Lee County resident and North Fort Myers High School graduate Victoria Rubarski earned Girl Scouting highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Planet Oceane.

Motivated to clean up Fort Myers Beach, Rubarski gathered a team, rolled up her sleeves, and took action. Rubarski is establishing a nonprofit called Planet Oceane, which would initiate a ban on plastic bags at the beach, call for an increase in trash and recycling receptacles, and sponsor an ongoing beach patrol. She hopes that by altering beach-goers’ behaviors, one day pollution on our shores will no longer be an issue.

“I learned that it doesn’t take hundreds of people to make a difference, and to inspire change. It can start with one person,” Rubarski realized. “Now, I believe in myself. I can step back and see the change I have made.”

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, Victoria!