Sarasota resident and Rhode Island College student Angela Carreau has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project entitled, Culverhouse Nature Park Turpentine Trail.

The inspiration for Angela’s Gold Award project came during a tour of Sarasota County’s Culverhouse Nature Park with her Girl Scout troop. When she learned there was a need for walking trails near the new garden area, she took action.

Angela assembled a team to remove brush, roots, and debris from the planned footpath, as well as build, paint, and install trail markers. She proposed the trail be named “Culverhouse Turpentine Trail” to recognize the area’s rich history in the turpentine industry, and the County agreed.

Despite being significantly injured in a car accident after the project had started, Angela persevered and inspired her team to keep going, as well.

“I can overcome any obstacle,” said Angela. “I am a fighter because I do not let things hold me back from accomplishing my goals.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. Open only to girls in high school, this prestigious award recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through remarkable Take-Action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. 2016 marks the 100^th anniversary of the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Be inspired and learn more about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s other 2016 Gold Award recipients.

~Lori Tomlinson is the Manager of Communications and Marketing for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.