For more than twelve years, Zoe L. has lived the Girl Scout Promise through service, leadership, and a deep commitment to her community. That dedication has now been recognized beyond the Girl Scout Movement, as Zoe has been selected as the 2026 Spirit of Manatee – Young Spirit Award winner by the Manatee Community Foundation.

A resident of Lakewood Ranch, Zoe exemplifies what it means to lead with courage, compassion, and purpose. Her Girl Scout journey is marked not only by time and dedication, but by meaningful, lasting impact.

Leadership Through Girl Scouting

Zoe earned the Girl Scout Silver Award in 2022 by creating a Little Free Library at Summerfield Park, using materials donated by her and a fellow Girl Scout—funded through their own Cookie earnings. The project expanded access to books and encouraged literacy within the community.

In 2025, Zoe achieved the highest honor in Girl Scouting—the Girl Scout Gold Award—by designing and implementing a Beach Toy Borrow Bin on Holmes Beach. The sustainable project was created to reduce plastic waste and prevent beach debris from harming marine life, including sea turtles. Zoe personally funded the project and partnered with local organizations including Islanders 4 Clean Water, the City of Holmes Beach, the InWater Research Group, and Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

Zoe describes her Gold Award as her most life-changing work, requiring more than 80 hours of research, planning, and collaboration. Through the process, she developed leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills—and discovered a deeper passion for conservation that has inspired her to explore a future career in aquatic animal medicine.

Service Beyond the Troop

Zoe’s commitment to service extends well beyond Girl Scouts. She volunteers with South Florida Blood Cancer United and participates in her school’s Blood Drive Club. She has supported the Humane Society of Manatee County through kennel care, laundry assistance, and shelter improvements, and has volunteered with organizations including Manasota BUDS, Manatee Foster and Adoptive Services, All Faiths Food Bank, Magic of Mittens, TOP Soccer, and the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

At Lakewood Ranch High School, Zoe serves as a member of the National Honor Society and as President of the Junior Advisory Board, continuing to demonstrate leadership among her peers.

A Spirit of Service Recognized

The Spirit of Manatee Awards honor individuals who go above and beyond to strengthen Manatee County. Zoe’s selection as the 2026 Young Spirit Award winner reflects her extraordinary dedication to service, environmental stewardship, and community leadership.

From building access to books, to protecting beaches and marine life, to supporting vulnerable populations, Zoe’s work reflects the very best of Girl Scouting in action.

We are incredibly proud of Zoe Lander and look forward to celebrating her at the 20th Annual Spirit of Manatee event on March 25, 2026. Her story is a powerful reminder of what girls can accomplish when they are given the opportunity to lead—and when they choose to serve with heart and purpose.

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