Lee County resident and Bishop Verot High School graduate Samantha Romero earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled The Video Students’ Journey.

Addressing the limited availability of video production education, Samantha created a video club at Bishop Verot High School. Through in-person workshops and online video classes she trained younger students in the art of film, editing, and techniques to create professional content. Samantha’s passion led her to Panama City in the fall of 2018 to document Hurricane Michael’s destruction of St. John Catholic School. Through the power of video, she was able to help the school share their story and spearhead their relief effort.

“In the future, I will continue this leadership fueled by Gold Award, by guiding my peers to continue to help others in need.”

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, Samantha!