Lee County resident and Estero High School graduate Katie Poinsett earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Planting for Pollinators.

For her Gold Award, Katie built and planted flower beds within the Lakes Park Children’s Garden. She researched which plants would best attract pollinators and installed signs to educate guests about bees and butterflies and their role in our ecosystem. Katie also had a proclamation passed in Lee County declaring March 1 as Planting for Pollinators Day. To unveil her pollination station, Katie hosted a family event that culminated with a butterfly release.

“This project has encouraged me to go outside my comfort zone, which will help me be a successful leader. I believe that my Gold Award has given me a solid foundation for my future.”

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, Katie!