Girl Scouts of Colorado announced last week that 35 high-school Girl Scouts in the state have earned the prestigious Gold Award, the highest honor that can be given to a Girl Scout. Gold Award Girl Scouts, according to Girl Scouts of the USA, are “high school girls who address issues they’re passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond.”
The Colorado-based Gold Award Girl Scouts created initiatives in their communities that tackled issues like changing stigmas associated with feminine hygiene and drug overdoses, and establishing safe spaces for those in need, according to Girl Scouts of Colorado Media and Engagement Manager Catherine Schofield.
The Gold Award project involves seven steps, according to Girl Scouts of the USA. In order to qualify, scouts must identify an issue; investigate it thoroughly; get help and build a team; create a plan; present the plan and gather feedback; take action; and educate and inspire.
Four of the 35 Gold Award Girl Scouts are Longmont residents Anna Longenecker, Sarah Longenecker, Anna Enssle, and Nora McCloy, who each completed different Gold Award projects.
Anna Longenecker’s project addressed low participation in the education profession
by creating an outreach initiative for St. Vrain Valley School District’s Pathways to Teaching (P-Teach) program. The program offers high school students college credit and classes on child development and teaching. Longenecker gave presentations and shared her personal experiences on a student panel to raise awareness of the program’s value. According to the Girl Scouts of Colorado, the P-Teach program will continue to use Longenecker’s outreach strategies.
Sarah Longenecker created Farm to Family Boxes to support families who struggle to access fresh food during long school breaks. Her initiative, supported by a donation from the Mesa Seed Foundation, provided free food boxes to families in need. The boxes included fresh produce, recipes, and food preservation tips. Distributed before school breaks, the goal of the boxes was to help ease families' worries about food during school closures. The project will continue annually, in partnership with Mesa Seed Foundation and the St. Vrain Valley School District, according to Girl Scouts of Colorado.
Anna Enssle created a drama camp for all abilities, which addressed a lack of inclusive opportunities for children with differing abilities to participate in theater. By creating a specialized workshop, her program gave kids the chance to build confidence, express themselves, and perform short plays for their families and friends. With support from principals within the school district, the project is set to create lasting opportunities for inclusive artistic expression, according to Girl Scouts of Colorado.
Nora McCloy created Dream It, Do It!, a project that promotes lifelong learning and intergenerational connection by offering engaging workshops led by high school volunteers for senior citizens. Her program aimed to shift the mindset that learning is only for the young, encouraging seniors to rediscover joy in curiosity and creativity. Through shared experiences, from educational sessions to holiday concerts featuring student performers, the program builds relationships and strengthens community bonds, according to Girl Scouts of Colorado.
“What makes the Gold Award so special is the passion these Girl Scouts bring to
creating meaningful change,” said Leanna Clark, CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado. “These young women have identified issues important to them, made a tangible difference in their communities, and excelled as leaders. We celebrate their initiative, their leadership, and the profound impact they are already having. The possibilities ahead for them are limitless.”
New this year, the University of Colorado Denver is offering guaranteed admission to any Gold Award Girl Scout who also earns a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
The Gold Award earners will be celebrated at a Denver Metro celebration on Thursday, May 15 at the CU Denver Wellness Center.
