Category Archives: Awards

Girl Scouts wins Manatee Chamber 2023 Small Business of the Year

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, a non-profit organization of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members in the greater gulf coast area, was chosen as 2023 Small Business of the Year in the Non-Profit category by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. The award was announced on June 29 at the 43rd Annual Small Business of the Year Awards, hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at the Bradenton Convention Center.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida was among six other organizations to be recognized as winners of the Small Business of the Year Award this year. Non-profit organizations were divided into two categories based on staff size; for-profit organizations were divided into five categories based on annual revenue.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida facilitates programming, service opportunities, leadership experiences, and offers the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world – the Girl Scout Cookie Program. As Girl Scouts, girls also discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. They learn and grow in a safe, all-girl environment, which helps them discover themselves and their values, try new things and take healthy risks, connect with others to create positive relationships, and take action in their communities on issues they are passionate about.

The organization was recognized by judges for providing outstanding leadership, entrepreneurial, and educational opportunities to girls in the Manatee County area while facing various challenges during the 2022 fiscal year, including philanthropic struggles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, national supply chain issues during the 2022 Cookie Program, and damage to the organization’s properties during Hurricane Ian.

“The story of this nonprofit is one of resilience,” said Kevin Cooper of Mote Marine, who presented the award. “This group is no stranger to challenges—it has been overcoming them for more than 100 years. It has been a leader in building courage, confidence, and character in local young ladies, and it currently serves more than 800 girls and nearly 400 adults [in Manatee County].”

Moore said that Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida “offers the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world to young ladies in Manatee County, empowering these children with skills such as goal setting, decision making, and, of course, resilience — one box of cookies at a time,” he said.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, made brief remarks as she accepted the award on behalf of the organization. She noted the Girl Scouts’ storied history in Manatee County, including the fact that the organization was founded in Manatee County over 100 years ago. She also noted that in 1953 the council acquired a 40-acre tract of land on the Braden River and established their own camp, Honi Hanta, meaning “Home on the River.” The camp is still operating to this day.

“We are proud to be part of such a diverse and spirited community,” she said.

Servian also remarked that the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s work of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place is far from finished. “In fact, it is just beginning,” she said. “I am happy to say that we are looking forward to a full calendar of programs this summer and fall,” many of which will directly serve communities within Manatee County. For more information about the programs Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has to offer, visit https://www.gsgcf.org/.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida staff and board members attended the Manatee Chamber Small Business Awards on June 29. From left to right, Patricia Ramthun, Chief Communications and Resource Officer; Pamela Sennott, Development Manager; Mary Anne Servian, CEO; Karin Bleyer, Board Member; Marie Graziosi, Chief of Staff; and Jessica Miano, Marketing and Communications Associate.

Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO (seated, center) accepted the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award on behalf of the organization. The other winning organizations recognized that evening included One Step Housing, Stronger Moving & Delivery Service, A.L.L. About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Your CBD Store, Ohana Embroidery, and Healthy Teens Inc..

From left to right, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Board Member Karin Bleyer and Mary Anne Servian, CEO, pose with the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award plaque.

Awardees received a recognition plaque and a congratulatory letter from Congressman Vern Buchanan.

Take Action to Protect Our Oceans with Gold Award Girl Scout Madison Witherspoon [Gold Award Spotlight]

by Jessica Miano

World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8, is all about protecting the ocean. A healthy planet needs a healthy ocean, but our waters face huge risks from overfishing, climate change, and plastic pollution.

The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.

Gulfcoast Girl Scout Madison Witherspoon has a passion for environmental advocacy and decided to dedicate her 80-hour Gold Award project, “L.F.A. Program” to the cause of ocean conservation.

Madison is a high school junior in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Riverview High School. She has three siblings; an older brother, a twin sister, and a younger sister. In her free time, she likes to read and play volleyball.

Once Madison became aware of all the marine life and birds that were dying from unrecycled goods in the water and from beach litter, she was inspired to educate people on the importance of recycling. She did so by organizing a beach cleanup and creating an informative website on how to resolve the issues that arise due to lack of recycling.

She hosted classes for students grades K-12 where she taught students new recycling methods and shared the dangerous effects of pollution on the environment. She also collaborated with a social media influencer to get the word out about recycling through the creation of informative videos.

“Through this project, I learned that I am very good at managing uncontrollable situations,” Madison said.

Madison earned the Girl Scout Gold Award in March 2023.

She has three siblings: an older brother, a twin sister, and a younger sister. In her free time, she likes to read and play volleyball. She plans to pursue a career in pediatric oncology.

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. Through earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.

By earning their Gold Awards, these young women have distinguished themselves as true community leaders and change-makers who have made a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and social responsibility that set them apart from their peers.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who take ‘make the world a better place’ to the next level,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “These girls tackled issues that are important to them and their communities, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”

GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian (left) and Gold Award Girl Scout Madison Witherspoon (right) at the 2023 Young Women of Distinction Award Ceremony.

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-five percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts say that earning their Gold Award gave them skills to succeed in their daily lives, and eighty-seven percent say it gave them skills to help them succeed professionally.

As a bonus, the Gold Award opens doors to a variety of scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, strong networking and amazing career opportunities, and much more. About 4,000 Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award every year, placing Madison among a prestigious community of change-makers who have achieved this honor. Since 1916, over 160,000 Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

GSGCF Announced as Finalist for Manatee Chamber 2023 Small Business of the Year Award

by Jessica Miano

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce recently announced the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award Finalists. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is among nine other Manatee-area non-profit organizations to be recognized for this distinguished honor and will go on to compete for the title of 2023 Small Business of the Year.

“Every day, we strive to deliver programs and opportunities to the Manatee County community that will develop young women of courage, confidence, and character,” said Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian. “We are honored and excited to be selected as finalists for this year’s awards recognition, and also wish to congratulate the other organizations who were selected as finalists.”

Other non-profit organizations who are in the running for this year’s award include Avenue941, Chargers Soccer Club at Lakewood Ranch, Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Foundation for Dreams, Healthy Teens, Inc., Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Parenting Matters, The Twig Cares, Inc., United Way Suncoast.

“We are thrilled to honor local small businesses and non-profit organizations that exemplify the diversity, spirit, and community-mindedness that make Manatee County special,” the Manatee Chamber of Commerce stated in their official announcement. “All nominees, finalists and award winners will be recognized.”

The award winner will be announced at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Awards Celebration and Cocktail Reception on June 29 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

Celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day with Gold Award Girl Scout Faith Chaney [Gold Award Spotlight]

by Jessica Miano

Poor menstrual hygiene caused by a lack of education, persisting taboos and stigma, limited access to hygienic menstrual products and poor sanitation infrastructure undermines the educational opportunities, health and overall social status of women and girls around the world. As a result, millions of women and girls are prevented from reaching their full potential.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is a global advocacy platform that brings together non-profits, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media to promote good menstrual health and hygiene More specifically, Menstrual Hygiene Day:

  • breaks the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms around menstrual health and hygeine, and
  • engages decision-makers to increase the political priority and catalyze action for menstrual health and hygeine, at global, national and local levels.

Menstrual Hygiene Day has grown tremendously since it was first celebrated in 2014. The goal in celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day? That by 2030, it is possible to create a world where no one is held back because they menstruate.

Gulfcoast Girl Scout Faith Chaney recognized a need in her community for menstrual health advocacy. She dedicated over 80 hours to her project, “Periods Aren’t Taboo,” to help positively impact the lives of girls and women living and working in her community.

Recognizing the issue of period stigma and the inaccessibility of period products in schools, Faith began advocating for the installation of feminine hygiene products in school classrooms within her high school. Faith hosted a women’s health exposition to spread knowledge about women’s health, bodies, and periods.

What really inspired her to pursue this project was “the horror stories of [myself and] other girls in my school and the times they forgot their feminine products.”

She collaborated with her school’s leadership to arrange for the installation of feminine hygiene dispensers in classrooms, and enlisted the help of a student-led organization to ensure that the dispensers remain stocked with free and accessible feminine hygiene products in years to come. Following the women’s health exposition, Faith felt confident that she achieved her goal after witnessing her attendees open up comfortably about women’s health.

“Because of this project, I learned that I could make hard decisions… I also learned that I could overcome my social fears, which I usually struggle with when I feel truly passionate about a topic.”

Faith earned the Girl Scout Gold Award in March 2023.

She has been a Girl Scout for the past 13 years, and previous earned her Bronze Award and Silver Award. “My previous Girl Scout experiences, such as earning my Silver and Bronze Award helped [me] to learn resilience. While other previous community service projects taught me how to muster up support from my community.”

Faith enjoys theatre, crafting, and working in youth programs. She comes from a large family full of cousins, supportive aunts and uncles, and lives with her mom, dad, sister, and brother. She plans to go to Rollins College in the fall.

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. Through earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.

By earning their Gold Awards, these young women have distinguished themselves as true community leaders and change-makers who have made a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and social responsibility that set them apart from their peers.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who take ‘make the world a better place’ to the next level,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “These girls tackled issues that are important to them and their communities, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-five percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts say that earning their Gold Award gave them skills to succeed in their daily lives, and eighty-seven percent say it gave them skills to help them succeed professionally.

As a bonus, the Gold Award opens doors to a variety of scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, strong networking and amazing career opportunities, and much more. About 4,000 Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award every year, placing Faith among a prestigious community of change-makers who have achieved this honor. Since 1916, over 160,000 Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

611 Girls Honored at 2023 Young Women of Distinction Ceremony

by Jessica Miano

A total of 611 Girl Scouts from across 10 Florida counties will be honored at the annual Young Women of Distinction Ceremony on May 21, 2023 at the Charlotte Harbor Convention Center.

This annual celebration provides friends, family, troop leaders, volunteers, and council staff the opportunity to honor the outstanding achievements of Girl Scouts throughout the council.

Among those being honored are 40 Girl Scouts who earned the Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouting, and the highest award that a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. 78 Girl Scouts will receive the Bronze Award; the third highest honor in Girl Scouting, and the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn.

Awardees will be introduced by the Class of 2023 Gold Award Girl Scouts, who recently received their Gold Award pins at the 3rd annual GSGCF Gold Award Luncheon. The Gold Award is the highest award and most prestigious honor a Girl Scout can earn.

Other awards to be presented include the My Promise, My Faith Pin, which invites girls to experience a faith journey through exploration of the Girl Scout Law and teachings from their faith; the Journey Summit Award Pin, which is earned by girls who have completed three National Leadership Journeys at their grade level; and the 10 Year Membership Pin. Graduating Girl Scouts, Girl Scout College Scholarship recipients, and Cookie Entrepreneurs will also be recognized at the celebration.

The event is made possible by several generous sponsors: Publix Supermarket Charities, Florida Power & Light, the Swift Family Foundation, and The United Way.

Observing Mental Health Awareness Month with Gold Award Girl Scout Alexis Morrison [Gold Award Spotlight]

by Jessica Miano

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and recent studies show that girls are disproportionally affected by the increasing mental health crisis in America.

As Girl Scouts, we act on matters we believe in and understand the importance of mental wellness. That is why GSUSA created the Mental Wellness and Inclusion Portal. From programs designed for all grade levels to training for adults, you and your girl can participate in various activities, receive support from peers, and build social-emotional skills—all in a physically and psychologically safe environment.

Gulfcoast Girl Scout Alexis Morrison decided to champion the issue of mental health awareness for her Gold Award project, “Mental Health Awareness.”

After learning that around 30%-80% of people who suffer with mental health issues don’t seek treatment, Alexis sought to provide support resources for children and teens suffering from mental health problems to get the help they need. She was inspired to take on his project from her own experience with mental health struggles.

“I’ve struggled with my mental health since I was 12,” Alexis said. “Because of this, I’m very passionate about raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding it.”

Alexis worked for over 80 hours to accomplish her goal of creating social media posts and YouTube videos to inform her audience about mental health facts and resources, and to foster a supportive community for those experiencing mental health struggles.

“Overall, I really just learned that I’m strong,” Alexis said. “I completed something I didn’t think I could, at one point. I was able to continue to work on my project even when my mind made it difficult. I’m very grateful for this experience and everything it taught me. I’ve learned how to better manage my time, thoughts, and energy.”

Alexis earned the Girl Scout Gold Award in March 2023. She will be entering into the LPN program at Suncoast Technical College in the fall and aspires to become a become a nurse and travel the world. She enjoys working, playing board games and hanging out with her friends.

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. Through earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who take ‘make the world a better place’ to the next level,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “These girls tackled issues that are important to them and their communities, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”

By earning their Gold Awards, these young women have distinguished themselves as true community leaders and change-makers who have made a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and social responsibility that set them apart from their peers.

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-five percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts say that earning their Gold Award gave them skills to succeed in their daily lives, and eighty-seven percent say it gave them skills to help them succeed professionally.

As a bonus, the Gold Award opens doors to a variety of scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, strong networking and amazing career opportunities, and much more. About 4,000 Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award every year, placing Alexis among a prestigious community of change-makers who have achieved this honor. Since 1916, over 160,000 Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

3rd Annual Gold Award Luncheon Celebrates Gulfcoast Girl Scouts

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are proud to recognize twelve outstanding young women for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. The Gold Award recognizes high school Girl Scouts who address issues they are passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond.

Local Gold Award Girl Scouts and their projects include:


• Abigail Dalesandro, North Fort Myers High School; Art Through Lee: Behind the Scenes and LOTHCAT Draws
• Alexis Morrison, homeschooled in Sarasota; Mental Health Awareness
• Alexis Smith, Lehigh Senior High School; Heart to Heart
• Autumn Pepper Rhodes, Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts; Girls Who Soar
• Faith Chaney, Sarasota High School; Period’s Aren’t Taboo
• Jainley Garcia, Oasis High School; Educating The Youth On Deforestation & Urbanization
• Julia Sammons, Lakewood Ranch High School; Reading and the Mind
• Madison Witherspoon, Riverview High School; L.F.A Program
• Natasha Agarwal, Canterbury School Ft. Myers; PAGETURNER Digital Learning Library
• Olivia Thorstad, Cypress Lake High School; Removing Barriers to Student Success
• Tristan Blankenship, North Port High School; Tristan’s Blankets of Love
• Victoria King, Bonita Springs High School; Volleyball for Confidence

The girls were recognized on April 30 at the 3rd annual Gold Award Luncheon, celebrated at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice.

“Earning the Gold Award is difficult, but the skills a girl learns during the process will help her throughout her life.” said Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO. “The Gold Award is not just another award. The Gold Award is a symbol of your remarkable determination, your spirit of giving back, your unfailing ability to see a project through to completion. Not an easy thing to do when you are so incredibly busy.”

During the luncheon, the girls were presented with their Gold Award pins by Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO, and Richard Cyphers, Board President. Each girl had the opportunity to film their own video about their project, and these clips were debuted at the luncheon. The videos are available for viewing on the GSGCF Youtube channel.

Girls had the opportunity to speak about their projects and thank their family, friends, and project advisors for their ongoing support.

Richard Cyphers, Board President, called on the girls to continue making an impact in their communities even after their graduate from Girl Scouting. “I can’t express enough how proud we are of all of you today,” he said. “But remember, even if you are graduating this year, this is only the beginning! I hope all of you realize what an important difference you are making and carry that with you as you continue your Girl Scouting journey, whether as a girl, adult, or volunteer.”

Two scholarships were presented during the luncheon; the Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout College Scholarship was presented to Gold Award Girl Scouts Faaith Chaney, Autumn Pepper Rhodes, and Alexis Smith; and The Lyndi Cyphers Memorial College Scholarship was presented to Alexis Smith by Richard Cyphers in honor of his late wife, Lyndi.

12 Gulfcoast Girl Scouts earn Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting

by Jessica Miano

Twelve outstanding young women across Lee, Sarasota, and Manatee Counties dedicated over 80 hours each to attain the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are proud to recognize twelve outstanding young women for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. The Gold Award recognizes high school Girl Scouts who address issues they are passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond.

Local Gold Award Girl Scouts and their projects include:

  • Abigail Dalesandro, North Fort Myers High School; Art Through Lee: Behind the Scenes and LOTHCAT Draws
  • Alexis Morrison, homeschooled in Sarasota; Mental Health Awareness
  • Alexis Smith, Lehigh Senior High School; Heart to Heart
  • Autumn Pepper Rhodes, Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts; Girls Who Soar
  • Faith Chaney, Sarasota High School; Period’s Aren’t Taboo
  • Jainley Garcia, Oasis High School; Educating The Youth On Deforestation & Urbanization
  • Julia Sammons, Lakewood Ranch High School; Reading and the Mind
  • Madison Witherspoon, Riverview High School; L.F.A Program
  • Natasha Agarwal, Canterbury School Ft. Myers; PAGETURNER Digital Learning Library
  • Olivia Thorstad, Cypress Lake High School; Removing Barriers to Student Success
  • Tristan Blankenship, North Port High School; Tristan’s Blankets of Love
  • Victoria King, Bonita Springs High School; Volleyball for Confidence

The girls will be recognized for their achievements on Sunday, April 30th at the 3rd annual GSGCF Gold Award Celebration Luncheon at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, FL, where they will receive their Gold Awards and have the opportunity to speak about their projects to friends, family, and members of the Board of Directors of GSGCF. The girls will also be distinguished at GSGCF’s annual Young Women of Distinction Ceremony, which will be held this year on May 21st at the Charlotte Harbor Convention Center in Port Charlotte, FL.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who take ‘make the world a better place’ to the next level,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “These girls tackled issues that are important to them and their communities, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. Through earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.

By earning their Gold Awards, these young women have distinguished themselves as true community leaders and change-makers who have made a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and social responsibility that set them apart from their peers.

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-five percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts say that earning their Gold Award gave them skills to succeed in their daily lives, and eighty-seven percent say it gave them skills to help them succeed professionally.

As a bonus, the Gold Award opens doors to a variety of scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, strong networking and amazing career opportunities, and much more. About 4,000 Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award every year, placing Abigail Dalesandro, Alexis Morrison, Alexis Smith, Autumn Pepper Rhodes, Faith Chaney, Jainley Garcia, Julia Sammons, Madison Witherspoon, Natasha Agarwal, Olivia Thorstad, Tristan Blankenship, and Victoria King among a prestigious community of change-makers who have achieved this honor. Since 1916, over 160,000 Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

Abigail Delasandro
Alexis Morrison
Alexis Smith
Autumn Pepper Rhodes
Faith Chaney
Jainley Garcia
Julia Sammons
Madison Witherspoon
Natasha Agarwal
Olivia Thorstad
Tristan Blankenship
Victoria King

North Port Girl Scout Creates a Community of Smiles

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Catherine Alvaro

Sarasota County resident and Pine View School graduate Catherine Alvaro earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Creating a Community of Smiles.

Learning that the homeless often do not receive adequate dental hygiene, Catherine took action. She forged a partnership between LECOM School of Dental Medicine and the Salvation Army. Catherine’s team assembled and distributed 1,500 dental kits and she’s arranged diagnostic and educational services to be continually provided by LECOM students through Salvation Army’s Hope Crisis Center. Now that’s something to smile about!

“All you need is the inspiration, motivation, and a little persistence. I discovered my community is full of wonderful people who are more than willing to help.”

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, Catherine!

 

Cape Coral Girl Scout Aims to Clean up Our Oceans

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Headshot.jpgLee County resident and North Fort Myers High School graduate Victoria Rubarski earned Girl Scouting highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Planet Oceane.

Motivated to clean up Fort Myers Beach, Rubarski gathered a team, rolled up her sleeves, and took action. Rubarski is establishing a nonprofit called Planet Oceane, which would initiate a ban on plastic bags at the beach, call for an increase in trash and recycling receptacles, and sponsor an ongoing beach patrol. She hopes that by altering beach-goers’ behaviors, one day pollution on our shores will no longer be an issue.

“I learned that it doesn’t take hundreds of people to make a difference, and to inspire change. It can start with one person,” Rubarski realized. “Now, I believe in myself. I can step back and see the change I have made.”

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, Victoria!