You are leaving girlscouts.org for a website opened by an external party. You will be subjected to the privacy and security policies of the website
Celebrating Our 2025 Gold Award Girl Scouts
July 10, 2025
Each year, we celebrate the incredible leadership, vision, and dedication of our Girl Scouts who earn the Gold Award—the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. This prestigious award is earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts who identify a community issue they care about, take action, and implement sustainable solutions to create lasting change.
Gold Award Girl Scouts don’t just imagine a better world; they make it happen. They are changemakers, innovators, and compassionate leaders who take on big challenges with courage and confidence.
We're proud to introduce this year’s Gold Award recipients and the impactful projects they led to make their communities stronger, kinder, more inclusive, and more resilient.
Alexa B. – Tornado Safety and Preparedness Program for Kids
After experiencing the devastation of an EF2 tornado firsthand, Alexa turned her story into action. She created a Tornado Safety and Preparedness Program that taught youth how to stay safe during natural disasters. She led workshops, distributed storm kits, earned badges with local troops, and partnered with local fairs. Her program is equipping Dodge County youth with lifesaving skills and confidence.
Fiona B. – Civic Engagement Resources for Nebraska Public Libraries
Fiona recognized that many people don’t know how to access election resources. So, she created social media posts, blogs, and a 40-page guide for Nebraska libraries that makes voter information accessible. In partnership with the League of Women Voters and Civic Nebraska, Fiona’s guide is now being used by libraries and civic organizations across the state. Her work earned her a Nebraska Library Association award!
Lucy C. – Community Resource Directory
Lucy saw that many people in Nebraska City didn’t know where to turn for help or how to volunteer. She partnered with local agencies and experts to create a sustainable, easy-to-use resource directory that connects people with essential services and opportunities to give back. Her project is helping improve lives and strengthening the fabric of her community.
Isabella E. – Backyard Bricks
Isabella transformed a vacant lot on Main Street in Hebron into a vibrant community space called Backyard Bricks. With help from community members, she added a mural, a pergola, yard games, lights, and landscaping. The area now hosts events like movie nights and markets, and brings neighbors together through beauty and play.
Kimberly E. – Outdoor Skills Challenge Program
To help girls build confidence, Kimberly created and led a series of outdoor skills camps. Girls learned fire starting, knots, orienteering, and knife safety, and concluded with a four-day challenge experience. By creating a safe space to try, fail, and try again, Kimberly helped participants build competence and resilience. Her programs are now part of official Girl Scout camp staff training manuals in Nebraska!
Kaitlyn F. – Maha Marie Museum Renovation
Katie noticed that younger Girl Scouts weren’t familiar with the movement’s founder, Juliette Gordon Low. She then spent over 350 hours restoring the Marie Museum at Camp Maha. She cataloged artifacts, installed new exhibits, and created a virtual tour, self-guided audio tour, and patch program. Her work helped place the museum on GSUSA’s official list—ensuring future generations can learn about Girl Scout history.
Alexis H. – Geocaching Adventures
In response to rising costs of entertainment, Alexis introduced her community to the free, outdoor adventure of geocaching. She created and submitted geocaches around Washington County and taught others how to participate through a troop event and community booth. Her project encourages exercise, exploration, and affordable family fun!
Addison M. – Pollinate the State
Addison tackled the urgent issue of declining pollinator habitats by designing and planting a native pollinator garden at her former school in Kearney. She collaborated with the city’s horticulturist, secured funding, and researched native plants to ensure the garden thrives with minimal upkeep. The garden now beautifies the Dry Land Riverwalk and provides food and shelter for pollinators while teaching students about environmental stewardship.
Mackenzie M. – Literacy Program for Kids
Mackenzie knew that literacy starts early, so she launched a community book drive and donated books to local daycares. She also interviewed teachers and created flyers to educate parents on early reading’s importance. Her project culminated in a Little Free Library outside her church, which she continues to maintain and stock with seasonal books for all ages.
Addison P. – Manny’s Kitchen
After being inspired by her church’s mission trips, Addison created Manny’s Kitchen, a program that supports families facing food insecurity. She organized six cooking workshops at her church that taught participants how to prepare simple, nutritious meals on a budget. With teams focused on recipe development, advertising, and event planning, Addison empowered nearly 25 families with practical skills and a renewed sense of community.
Vittoria Q. – Unified Entrepreneurs
Vittoria founded Unified Entrepreneurs, a business club for young people with disabilities, in partnership with the Autism Family Network. She taught marketing, budgeting, and business development, and helped launch several small businesses. Her project gives participants independence, income, and confidence, and is continuing into its second year with even more mentors and members.
Meadow R. – The Caring Closet
At Todd County High School, Meadow created The Caring Closet, a welcoming space where students can access free clothes, food, hygiene items, and school supplies. She even included a collection of formal wear so every student can feel confident at special events. Meadow’s project guarantees students have what they need to thrive—no questions asked.
Mikaela R. – Custodians of the Little Free Libraries
Mikaela created a community-wide book exchange to keep Little Free Libraries in Lincoln stocked with books. She partnered with the VFW Post #131, where donations are processed and distributed, and collaborated with local book swaps and nonprofits to keep the project going. Her program promotes literacy while building strong intergenerational partnerships.
Elizabeth S. – Paint the World with Kindness
Elizabeth wanted to reintroduce kindness and art to the school she once attended. She organized a Kindness Spirit Week full of daily challenges, dress-up days, and collaborative art. Students designed their own bees, which were turned into personalized buttons. She selected one mural design and painted a bright “Bee Kind” mural that now inspires students daily. Her project left a lasting impression and a tradition of kindness.
Renee S. – Mindful Moments Mental Health Boxes
Renee tackled mental health stigma head-on with Mindful Moments, a project that provides free resources for mental wellness. She partnered with organizations to fill boxes placed on both ends of the Meridian Bridge in Yankton with uplifting messages and support materials on issues like anxiety, depression, and addiction.
To every 2025 Gold Award Girl Scout: thank you for your creativity, your heart, and your relentless drive to make your communities better. You’ve inspired us all with your leadership.
Learn more about Girl Scout Highest Awards and how girls change the world every year.
