Manatee County resident and Manatee High School student Courtney Zoller has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Stress Less.

Zoller took note of the increasing academic and social pressures girls in grades 4 through 8 are experiencing. To combat these pressures, she developed a workshop for girls to learn techniques for preventing and overcoming stress.

In her workshops, Zoller gives advice on planning ahead, maintaining a calendar, staying active, and getting enough sleep, among other topics. She also encourages the participants to enjoy relaxing activities like yoga, crocheting, and listening to music.

Zoller created an Instagram account as part of her Gold Award project to offer positive, productive ways to deal with stress.

“Because of my project, I will have the leadership and organizational skills to help me succeed and feel confident in taking on more opportunities in college and beyond,” Zoller said.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations Courtney!