Sarasota County resident and Pine View School graduate Isabella Stepanek earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Izzy’s Swinging Skirts.

Stepanek has spent her entire life playing sports and over the years observed one major consistency – there are always more boys involved than girls. Stepanek partnered with Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County to provide an ongoing golf clinic for girls. She believes every girl deserves the opportunity to be exposed to sports, regardless of her socioeconomic status. Isabella recognizes that golf, like all sports, teaches integrity, patience, and hard work.

“This project has allowed me to advocate for myself and others, empowered me to make a difference in the world, and most importantly, I got to educate and inspire others to act,” Stepanek concluded.

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, Isabella!