to improve one’s mental state. Emily created a club at her high school, Poway High, integrating mental health lessons and arts and crafts. The club connected students through open discussions and creative activities. Emily also led workshops for children ages 4-12 at after-school programs. Her club will be sustained by an inspiring and dedicated group of new leaders.

Emily learned the importance of time management and communication, balancing her classes and extracurriculars while hosting meetings. She adjusted her lesson plans to cater to different age groups, ensuring everyone enjoyed the workshops.

I want to thank my Gold Award Committee mentor, family, friends, teachers, and counselors for their support and knowledge, helping me earn the Gold Award.

Grace Orabona she/her

Don’t Become a Victim

Human trafficking generates billions in global profits, and traffickers are increasingly targeting teens through social media. To address this issue, Grace partnered with Assistant United States Attorneys to create an educational campaign for middle and high school students about the dangers of a simple online post. Her robust campaign included a curriculum for local schools, a website, and workshops with hands-on tools to teach teens how to stay safe online. Grace educated peers on recognizing grooming processes and available resources for those at risk.

Grace learned that passion can drive impactful and sustainable community change. She refined her leadership, interpersonal, presentation, and project management skills.

I would like to thank my family, friends, Troop 2174, the Rancho Bernardo Service Unit, and the Cathedral Catholic High School community for their support. I am grateful to my project advisor, Alessandra Serano, for her guidance, expertise, and encouragement. Special thanks to my troop leader (also my mom) for guiding me through my Girl Scout career and being my biggest cheerleader since the first day I became a Daisy.

Sarah Pacheco she/her

Toxic

Stress Relief

Sarah realized many teenagers are unaware of how constant stress affects their mental and physical health, and how personal issues can manifest in their lives. She decided to educate her peers about toxic stress, teaching them to recognize it in themselves and others, and cope with difficult emotions healthily. Partnering with Montgomery High School and Sweetwater Union High School District, Sarah created a video and presentation that were shared at a student mental health conference, in classes, and with counselors across the district.

Sarah developed her planning, time management, and public speaking skills. She created her presentation and video, scheduled presentations, and became more comfortable speaking in front of her peers and adults.

I would like to thank my family for their continued support. I thank my mom for being an amazing troop leader and supporting me since my first Daisy meeting. I also thank my troop for 12 years of memories and friendship; you all have a special place in my heart. Special thanks to Gold Award Committee mentor, Liza Potocki, for her patience and guidance, and my project advisor, Valerie Ruiz, for her encouragement and opportunities to share my project; I couldn’t have done it without you.

Ella

Palmer she/her

Reading

for Kindness

Ella noticed that students often form prejudices against those who are different from them, which she attributed to a lack of diverse representation in children’s literature. To address this, Ella wrote “Ralphie’s Rainbow Hat,” an illustrated children’s book featuring an LGBTQ+ character that encourages kindness and acceptance. Collaborating with teachers, librarians, and student illustrators, Ella toured her book around Poway Unified School District and San Diego Public Libraries, positively impacting the mindsets of children in her community.

Ella gained leadership, public speaking, and project management skills through planning her book production and elementary school reading events. She led a team of passionate creators, honing her communication and collaboration skills.

I would like to thank my family and friends for always encouraging my success in leadership. I also thank my Gold Award Committee mentor, project advisor, and community partner for their contributions to my project’s success and impact.

Alyssa Quick she/her

Adaptive Access for Carson’s Crossing in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

While hiking in Los Peñasquitos Canyon, Alyssa met adaptive cyclists and discovered the need for more accessible trails. To address this, she proposed a bridge extension across Carson’s Crossing trail to allow access from both sides of the canyon. Alyssa managed the bridge extension project, working with rangers, engineers, and volunteers to create a sustainable trail for adaptive cyclists and other trail users. She also raised awareness of adaptive cycling needs in local canyons.

Alyssa learned valuable project management, money management, and communication skills throughout the project’s stages and educational workshops.

I would like to thank my mom, who has also been my Girl Scout troop leader since kindergarten, for her support and encouragement. Special thanks to my community mentors, Ranger Melanie Fontana and Ranger Gina Washington, and my engineering team for their help with the bridge design, building, and installation. This project could not have been completed without teamwork and trust in my leadership. Thank you.

Elena Rimini she/her

Mental Health HelpA Roadmap to Recovery

Elena observed a rise in mental illness and a lack of resources among students. To address this, she collaborated with therapists, school counselors, and a psychology professor to create a mental health pamphlet. This pamphlet, distributed to middle and high school counselors, provides information from mental health movies, websites, social media accounts, support groups, and warmline numbers. It also teaches techniques like breathing exercises—longer exhales than inhales to slow their heart rate, engage their nervous system, and trigger their rest and digest response—to ease anxiety, making the pamphlets essential for every counseling office.

Through this project, Elena learned valuable organizational and time management skills, researching resources, tracking pamphlet distribution, and managing requests from other schools.

I would like to thank my parents for their support and motivation. Special thanks to Dr. Katherine Williams, my project advisor, and Tracy Bracht, my Gold Award Committee mentor, for their invaluable advice and guidance throughout the project.

Isla Rindt she/her

Textile Education and Diversion Event

Every year, billions of pounds of clothing end up in landfills where it will remain for hundreds of years and contribute to environmental pollution. Isla partnered with the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation to create the Taking on Textile Waste event. This annual event educates the community on the environmental impacts of textile waste and promotes individual actions to reduce it. Through clothing swaps, upcycling crafts, and clothing repairs, her event diverted 282 pounds of clothing from landfills.

Isla learned the value of her skills as a leader and team member, emphasizing perseverance and commitment to create meaningful community impact.

I would like to thank my parents and troop leader, Katherine Mackos, for their support. Special thanks to my project advisor, Jessica Toth, for giving me the opportunity to make my project possible and my Gold Award Committee mentor, for guiding me along the way.

ILana Roberts she/her Stay Sustainable

ILana, passionate about sustainability, founded the Stay Sustainable CCA club at her school to help high schoolers make simple changes to their lifestyles to become more sustainable. She led meetings and activities, including replacing plastic water bottles at school events with sustainable options at school events, saving over 350 bottles.

ILana’s Gold Award project taught her invaluable leadership and communication skills through hands-on experience and collaboration. It taught her how to make a powerful change by using her persistence and drive.

I want to thank my troop leaders, parents, and fellow Girl Scouts for their support. Special thanks to Mr. Killeen, Ms. Aguilar, and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany Chatham Smith.

Leilany Romero she/her

Calming with Colors

Leilany found that Hispanic seniors and children in low-income environments were struggling with their mental health. To address this, she created painting sessions to help individuals cope with their stress levels and collaborated with the San Ysidro Health Center to help them improve their well-being.

Leilany honed her leadership and time management skills and gained confidence, people skills, and courage throughout the project. She exceeded her own expectations and is very proud of her achievements.

I want to start by expressing my gratitude to the people who supported me the most. My mother, who drove me to each and every one of my painting sessions; my troop leader, Irene Barajas, who has guided my thoughts and been by my side for as long as I can remember; and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Judy Pritchett, who has supported me and given me advice when I needed it. I am extremely happy to have had my loved ones support me every step of the way through this effort. It has truly been a wonderful experience and I am so glad I got to share it with my community and others. Thank you for letting me bring my dreams to reality!

Charlotte Sach she/her

Camp Footprint

Charlotte created a curriculum for a free environmental education summer camp to address the lack of climate education in schools. Collaborating with local organizations—St. Peter’s Thrift Shop, San Diego Humane Society, Plastic Beach, Elixir Juice and Food, Helen Woodward Animal Center, Del Mar County Library, and Teenwah Quinoa Protein Bars—she taught sustainable living practices to students in grades 2-8. The camp improved participants’ knowledge, as evidenced by higher post-camp test scores. Campers also contributed works of writing to her book, “Environmental Education by Children,” which has been downloaded by readers worldwide.

Charlotte enhanced her public speaking skills by leading camp activities, strengthened her networks and promotional skills when building her base of collaborators, improved her organizational skills when developing the daily curriculum and materials, and learned to problem solve when things didn’t go exactly to plan.

I would like to thank Sophia Lesser and Isabelle Sach, who helped me run Camp Footprint each day. Thank you also to the local organizations who volunteered their time, my supportive parents, the participants who opened their minds, and the parents who believed.

Siddhi Sathpathy she/her

Minimizing Waste: A Goal Towards Zero Waste

Siddhi, an environmental enthusiast, enrolled in AP Environmental Science in high school and realized the critical effects of improper waste disposal. She advocated for sustainable living by presenting workshops on waste reduction at public libraries, Girl Scout events, community gatherings, and children’s group homes in Bhubaneswar, India. She highlighted the importance of conserving resources and implementing minor but significant changes in daily routines, emphasizing reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting. Siddhi’s efforts created a lasting impact in her community, prompting individuals to reconsider their daily life choices to make this world a better place.

Siddhi developed public speaking, organizational, and leadership skills through her project. She used her voice as a tool to engage individuals and learned that the success of any project relies on utilizing proper resources.

I would like to thank my family, friends, AP Environmental Science teacher and project advisor, Mrs. Millsap, Gold Award Committee mentor, Anne Bader, and Ms. Allison Lizarraga for their support. Last but not least, I want to especially thank my troop leader and mother, Priya Sathpathy, for motivating me to complete my project. Her unwavering dedication, passion, and voice of reason towards my project is one of the reasons why I am proudly able to acknowledge that I am a Gold Award Girl Scout.

Ava Shew she/her

The Role of Music in Grief and Loss Therapy

After the loss of her friend and teammate, Ava found that grief is an incredibly difficult experience to endure. With the guidance of Elizabeth Hospice, she developed a music therapy program to help people of all ages cope with grief. Her program provided participants with resources to deal with their grief and tools to write their own songs. She also shared her own musical composition, which she composed specifically for the program, to offer support and therapeutic benefits.

Ava gained valuable leadership, organization, problemsolving, empathy, and teamwork skills. Most importantly, she learned the importance of perseverance and hard work. She found joy in seeing the direct impact of her workshop on participants. Making a real difference was incredibly rewarding for her.

I would like to thank my family, friends, troop leader, Annie Gristina; team members and project advisor, Kathlyne Barnum, who helped me execute my project with the utmost quality and care; Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany Chatham Smith, who pushed me to reach for my goals and supported me the entire way; and most importantly, my mother, Moira Cassidy, who encouraged me, stayed up with me on late nights, and supported me through every challenge. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I could not have done it without your unwavering belief and encouragement.

Sierra Stanly she/her

Changing the Dress Code

Sierra discovered that students felt judged due to the enforcement and rules of the dress code. To address this, she created a task force to revise both the dress code and its enforcement. Collaborating with Deputy Superintendent, Tiffany Campbell, and Director of Student Services, Christine Frias, at the San Marcos Unified School District, Sierra developed a fair and lasting dress code that is now implemented in every middle and high school in the district.

Through this project, Sierra learned that leadership involves taking action and that anything is possible with determination. These skills are evident in her presentations to peers and the community about her successful efforts to change the dress code. By sharing her experience of breaking boundaries, she inspires others to address injustices themselves.

I would like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my 12 years in Girl Scouts, my Gold Award Committee mentor, Linda Wightman, and my project advisors for helping me along the way. I want to give a special thanks to my troop leader, my mom, who sacrificed her time to hustle with me at every booth sale, encampment, and meeting. This Gold Award is just as much hers as it is mine. Thank you, mom!

Madeline Sytsma she/her

Better Introversion Application

Maddie created and managed a project to support individuals with moderate to severe introverted tendencies like herself. She developed a mentoring program where girls could learn to cope with and navigate the challenges of introversion. Counselors assigned a group of girls to Maddie, who then guided them through goal planning, mind mapping, and communication skills. They also took surveys and tests to assess their progress. The project targeted girls aged 11-15, working primarily with the Poway Unified School District, which provided contact information for many schools. Maddie’s project will have a lasting impact through the tools and knowledge she provided to counselors, helping them better support introverted students.

Throughout this project, Maddie developed valuable leadership skills that benefited her as an introvert. She learned alongside the girls she mentored, improving her teaching and guidance abilities. Maddie honed her skills in time management, communication, and goal setting, which will serve her well in future endeavors.

I would like to thank my parents, Susan Miller and Jaime Brown for supporting me and helping me along the way as I earned my Gold Award. Without these beautiful people, I wouldn’t be where I am today; for that, I’m forever grateful.

Emerson Thut

Path Pioneers - San Diego Youth on Trail

Emerson’s project aimed to educate and encourage underrepresented youth to explore the many free hiking trails in San Diego. She planned and scouted diverse hiking trails throughout San Diego County to create a program that met participants’ needs. Before leading hikes, Emerson taught groups of various ages about trail preparation, safety guidelines, and hiking etiquette. Partnering with community organizations, she created a website providing information on community events, local trails, safety, packing essentials, DEI, and wildlife awareness. The website includes links to volunteer opportunities and planned hikes throughout the county.

Through this project, Emerson learned that educating others can have a sustainable impact. She developed teambuilding, research, leadership, time-management, and presentation skills, and effectively communicated with diverse groups. Emerson enhanced her technology and writing skills by creating a valuable and lasting website.

I would like to thank my Gold Award Committee mentor, Cam Bowman, for helping me refine my project scope and guiding me through this process. My project advisor, Kim Yingst, of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, was also immensely helpful and cooperative every step of the way. Finally, thank you to all my team members for their input and advice and to my parents for their encouragement and support.

Nirja Trivedi she/her

Project Depolarize

Nirja was troubled by the political polarization in her community, which was creating rifts among friends and family. She identified the root causes of this issue to be political echo chambers and the lack of exposure to diverse perspectives. To address this, she started Project Depolarize, a series of meetings at the Rancho Peñasquitos library where community members and local Democractic, Republican, and Green Party leaders discussed hot-button issues like immigration, the environment, and the economy. Collaborating with state assembly candidates and city council members, Nirja created a space for civil, dynamic conversations. Surveys showed that most participants felt more receptive to different views after participating. The project is sustained through a website with resources for replicating Project Depolarize at other public libraries.

Nirja learned to navigate intergenerational interactions, bring together people with diverse outlooks, and emerged from the experience energized and hopeful for the future of democracy.

I want to thank my parents for pushing me to finish this project. I would also like to thank Shaun Wolchinsky for assisting me throughout the process.

Sydney Tsai she/her

Financial Fun for Little

Ones

Sydney organized information expos and workshops to introduce an interactive curriculum on financial literacy for children age 6 and older. Addressing the lack of finance education in classrooms, she partnered with CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles to educate more than 100 kids through activities like open discussions, coloring sheets, word searches, infographics, and handson activities. Noticing a lack of engaging children’s books on finance, Sydney published her own book titled “Aila’s Ingenious Idea: Math & Finance to the Rescue,” available online. Her book continues to teach kids through a heartfelt problem-solving story about initiative and teamwork, empowering them to manage money matters.

Sydney learned valuable lessons in public speaking and adaptability when interacting with varied age groups and their knowledge of finance. She also mastered time management while juggling school, extracurriculars, sports, and scheduling, making the project’s success even more meaningful.

I would like to thank my mom first and foremost for being my biggest supporter since day one. I don’t say it enough, but I truly appreciate you. Thank you to my family and my Gold Award Committee mentor, Tiffany Chatham Smith, for everything along the way. And a final thank you to my troop leader for making Girl Scouts so fun.

Sri Ujjini she/her

Project Delphinium

Sri realized many of her peers were uninformed about mental health issues and lacked support. To address this, she created a club at her high school to educate peers on the effects of mental health issues, coping strategies, and supporting those struggling. Her club continues after her graduation, with new members carrying it forward.

Through this project, Sri learned time management and planning skills and how to teach empathy and connection among peers.

I’d like to thank my family for supporting me as a Girl Scout and providing me the opportunity to be one. I’d also like to thank my troop leaders for planning meetings and taking time outside of their weekends to host meetings at their house. A special thank you to my project mentor who helped me plan and encouraged me over the course of the project.

Sierra Varon she/her

Living with

Snakes

Sierra aimed to conserve Southern California’s native snakes by educating the public about their importance to the ecosystem and dispelling fears. She presented her project to educators, classmates, and park visitors, working closely with a park ranger. Sierra created a website and a permanent display for park visitors.

Despite communication challenges, the team persevered. Sierra overcame her fear of presenting to share her passion for snake conservation.

I would like to thank my mom for helping me with this process and being a great leader, as well as my mentor, Jen, and the park ranger I collaborated with, JJ. Thank you, all!

Roxanne Walsh she/her

The Shark Issue

Roxanne addressed the decline in shark populations due to unregulated fishing by establishing thesharkissue.com and a presentation to raise awareness about declining shark populations worldwide and the reasons for their disappearance. Collaborating with the Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy, Shark Angels, and the Poway High Science faculty, Roxanne created a lasting educational resource.

Roxanne gained knowledge about the power of leadership on productivity, the importance of communication skills, the meaning of stepping outside of her comfort zone, the mistake of underestimation, and the value of networking with organizations across the nation.

I would like to thank my parents and troop leader for pushing me through this project when I felt like giving up. I would like to thank Jamie Pollack of Shark Angels, my former AP biology teacher, Mrs. Banh, and my homeroom teacher, Ms. Tormey, for supporting my cause. And I would like to thank Girl Scouts for granting me this prestigious and noble opportunity.

Brie Warrington she/her

Animal Advocates

Brie addressed animal harm due to irresponsible breeding, poor treatment, and harmful product testing by creating a high school club to advocate for animal welfare. She provided information through social media, websites, and enrichment activities to give her community step-by-step instructions on how to help. Collaborating with Future Farms of America (FFA), cruelty-free brands, and club members, Brie provided upto-date information on how to support cruelty-free and humanely raised products in the United States.

Brie learned valuable leadership and time management skills through creating and leading club meetings. Brie communicated with organizations across the country to publicize animal welfare and teach them how to help.

I would like to thank my mom for encouraging me to do my best, even when I wanted to quit. You helped me work through tough times and find solutions to every problem.

Audrey Weishaar she/her

History: Where We Come From and How We Got Here

Audrey found that history was often presented in a boring and lackluster way. To address this, she created a program with the San Diego History Center called History: Where We Come From and How We Got Here. It educates young children on the history of California through activities, coloring pages, tongue twisters, and a scavenger hunt. With the help of her friends and museum worker, Justine Clark, Audrey brought history to life for children.

Audrey learned leadership and the important skill of delegation. She led groups of people in research and creative design, a task that also taught her how to step back and not micro-manage.

I would like to thank my parents and friends for supporting me along this journey and helping me earn my Gold Award. A special thanks to my Gold Award Committee mentor and project advisor; without their guidance, this would not have been possible.

Taliah Wendoll she/her ASL4ALL

Taliah has been diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome, a rare and complex condition that affects almost every system in her body. She is hard of hearing and identifies with both the deaf and hearing communities. The pandemic made social connections especially challenging due to masks, muffled voices, and inability to lip read. To address this issue, she started an ASL Club at La Jolla High School and created a Girl Scout patch program to raise awareness of the deaf community and normalize disabilities.

Taliah learned a lot about herself during this process. She gained confidence to speak about her disabilities and CHARGE Syndrome. The ASL Club helped bring awareness of deaf culture and the importance of inclusivity. She felt important and that her peers were interested in her and her story.

I would like to thank my parents, brothers, and friends for supporting me with my Gold Award. I would also like to express my gratitude to my Gold Award Committee mentor and my project advisor for their advice and guidance along the way.

Elise Yankopoulos she/her

How to Help a Friend During a Mental Health Crisis

For many young adults, there will be a time when they encounter someone—a friend, family member, or classmate—experiencing a mental health crisis. This situation can be very stressful if the person does not know what to do or how best to help. Having often found herself in such situations, Elise wanted to create a resource to support those trying to assist others. This led her to develop HelpForFriend.org, an online platform offering tactics, advice, and activities to help individuals de-escalate a crisis until professional help can be obtained. This website has since been implemented in multiple schools in the San Diego area as a readily available tool for students.

Elise learned that when you are working toward a cause, people will want to help. All you have to do is show effort and ask. Dedication and persistence will get you anywhere.

I would like to thank my mom and dad for always being my biggest supporters in all aspects of my life and for continuously pushing me to achieve more than I ever thought I could. Additionally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Ditomaso and Mrs. Harris for their hard work in helping me achieve this in such a short time. This would not have been possible without their help. My troop leader, Mrs. Shelly, also deserves a special thank you as she has been with me since the very beginning and has been a wonderful leader and mentor. These wonderful people went above and beyond to help me, and their support and kindness will forever be appreciated.

Congratulations 2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts!