Cape Coral Girl Scout Earns Silver Award by Championing Inclusion

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

After Jocelyn was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, she wanted to help others girls facing similar challenges feel included in Girl Scouts.

Jocelyn N., an 8th-grade member of Girl Scout Troop 721, has earned the prestigious Girl Scout Silver Award for her project titled “Girl Scouts Is for Everyone.” Jocelyn’s project exemplifies the Girl Scouts’ core values of inclusion by creating tools to support girls with sensory-related disorders such as autism and sensory processing disorder (SPD).

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette (grades 6–8) can earn. It recognizes girls who identify an issue they care about, create a sustainable solution, and make a measurable impact on their communities. By earning this award, Jocelyn joins a legacy of Girl Scouts who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a commitment to improving the world.

For her Silver Award, Jocelyn designed and distributed portable sensory bags to troop leaders within her council. Each lightweight bag includes fidget toys, sensory items, sunglasses, earplugs, and educational resources on SPD, along with instructions for calming techniques. To ensure the sustainability of her project, Jocelyn created a website where Girl Scout leaders can learn about sensory challenges and replenish kits as needed.

Jocelyn shared that this project is close to my heart because she has experienced sensory challenges herself. She believes that Girl Scouts is a place where every girl should feel welcome. “I wanted to help create an environment where all girls can succeed,” she said.

The Girl Scouts organization is committed to welcoming girls of all backgrounds and abilities and fostering an inclusive and safe space where every member can thrive. To further this mission, Girl Scouts recently expanded tools to support girls with special needs in accessing and achieving the highest awards, such as the Gold Award. By creating a formal process for girls to request accommodations while pursuing the Highest Award, Girl Scouts has ensured that no girl will face barriers to her success.

The Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve, is designed with flexibility to meet the individual needs of each girl. Advisors can work with Girl Scouts on a case-by-case basis to provide accommodations, ensuring that all girls can accomplish their goals to the best of their ability.

“Girl Scouts believe in the power of all girls,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “Jocelyn’s project beautifully reflects our commitment to inclusivity and demonstrates how Girl Scouts can truly make the world a better place.”

Girls needing accommodations while pursuing the Girl Scout Highest Awards can request them through the new Special Factors section of GoGold Online, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to succeed.

Where Do Girl Scout Cookie Funds Really Go?

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Every box of Cookies supports local Girl Scouts.

It’s the most delicious time of the year—Girl Scout Cookie Season is just around the corner! The Girl Scout Cookie Program launched on Jan. 7 across the Gulfcoast council, covering ten counties: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier, and ends on Mar. 9. Girl Scout Cookie fans can now order in person or online through Digital Cookie by connecting with local Girl Scouts. Booth sales, where Girl Scouts sell cookies directly to the public, begin Feb. 7.

Supporters can find local booth sales by entering their zip code into the Cookie Finder on our website: https://www.gsgcf.org/en/cookies/find-cookies.html and support local Girl Scout troops.

Beyond satisfying sweet tooth cravings, Cookie purchases are an investment in local Girl Scouts and their communities, funding adventures, empowering girls, and supporting impactful service projects throughout the year.

When you buy a box of Girl Scout Cookies, every penny stays local. Profits are divided between individual Girl Scouts and their council, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF). The girls use their earnings to fund projects, trips, and personal goals, while the council reinvests in programming that creates unforgettable camp adventures and dynamic activities for girls all year long.

Troop 610 recently turned their profits from the fall “Mags and Munchies” program, the sister program to the Girl Scout Cookie Program, into a heartfelt community project. The girls created 50 Birthday Cake Kits, each filled with the non-perishable ingredients to bake a cake, balloons, candles, and a disposable pan—complete with a hand-colored birthday card. The kits were donated to local schools, ensuring that every child, regardless of financial situation, could celebrate their birthday. We can only imagine how these girls are going to help their community with their Cookie funds!

“They really enjoyed doing this, and I’m glad we were able to donate to their schools so it could hit closer to home for them,” said Lisa Haney, Troop 610’s leader.

Troop 610 decided to use their Mags & Munchies profits to fund a service project for local school children.
The girls included hand-written birthday cards and party supplies purchased with their fall product porfits.

The experience of a lifetime

Last year, a group of local Girl Scouts turned years of cookie sales into an unforgettable Girl Scout Destinations trip to London and Paris. The European adventure exemplifies the life-changing opportunities cookie funds can provide, empowering girls to explore the world and gain independence.

The Girl Scouts who embarked on this unforgettable journey included Izy S. from Cape Coral, Melissa G. and Payson G. from Parrish, Teresa S. and Chloe S. from Bradenton, Brooke H. and Ava G. from Fort Myers, Tabitha G. and Bailey G. from Fort Myers, as well as Aimee F. and Madison K. from Venice.

Girl Scouts visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.
The Girl Scouts visited iconic landmarks in France, such as the Eiffel Tower.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program builds lifelong skills

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is more than a fundraiser—it’s the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. By participating, girls gain five essential skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. These skills build the foundation for success in life and leadership.

“Our Girl Scouts learn so much through the Cookie Program—it’s not just about selling cookies; it’s about building confidence, learning life skills, and giving back to the community,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “When you buy Girl Scout Cookies, you’re supporting these incredible experiences and helping develop the leaders of tomorrow.”

Get Ready to Make a Difference!

Girl Scouts across the gulf coast are officially taking orders now for the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie season. Whether you’re stocking up on Thin Mints or giving back to the community through Gift of Caring donations, your purchase makes a real difference.

Stay tuned for more details about booth locations and online ordering options. You can find Cookies through the virtual Cookie Locator on the Girl Scouts’ website: https://www.girlscouts.org/cookies. You can also text 59618 to stay up to date on the latest Cookie news. Together, we can make this Cookie season the sweetest yet!

Additionally, this year, local businesses can now partner with Girl Scouts in their communities by becoming Cookie Business Partners. GSGCF introduced a new Cookie Business Partner Program for the 2024 Cookie Program. Through this program girls expanded their skills by approaching businesses hoping to increase their troop sales and earn Cookie Business Kits. Business owners interested in participating in our Business Partner Program can reach out to cookies@gsgcf.org or contact Ashley Gill at ashleyg@gsgcf.org

For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida or how to join or support a troop, visit www.gsgcf.org.

Applications Open for Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Applications Due: March 5, 2025

Since 1989, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. Board of Directors has awarded college scholarships to graduating high school senior Girl Scouts. Girl Scouting provides opportunities for girls to develop skills, leadership, and citizenship. The Board established this scholarship fund to recognize outstanding young women for their achievements and academic success while encouraging them to pursue higher education.

Eligibility criteria and the application for the 2025 Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund are available on the council website. The completed application, including all required attachments and letters of recommendation, must be received by March 5, 2025.

We remember Dr. Elinor Crawford for so many reasons. She was a friend, an advocate for all women and girls, and a dedicated board and committee member. In 1987, she helped establish the Girl Scout Scholarship Committee, which was later renamed The Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout College Scholarship Fund in her honor. She remained actively involved in the committee for many years, taking great pride in reading each application and celebrating the achievements of young women. She cherished every thank-you letter and was deeply moved by the impact the scholarship had on recipients.

As a professor of physical education at the University of Northern Iowa for 30 years, Elinor played a crucial role in advocating for gender equality in education. Crawford joined the UNI faculty in 1949 as an instructor in the Department of Physical Education for Women. She was named acting head of the department in 1975 and head in 1977. She retired in 1979. She was instrumental in developing the women’s intercollegiate athletic program in 1968 and also served some years as women’s field hockey coach.  She was a key contributor to the writing and passage of Title IX, the landmark federal legislation that transformed opportunities for girls and women in sports and education. Her legacy lives on in the achievements of countless female athletes and scholars.

Dr. Elinor Crawford passed away in 2016, but her dedication to empowering young women continues through the scholarship that bears her name.

Scholarship recipients will be honored at the Young Women of Distinction celebration on May 18, 2025.

For assistance, contact Marie Graziosi at marieg@gsgcf.org or call 941-921-5358 ext. 338 or 800-232-4475.

Girl Scouts Visit Myakka Elephant Ranch for a Jumbo-Sized Adventure

by Jessica Miano

Girls Scouts recently enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Myakka Elephant Ranch as a reward for their achievements in the Mags & Munchies Fall Product Program. Accompanied by CEO Mary Anne Servian, these high-achieving Girl Scouts earned the trip to the ranch, where they participated in a unique “spa day” experience. During their visit, the girls fed, bathed, and learned about the conservation of endangered elephants.

At Myakka Elephant Ranch, a non-profit conservation center dedicated to educating the public about elephant conservation, the girls experienced a day filled with hands-on learning and interaction with Asian elephants, the official mascot of this year’s Fall Product Program. They fed and bathed the elephants, gaining a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the gentle giants’ daily care routine, and attended a one-hour educational seminar that provided fascinating insights into the lives of Asian elephants, their habitats, and the challenges they face, including habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching. The seminar also highlighted the work conservationists are doing to protect these endangered animals.

The Asian elephant, native to 13 range countries in South and Southeast Asia, was chosen by Girl Scouts as the mascot for this year’s Fall Product Program. As the largest land mammal on the Asian continent, the species is classified as endangered, with only 30,000 to 50,000 remaining in the wild. Programs like those at Myakka Elephant Ranch play a crucial role in raising awareness and inspiring future conservationists.

“This trip perfectly encapsulates the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place,” said CEO Mary Anne Servian. “Our Mags & Munchies theme this year was ‘Embrace Possibility,’ and this experience truly brought that theme to life. Through activities like feeding and bathing elephants, girls not only develop new skills but also broadened their horizons by engaging with global conservation efforts and understanding their role in making a difference.”

The Girl Scout Fall Product Program is more than just a fundraiser. It empowers girls by helping them earn money for troop activities and community projects, develop skills such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics, and build confidence as they engage with customers and apply their skills.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are proud to provide meaningful opportunities that inspire girls to embrace “jumbo possibilities” while making a difference in their communities and beyond.

For more information about Girl Scouts or the Fall Product Program, visit http://www.gsgcf.org. To learn more about Myakka Elephant Ranch and their conservation work, visit https://www.myakkaelephantranch.org/.

Girl Scouts Take Action to Protect Local Wildlife on Don Pedro Island

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Girl Scout Cadettes Maya C. and Raina C. from Troop 655 have successfully completed their Silver Award project, leaving a lasting impact on the Don Pedro Island community by addressing the destruction of critical habitats for bats and gopher tortoises.

The sisters’ project, “Bat House and Educational Signs for Bats and Gopher Tortoises on Don Pedro Island,” tackled the root cause of habitat destruction caused by trimming dead palm fronds and a lack of community awareness. Bats, which shelter in dead palm fronds, are often left vulnerable when these fronds are cut. Similarly, gopher tortoises, a keystone species, face threats from habitat destruction and unintentional harm by residents.

The project required the sisters to conduct extensive research on bat species that live on the island, to raise funds to supply materials, and coordinate with local organizations to make the project successful.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, praised the Cadettes for their work. “Maya and Raina exemplify the leadership and commitment to community that Girl Scouts aim to inspire in every girl. Their innovative and impactful Silver Award project highlights how Girl Scouts make the world a better place by addressing local challenges with sustainable solutions.”

Maya and Raina partnered with the Bocilla Islands Conservancy and local residents to bring their vision to life. Their project included constructing bat houses, designing and installing educational signs, and advocating for wildlife preservation. The signs, featuring QR codes, direct residents and visitors to additional resources on protecting bats and gopher tortoises.

“This project taught us the importance of communication and perseverance,” said Maya. “We faced challenges, but through hard work and determination, we were able to complete a project that benefits both wildlife and the community.”

“Bats and gopher tortoises are vital to the ecosystem,” said Maya. “Our project ensures they have a safe environment while helping the community understand how their actions can impact these species.”

The project also has lasting sustainability, as the bat houses and signs will remain permanent fixtures on Don Pedro Island. By educating residents, the sisters hope to inspire continued wildlife conservation efforts.

“Our team made the project sustainable by leaving a lasting mark on the memories and habits of Don Pedro Island residents by raising awareness of how their actions can harm bats, as well as how to stop harming them and instead begin helping them; we will also put up informational signs which will be a permanent staple on Don Pedro Island for visiting people and residents alike to read and gain knowledge from.,” Raina said. “The bat houses we built and permanently put on the Island will also sustain bats’ habitats and protect them from predators.”

The Silver Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette can achieve, requiring girls to identify a community issue, take action to address it, and create a project with a sustainable impact. Maya and Raina’s project is a shining example of the values of leadership, innovation, and stewardship that Girl Scouts strive to instill.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org. 

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Community Foundation Grant Empowers Economically Disadvantaged Girls in Sarasota County Through Girl Scouts

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Sarasota, FL – Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce a transformative grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through the Athena Progressive Giving Circle. This grant will enable the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s  Promise Fund to provide critical financial assistance to economically disadvantaged girls in Sarasota County. This funding will ensure access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), a proven model for building courage, confidence, and character in girls.

The Athena Progressive Giving Circle’s grant will empower K-5 grade girls to develop essential skills, including self-reliance, self-esteem, and self-advocacy. Through the GSLE, girls will engage in hands-on, girl-led, and cooperative learning opportunities designed to inspire them to discover their strengths, connect with their communities, and take action to make the world a better place.

“This grant from Athena will open doors for girls in Sarasota County to participate in Girl Scouts, regardless of their economic background,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “The Girl Scout Leadership Experience transforms lives, and with this support, we’ll continue to shape the next generation of confident, empowered leaders.”

The GSLE emphasizes:

  • Girl-Led Learning: Girls take the lead, from choosing their activities to achieving their goals.
  • Hands-On Discovery: Interactive experiences help girls build resilience and confidence.
  • Collaborative Growth: Teamwork and mutual respect foster a sense of belonging and shared success.

Athena Progressive Giving Circle’s mission is to fund impactful programs that improve the lives of women and girls in the community. By supporting Girl Scouts, Athena is investing in a sustainable, measurable approach to enhancing young girls’ self-worth and leadership potential.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org. 

Publix Super Markets Charities  Grant Empowers Girl Scouts in Gulfcoast Region

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida proudly announces a generous grant from Publix Super Markets Charities, which will directly support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) and help expand opportunities for girls in the Gulfcoast region. This funding will enable the formation of three new Girl Scout troops and provide critical resources for troop leaders and members.

The grant funds will supply necessary items, including uniforms, GSLE curriculum books, and troop supplies, ensuring all girls can fully participate in troop activities. The grant may also fund vehicle charters to transport girls to programs and events, breaking down barriers to access.

Additionally, with this generous grant, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will provide stipends to teachers who establish new troops at their schools. Troop leaders are instrumental in guiding and mentoring the next generation of female leaders. The grant funds will supply necessary items, including uniforms, GSLE curriculum books, and troop supplies, ensuring all girls can fully participate in troop activities. The grant may also fund vehicle charters to transport girls to programs and events, breaking down barriers to access.

“This partnership with Publix Super Markets Charities allows us to reach even more girls in our community with meaningful programming that nurtures their development and leadership potential,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to empowering girls and creating opportunities that align with our mission.”

Through the GSLE, Girl Scouts gain skills and experiences that prepare them to lead with courage, confidence, and character. Publix Super Markets Charities’ investment in this vision ensures girls from diverse backgrounds have the tools and support they need to succeed and make the world a better place.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is grounded in three keys to leadership:

  • Discover: Girls learn to understand themselves and their values, building confidence and personal awareness.
  • Connect: Girls develop empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills as they inspire and collaborate with others.
  • Take Action: Girls apply their skills to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.

For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida or how to join or support a troop, visit www.gsgcf.org.

Collier Community Foundation Provides Generous $5,000 Grant

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Meet our partner… the Collier Community Foundation.  

We are excited to share that Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has received a generous $5,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation. This funding will directly support underserved girls and ensure access to Girl Scout programs for at least 250 girls in 8 Girl Scout Troops facing economic hardships, ensuring they can participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) and benefit from activities promoting confidence, leadership, and essential life skills. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Collier Community Foundation for their support of our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “This funding will make a significant difference in the lives of many girls, particularly those who face socioeconomic challenges. It will enable them to participate in transformative programs that empower them to succeed both now and in the future.” 

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida looks forward to using these funds to expand opportunities for all girls to explore new fields of knowledge, foster leadership, and develop lifelong skills that prepare them for a bright future. 

The Collier Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars from the Foundation’s discretionary funds. These funds were gifted by donors who believe in the Community Foundation’s ability to mobilize resources to address the community’s greatest needs. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Collier Community Foundation for their investment in the next generation of leaders and encourage others to join us in making a difference in girls’ future.  

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Recognizes Exceptional Volunteers at Annual Celebration

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF) proudly honored the dedication and selfless contributions of their volunteers at the recent Volunteer Celebration, at The Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, FL.

The Volunteer Celebration is a prestigious occasion to recognize the incredible individuals who bring the Girl Scout experience to life for girls in their communities. These outstanding volunteers have gone above and beyond to create life-changing opportunities for girls and further the Girl Scout mission both locally and nationally.

Tania Harmon, Volunteer Operations Manager, expressed her admiration for the dedicated volunteers, stating, “Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has been historically blessed with selfless volunteers that go above and beyond to create opportunities for girls and support the council and national Girl Scout mission. We are proud to celebrate and honor them.”

Distinguished speakers for the event include Mary Anne Servian, Chief Girl Champion and CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Barbara Borderieux, Alum,Volunteer and Trainer, and Olivia T., Girl Scout Gold Award Ambassador and GSGCF Girl Board Member.

The ceremony featured the presentation of several prestigious awards, presented by Madison Witherspoon, Gold Award Girl Scout, Alum, and GSGCF past Girl Board Member, to deserving individuals, including the following categories:

Honor Pin Awardee:

  • Stephanie Klosterman (Manatee 1)

Appreciation Pin Awardees:

  • Nancy Centers (Highlands 651)
  • Theresa Marks (Sarasota 12)
  • Carrie Price (Collier 13)

Volunteer of Excellence Awardees:

  • Crystal Burritt (Charlotte 12)
  • Ashley Laird (Sarasota 15)
  • Kristina McCauley (Sarasota 12)
  • Lora Wolff (Charlotte 11)

Green Angel Award Awardees:

  • Elizabeth Roessner-Knighting (Charlotte 11)
  • Pamela Brownell (Sarasota 15)

This inspirational event truly was a celebration of the Girl Scout spirit of leadership, community, and empowerment. To enjoy additional photos of this celebration please visit our Facebook page.

Cape Coral Girl Scout Earns Gold Award for Campus Safety Project

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

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.