Lee County resident and Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School graduate Katelyn Marchetti has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Happehatchee Community Stage.

After seeing the community stage at the Happehatchee Center in Estero had rotted and become unfit for use, Marchetti brainstormed a plan to replace the stage and revitalize the surrounding outdoor classroom. Her contribution to the center will provide a lasting space for many to learn about Florida’s native plants and animals, while encouraging the preservation of green spaces in our rapidly developing world.

Marchetti reflected, “This project taught me that sometimes you have to keep working, even when you are tired, to get the job done. I’ve learned that I can do anything I put my mind to.”

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, Katelyn!