Manatee County resident and Manatee High School graduate Olivia Lake has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Passion through Fashion.

Concerned with societal pressures from the fashion and beauty industries on young women and girls, Lake hosted an educational workshop with three influential female speakers. She also organized an online pledge encouraging people to proclaim their self-love. Through Lake’s passion for fashion, she has inspired future generations to feel comfortable in their own skin.

“Because of this project, I discovered a stronger sense of self.” Lake realized. “I learned even more about my desire to help the young women of my generation.”

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 Girl Scouts, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations, Olivia!