Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the pinnacle of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and it’s available exclusively to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors (9-12 grade). Today, Girl Scouts of Orange County recognizes Ladera Ranch and Mission Viejo Girl Scouts who earned the Gold Award in 2019.
Girl Scouts of Orange County CEO Vikki Shepp shared: “We are so proud of what these remarkable young women have accomplished. They are problem-solvers who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership to change their community and our world forever. They are poised to continue creating groundbreaking solutions long into the future.”
2019 Gold Award Girl Scouts
Anmol Kaur (19) – Ladera Ranch, Troop 261
Project Title: There is No Lie to this (A)Fib
Anmol wanted to bring awareness to Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), a kind of heart arrhythmia, after her mother’s own diagnosis of AFib. Due to timely diagnosis and treatment, her mother was able to avoid further complications such as stroke. Anmol also reached out and attended community forums to learn about other’s stories and discovered that most didn’t know about AFib before their diagnosis. Realizing the lack of awareness on AFib, and that there was no dedicated forum to address the issue of AFib, she decided to complete her Gold Award project on AFib awareness. To educate others, Anmol hosted an AFib Awareness Night in collaboration with American Heart Association and Mission Hospital’s Cardiology and Stroke team at Mission Hospital. This event was attended by about 50 attendees. She also hosted an interactive booth at the Ladera Ranch National Night Out and safety fair, attended by over 600, to bring further awareness to her community. Through her Gold Award project, Anmol educated people of many age groups about AFib, its symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of how untreated AFib can possibly lead to stroke.
“While working towards my Gold Award, I developed skills like collaborating with others, being a good listener, problem solving, and working towards my goals. At the same time, I made a difference in my community. I learned to articulate my thoughts using various mediums, such as emails, phone calls, and personal interaction. This helped me to reach out to organizations and professionals to form a team. I’ll continue to use these skills in my future endeavors.”
Ashley Bussell (18) – Ladera Ranch, Troop 151
Project Title: Marco Forster Middle School Healthy Relationship Education Day
After Ashley experienced an unhealthy relationship and saw the number of similar cases rising, she felt compelled to educate other students about this issue. Seeing junior high as a critical age, Ashley worked with Laura’s House to create an interactive presentation for disadvantaged students at Marco Forster Middle School. She addressed the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, emphasizing the importance of safety, trust, and respect in all healthy relationships. Ashley also raised awareness about available resources, including school counselors. She designed pre and post-surveys for the 1,078 students served by her project and calculated a 51.1% increase in healthy relationship education. Ashley’s presentation will be implemented into the counselors’ curriculum in future years.
“After I experienced an unhealthy relationship, I became empowered to spread healthy relationship education in my community and teach others about self-respect and the value of your own happiness. My Gold Award project taught me to persevere in the face of obstacles and to fight for your beliefs no matter how many times others try to silence you. I can, I will, and I DID make a difference.”
Chloe Green (18) – Ladera Ranch, Troop 151
EQ 2 U: Emotional Intelligence for Teens
Chloe created an Emotional Intelligence workshop called EQ 2 U to educate teenagers about managing emotions, becoming more emotionally intelligent and self-aware, and strengthening social and relationship skills. Chloe worked with the Tesoro High School Counseling Department, a therapist, and a professional workshop builder to develop EQ 2 U. The workshop curriculum was provided to Tesoro High School counselors, who will present it to other students.
“As I created my workshop to promote Emotional Intelligence, I learned how to face one of my biggest fears, which is exactly what a leader does. At first, I was terrified at the idea of presenting in front of my peers, but as the weeks progressed, I became more confident and comfortable in front of a crowd. This Gold Award project has shown me that I can solve issues and positively influence others.”
Jillian Powell (18) – Ladera Ranch, Troop 151
Project Title: H.E.A.R.T. to Heart
Jillian developed a documentary and a student-led Public Service Announcement program called H.E.A.R.T. to Heart that gives teens an outlet to freely discuss their experiences with abuse. H.E.A.R.T. stands for Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships Today. At one point, dating abuse plagued 60% of Jillian’s Girl Scout troop and she discovered it affected 33% of the national teen population, as well as 70% of Orange County, CA. The program is geared to students and teachers. Laura’s House will adopt her video program as a supplement to their future H.E.A.R.T. presentations.
“The Girl Scout law was put into action throughout the journey of my Gold Award. While leading a group of passionate students, I learned countless skills that could not be attained through any other experience. Most importantly, I learned that if I simply stick with what is true to my heart, my words will make a difference, and this will fuel my ability to grow as a leader in the future.”
Julia Thomas (17) – Mission Viejo, Troop 261
Project Title: Undergrad Grub
Julia created an Instagram account called Undergrad_Grub to help college students prepare healthy foods to fuel their minds and bodies and enhance their overall well-being. Undergrad_Grub shares simple, low cost, slow-cooker recipes to counter the convenient and cheap, but often unhealthy foods offered at campus dining halls and nearby eateries. Julia’s project unexpectedly branched out to other populations, and she demonstrated her recipes to, not only college students, but also elementary students and adults. Since
Instagram is an application that is accessible worldwide, Undergrad_Grub can reach people in other parts of the world who may struggle with food insecurity.
“I’ve always loved cooking and being able to share that love with others has made it brighter. My favorite moment while working towards my Gold Award was seeing the enthusiasm in the children in a financially struggling neighborhood. They were so excited to have learned a two-ingredient recipe to prepare for their parents when they return home from work!”
Lauren Dyke (18) – Mission Viejo, Troop 1832
Project Title: World of Books
Lauren began learning Spanish in kindergarten and understood the challenges of learning a new language and how it could impact every aspect of a person’s life. Her experience inspired her to create a literacy program for refugee families coming into the U.S. so they could learn and practice English as a family. Lauren partnered with Home for Refugees USA (HFR), a nonprofit that works to connect families with resources for refugees. The 6-month literacy program, known as Worlds of Books, is tailored to each family’s needs. Worlds of Books has impacted nearly 100 families through HFR.
“It can be ingrained in us to help others because it is our duty. As I completed my Gold Award and saw how giving a helping hand was appreciated, I learned that I wanted to help others. It’s not just a duty, it is a passion.”
Michelle Jarrett (17) – Ladera Ranch, Troop 1060
Project Title: Floral Angels
Michelle worked with St. Joseph Health to create a volunteer program called Floral Angels. This ongoing program delivers recycled flower arrangements to patients to improve their mental health and provide a gateway for patients and volunteers to interact.
Sofia Votava (18) – Ladera Ranch, Troop 461
Project Title: The “Knead” for Baking
Sofia created a STEAM-based program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to teach kids the science behind baking, kitchen safety, proper food handling, and how to follow a recipe. Sofia worked with Home Baking Associations to develop her program, “The ‘Knead’ for Baking,” which taught children 8-18 basic baking techniques to build skill levels and confidence in their own baking ability. Her program is available at thekneadforbaking.com and includes an instructional video and downloadable curriculum. Currently, her curriculum is also available to every Lion’s Heart member nationwide. There are also links to outside resources for continued education in baking and cooking. Over 300 students from Ladera Ranch Middle School attended her workshops and another 100 baked with Sofia during hands-on workshops.
“The Gold Award process was very challenging, but I know now that I am capable of more than I once thought. I also believe that my communication skills will continue to improve, and I will use what I learned in my college endeavors. Knowing that I can accomplish difficult tasks and make a difference in my community has given me confidence and a strong sense of self.”
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable—proof that not only can she make a difference, but that she already has.
To earn the Gold Award, Girl Scouts typically spend one to two years exploring the root cause of a local or global issue (such as poverty, education, or the environment) and partner with the community to create lasting solutions.
Girl Scouts who earn the Gold Award distinguish themselves in the college admission process and receive scholarships from colleges and universities across the country. In addition, Gold Award Girl Scouts who join the military are eligible to enlist at a higher pay grade.
Over the years, nearly 3,000 Orange County Girl Scouts have earned this highest award. In 2019, 105 Orange County girls have joined this sisterhood of Gold Award Girl Scouts. To learn more about Orange County’s Gold Award Girl Scouts visit girlscoutsoc.org/goldaward.
Photo Credits: Girl Scouts of Orange County
About the Girl Scout Gold Award
Gold Award Girl Scouts don’t just change the world for the better, they change it for good. The Gold Award is earned by girls in grades 9–12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in developing sustainable solutions to local, national, and global challenges. Since 1916, Girl Scouts have answered the call to drive lasting, impactful change. The Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable.
About Girl Scouts of Orange County
We are Girl Scouts of Orange County. We are 33,000 strong—nearly 20,000 girls and 13,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. With programs in every zip code in Orange County, Girl Scouts offers every girl opportunities to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit girlscoutsoc.org.
