At Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, students now have a safe, calming space thanks to the vision and determination of Alice Barr, a 17-year-old Girl Scout who earned her Gold Award—the highest honor in Girl Scouting.

Alice’s project, Sensory Room, addressed a pressing issue she knows firsthand: teen anxiety.

“As a Girl Scout, I wanted to change that. I wanted to teach healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety,” Alice said.

Her dedication included fundraising through Girl Scout cookie sales and soliciting support directly from local donors.

She supported her project with deep research

Before designing the Sensory Room, Alice conducted extensive research to ensure the space would truly meet students’ needs. She reviewed mental health studies on teen anxiety and stress management, consulted with school counselors and mental health professionals, and surveyed students about what tools and activities would help them feel calmer and supported. She also explored best practices for sensory spaces in educational settings, studying design elements, lighting, music, and stress-relief resources.

Based on her research, she designed a sensory room equipped with comfortable seating, calming music, fidget toys, motivational quotes from staff and peers, and educational brochures on healthy coping strategies. By combining evidence-based practices with student input, she created a space that not only helps teens manage stress in the moment but also teaches them lifelong skills for emotional well-being.

“No student should feel unsafe when dealing with so much in their heads. Students are going through a lot and not having a safe place for them to go can be so bad for students’ mental health.”

Overcoming Challenges

Despite facing significant challenges, Alice persevered and remained committed to her vision for the Sensory Room.

Midway through the project, her school leadership changed when her principal, who had been a strong supporter of the initiative, left the school. This required Alice to present her entire proposal again to the new principal, reestablishing trust and gaining approval to continue. At the same time, several of her team members either left the school or stepped away from the project, leaving her to reorganize and identify reliable collaborators.

“It honestly felt like everything was going against me,” Alice reflected, “but keeping a positive mindset and focusing on the students who would benefit from the room helped me push forward.”

Through careful planning, patience, and determination, she navigated these setbacks while maintaining the integrity and purpose of her project, ultimately bringing the Sensory Room to life for the students who needed it most.

“Whenever I faced obstacles, I reminded myself that this room could help someone in a stressful moment,” Alice said.

The impact of the room has been immediate.

Teachers have observed students returning from the Sensory Room more focused and calm, and anonymous student reflections indicate the room is helping them build emotional resilience and develop healthier mental health management skills.

“When students use the room, they have a more positive mindset overall. They come in upset and mentally not okay, and when they leave, they are in a better state of mind and have gained knowledge on what helps them when going through a rough time,” Alice said.

Alice Gold Award project is a powerful example of leadership, empathy, and determination. Through her efforts, she has created a legacy that will help students manage stress and anxiety for years to come.