Lee County resident and South Fort Myers High School student Emily Mayo earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Power to Pollinators.

Concerned with the population decline of pollinators like bees and butterflies, Emily took to the classroom to educate 4-6 year-olds about the issue and how they can help. Her lesson plan includes two hands-on activities, an activity booklet to share with a trusted adult, and a pollinator-friendly plant to take home. Emily displayed her project at Florida Gulf Coast University and submitted an article to The Neighborhood Gardener to share with the community the work she was doing to protect pollinators.

“I like to take action and do something to solve a problem. Making a difference in my community is an important part of making a difference in the world.”

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, Emily!