Collier County resident and Seacrest Country Day student Saffron Buxton earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Canine Comforters.

Inspired by her passion for rescue dogs, Saffron partnered with Humane Society Naples to tackle the issue of overcrowding in shelters. Her goal was two-fold: educate the community about the importance of successful adoption and improve the dogs’ overall experience. Saffron collected fabric and taught classes on how to craft K-9 security blankets, created resources for new pet parents, and hosted informational workshops for teens and special needs groups.

“Because of my Gold Award I have become more confident. It certainly helped that I believed in my cause because it gave me the courage to keep going.”

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, Saffron!