Sarasota County resident and Venice High School student Madison Campbell earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Bee Aware.

For her Gold Award, Madison focused on the topic of bee endangerment and how people can make changes in their everyday lives to help the pollination crisis. She interviewed apiarists and plant experts, toured nurseries and hives, and presented her findings at the downtown Venice farmers market. Madison collected signatures of people who pledge to be a bee advocate, sold honey in benefit of a local beekeeper, and passed out kits to children so they can become honey bee gardeners at home.

“I learned how to be more confident in what I have to say, schedule my time better, and be more willing to ask for 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, Madison!