Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce that Olivia Trader, a Girl Scout of 13 years, has successfully earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award. Olivia, a student at Canterbury School, completed her award-winning project titled “College Safety and Awareness: A Girl’s Guide to Choosing the Safest Campus,” aimed at addressing the safety concerns of young women entering college, particularly the risks of sexual assault.

In addition to earning the prestigious Gold Award, Olivia Trader is also a Bronze and Silver Award Girl Scout, showcasing her long-standing dedication to leadership and community service throughout her 13 years in Girl Scouts. She also currently serves as an Appointed Girl Representative on the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Board of Directors.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, earned by fewer than six percent of Girl Scouts annually. It recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, vision, and community impact through a sustainable project. To earn this award, Girl Scouts must identify a problem in their community, develop a plan, and take action to create lasting solutions.

Olivia’s project was driven by her recognition of the gaps in safety awareness among young women heading to college. To tackle this issue, she focused on educating her peers about the importance of college campus safety. One of her key objectives was to raise awareness about the Clery Act, a federal law requiring colleges to disclose campus crime statistics. Olivia wrote a 5,000+ word research paper on the topic and presented her findings to her peers, empowering them to make informed decisions when choosing a college.

In addition to her research, Olivia developed a user-friendly website where students and families can access crime statistics, safety tips, and resources related to campus safety. To further support her initiative, she organized self-defense workshops at Canterbury School to equip students with practical safety skills. Olivia also created a council patch program for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, encouraging them to research campus safety and raise awareness within their communities.

Olivia’s leadership was evident throughout the project. She collaborated with school administrators, self-defense instructors, and local law enforcement, leading a team of advisors, students, and volunteers. Her efforts extended beyond her time at Canterbury School with the creation of the College Safety and Awareness Club, which will continue promoting safety education for future students.

Reflecting on her journey, Olivia shared how the project contributed to her growth as a leader. “I discovered a strong sense of purpose in advocacy. Engaging with the topic of college safety revealed how deeply I care about empowering students and families with the information they need to make informed decisions,” she said. Olivia also noted how the complexity of the project strengthened her leadership skills, stating, “I learned that I can remain calm under pressure and adapt my approach when faced with unexpected challenges, which has boosted my confidence in handling intricate projects.”

Through her dedication and leadership, Olivia has not only created lasting change in her community but has also emerged as a more confident and resourceful leader. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida congratulates Olivia on her outstanding achievement and her commitment to making a meaningful impact on college safety awareness.