The Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious award that Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can earn. A project must involve a minimum of 80 hours and include the following steps: identifying an issue, investigating it thoroughly, getting help and building a team, creating a plan, presenting the plan, gathering feedback, taking action, and educating and inspiring others. It is more than just a good service project—it encompasses organizational, leadership, and networking skills.
Harley Cross
Harley Cross completed her Gold Award project, Community Food
Pantry, to address hunger in her community. She took action by
collecting food donations, educating community members about food
insecurity, and building a brand-new food pantry. Her efforts created
a sustainable resource that will have a positive impact for years to come.
“The most successful part of my project was being able to help members of my community. I learned that you have to keep going when things don’t work out as planned.”
View Harley's Gold Award Video Here
Krysta Fowler
Krysta Fowler earned her Gold
Award with her project, BAT-vocate: Appreciation and Awareness for
Bats, in partnership with the City of North Port, North Port School
District, The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Peace River
Wildlife Center, and Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. She
constructed 28 sustainable bat habitats across Bradenton, North
Port, and Ft. Myers to support endangered bat populations. She also
led educational workshops on bat conservation, successfully
petitioned the City of North Port to establish a Bat Awareness Day,
and collaborated with the council to create a Girl Scout badge
curriculum—ensuring the continuity of bat conservation education.
“I learned that I just have to dive into something even if it seems uncomfortable at first.”
View Krysta's Gold Award Video Here
Reagan Graham
Reagan Graham’s Gold Award project, Heart & Sole, focused
on addressing clothing access for individuals experiencing
homelessness. In collaboration with Angel’s Attic, The Out-of-Door
Academy, and Woodland Community Church, she educated and trained over
a dozen volunteers, organized a drive that collected more than 2,000
pairs of socks, and established a permanent sock closet to provide
ongoing support to those in need.
“I learned that I am capable of putting together a successful large project, and I learned I am also good at public speaking.”
View Reagan's Gold Award Video Here
Victoria Morton
Victoria Morton completed her Gold Award project, Pet Resource
Central, in partnership with the Community Resource Center of Punta
Gorda, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, the Animal Welfare League, the
Suncoast Humane Society, and Port Charlotte High School. She dedicated
136 hours to establishing a pantry for low-income pet owners,
collecting donations to keep it stocked, and hosting free workshops on
affordable pet care. She also provided grooming services such as nail
trimming and ear cleaning and created a comprehensive resource booklet
with spay and neuter information.
“I am resilient. I have empathy and am committed to continuing to learn.”
View Victoria's Gold Award Video Here
Dakota Partelow
Dakota Partelow’s Gold Award project, Valerie House, focused on
supporting youth mental health and grief. Partnering with Valerie
House, she redesigned the children’s waiting room to create a more
welcoming space by repainting the room and assembling a resource box
filled with toys and therapeutic activities. Her work provided a
comforting environment for grieving children and made a meaningful
contribution to the community.
“I can do things that I didn’t believe I could do.”
View Dakota's Gold Award Video Here
Olivia Trader
Olivia Trader earned her Gold Award with her project, College
Safety and Awareness: A Girl’s Guide to Choosing the Safest Campus, in
collaboration with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, The Canterbury
School, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, and New World Defense &
Fitness. She developed and taught a self-defense and campus safety
curriculum, compiled critical resources for college-bound girls, and
worked with the council to create a new Girl Scout badge on
self-defense, campus safety, and sexual assault awareness. Her
169-hour effort empowered young women and improved community safety education.
“I discovered a strong sense of purpose in advocacy. This experience has solidified my desire to engage in meaningful work that impacts the lives of others, motivating me to continue exploring advocacy initiatives in the future.”
