Sarasota County resident and Pine View School graduate Catherine Alvaro earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Creating a Community of Smiles.

Learning that the homeless often do not receive adequate dental hygiene, Catherine took action. She forged a partnership between LECOM School of Dental Medicine and the Salvation Army. Catherine’s team assembled and distributed 1,500 dental kits and she’s arranged diagnostic and educational services to be continually provided by LECOM students through Salvation Army’s Hope Crisis Center. Now that’s something to smile about!

“All you need is the inspiration, motivation, and a little persistence. I discovered my community is full of wonderful people who are more than willing to help.”

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, Catherine!