Sarasota County resident and Lemon Bay High School graduate Reagan Moody earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Building Bridges to Cuba.

Fascinated with the proximity of Cuba to the United States, yet lack of relationship between the two, Moody decided to build a metaphorical bridge to improve the lives of Cuban children. She spent three years collecting and sending homemade gifts and handwritten letters to children living in poverty, so they could feel loved and connected to others beyond their own community. One day she hopes to visit her new friends in person so she can see first-hand the impact of her project.

“Because of this project, I now know how it feels to have a connection with people outside of my own country, and how important it is to communicate with others,” said Moody.

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, Reagan!