Fort Myers Teen Earns Prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for Mental Health Project Supporting Student-Athletes

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce that Anna Sherman, a recent graduate at Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School, has earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award—the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve.

For her project, Athletic Zen: Building Mindfulness in Sports, Anna devoted 80 hours to creating resources that address the stress and pressure faced by student-athletes. Through a website, guidebook, and workshops, she provided mindfulness practices, journaling prompts, coloring pages, and videos to help athletes, coaches, and parents manage anxiety, strengthen focus, and build resilience. Her work ensures that student-athletes at her school and beyond have sustainable tools to support their mental well-being, including physical guidebooks now available in the school counselor’s office and a digital Canvas page for ongoing access.

The Girl Scout Gold Award recognizes fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts annually and challenges young women to identify a community need, develop a sustainable solution, and demonstrate leadership while dedicating at least 80 hours to their project. Gold Award Girl Scouts stand out in college applications, earn scholarships, and gain recognition from institutions and organizations nationwide.

“Anna’s project shows how important it is to support mental health in athletics,” said Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian. “Girl Scouts encourages girls to be friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, and to make the world a better place: it’s right in our Girl Scout Law. Anna’s Gold Award project exemplifies these values, and the resources she created will support students for years to come.”

According to the State of the Florida Girl Report, over half of Florida girls felt sad or hopeless for 2+ weeks in a row, and 1 in 4 seriously considered attempting suicide.

The report also found that in Girl Scouts, adult volunteers like troop leaders are proven to support overall positive mental health in girls. In fact, in a 2020 study focused on mental health support, girls cited their troop leader as the #1 source of positive mental health – above friends, family, and school.

With her Gold Award project, Anna has joined generations of Girl Scouts who have made sustainable change in their communities while exemplifying courage, confidence, and character.##

Local Girl Scout’s Gold Award Project Enhances Community Emergency Preparedness

A group of people standing on top of a fire truck

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The Girl Scout motto is “Be prepared,” and seventeen-year-old Catelyn Holcomb is embodying this by making a life-saving impact in her community through her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Operation Hometown Heroes.

This innovative project, developed in collaboration with the Sanibel Fire Department, provided hands-on emergency response training to local youth, equipping them with critical skills in fire safety, CPR, and first aid.

Operation Hometown Heroes was designed to address the lack of accessible emergency response education among young people. Through a two-day interactive camp, Holcomb and her team empowered third through eighth graders with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations. Campers learned essential life-saving skills, including how to perform CPR, use a fire extinguisher, and administer basic first aid.

“Increasing public awareness and educating the community was the goal of my Gold Award project,” said Holcomb. “By educating children through the camp—and, in turn, their friends and family—I aimed to increase the number of people in my community who know how to perform CPR. This could potentially raise the percentage of individuals who receive immediate CPR above 40% and improve overall survival rates.”

The camp featured demonstrations by local firefighters, police officers, and EMTs, offering participants a firsthand look at the roles of first responders. Hands-on activities included fire extinguisher training, emergency simulations, and interactive lessons on when and how to call 911. The participants also dissected animals and met with detectives to learn about police work.

The success of the program was made possible through the support of local sponsors, including the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, Sanibel Glass, Costco, Sanibel Deli, and The Magic Bus. Their contributions helped provide essential materials such as t-shirts, meals, and emergency preparedness resources.

Holcomb’s efforts align with national initiatives aimed at improving public safety awareness and emergency response preparedness. Recognizing the impact of her project, she has begun developing a curriculum that will allow other fire departments to implement similar training programs in their communities.

About the Girl Scout Gold Award

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, awarded to Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts who identify a community issue and develop sustainable solutions. Gold Award projects require at least 80 hours of work and demonstrate leadership, creativity, and lasting impact.

New Report Highlights Disparities Facing Florida Girls in Education, Health

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian with Girl Scouts Olivia T. and Mackenzie S.

A groundbreaking study, the State of the Florida Girl Report, has revealed significant challenges facing girls across the state, particularly in academics, physical health, mental wellness, and social well-being. The findings were unveiled on Jan. 29 at the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida headquarters in Sarasota, where CEO Mary Anne Servian underscored the urgency of addressing these issues.

“Through the commissioning of this report, we are taking critical steps toward understanding the challenges girls face in our communities,” Servian said. “We all know that girls are full of potential. But what this research confirms is that today’s girls are facing unprecedented struggles, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are struggling in the classroom, in their relationships, and with their mental and emotional health.”

The report, commissioned by the Girl Scouts of Florida—a coalition of six councils serving girls statewide—analyzed publicly available data from reliable sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Florida Department of Education. Through unpaid collaborations with peer reviewers in institutions of higher learning across the state of Florida, the areas of analysis and related charts and graphs were reviewed for themes, context, and unintended biases.

The report is available to read and download on the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida website.

The substantiated findings paint a troubling picture of gender disparities in key areas of well-being for Florida youth.

Source: Florida Girl Scouts

Among the most alarming findings:

  • Girls in Florida are three times more likely than boys to experience sexual violence.
  • One in six high school girls reported experiencing sexual violence in the past year.
  • Twice as many girls seriously consider attempting suicide.
  • More high school girls misuse controlled substances compared to their male peers.
  • One in eight female students reported missing school due to safety concerns.
  • More than half (52%) of high school girls reported symptoms of depression.
  • High school girls are 1.5 times more likely than boys to vape or use nicotine, with nearly 20% engaging in these behaviors.

Servian emphasized that these findings demand action. “We are reaching out to schools, foundations, and elected officials to share this critical information,” she said. “We are meeting with state leaders and policymakers to advocate for stronger mental health support in schools and expanded access to after-school programs.”

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will take their advocacy directly to Tallahassee in March, bringing Girl Scouts in grades 7-12 to the Florida Capitol. There, they will meet with legislators and discuss the pressing issues highlighted in the report.

The report also explored the root causes behind these challenges, pointing to the immense social pressures placed on girls. “Several troubling trends presented in the report fundamentally stem from unrealistic expectations,” the study noted. “From body image concerns to rising levels of anxiety and depression, girls are adapting to the damaging demands of social pressure.”

One of the report’s key recommendations is to provide girls with safe, supportive, single-sex environments—such as those offered through Girl Scouts. In girls-only settings, they feel safe to talk about issues they wouldn’t necessarily talk about with boys, try out new activities without a fear of failure, and experience less pressure to look or act a certain way.

“An all-girl environment presents better outcomes in mental health interventions and academic performance,” the report stated. “Girls benefit in deep, important ways from a supportive, all-girl setting that may not always be available through family or school.”

As Florida grapples with these findings, the Girl Scouts of Florida continue to push for systemic change, advocating for policies and programs that will empower girls and help them thrive.

Applications Open for Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund

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 Take Action to Protect Local Wildlife on Don Pedro Island

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

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

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

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

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.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Gratefully Receives Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce it has been awarded a generous grant from the Women’s Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. This funding will directly support underserved girls and fund vital mental health programming within our organization.

The grant will be used to expand access to Girl Scout programs for girls 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. In addition, the grant will enhance mental health initiatives designed to support emotional wellness and resilience among girls in Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

“We are incredibly grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their continued 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.”

In addition to supporting underserved girls, the grant will help implement mental health-focused activities, equipping Girl Scouts and their families with tools to manage stress, practice self-care, and promote emotional well-being. This initiative aligns with our commitment to holistic development, ensuring girls have the resources they need to navigate life’s challenges.

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.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their investment in the next generation of leaders.

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.

About Gulf Coast Community Foundation 
Headquartered in Venice, Fla. and with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Fla., Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed the region through bold and proactive philanthropy for nearly 30 years. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has surpassed granting over $570 million in the areas of: health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Gulf Coast was named one of the “Best Nonprofits To Work For” nationally by The NonProfit Times in 2010, 2011, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023. To learn more visit GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook.    

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