Cynthia Ann of Madison recently completed her Gold Award, the highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities, and the American Legion. To earn her award, Cynthia campaigned for healthier snack options in her high school’s vending machines. She worked with Buffalo Rock, the school’s snack food vendor, to get junk food replaced with healthier choices like granola bars and trail mix in the vending machines. The Gold Award is an achievement that takes long-term planning and commitment. Girls working towards their Gold Award get the opportunity to learn organizational, networking and leadership skills by devising their own comprehensive community service project. They are not only responsible for putting the plan into action, but must also research the project, draw up a proposal and get others involved.
The Gold Award is all about making lasting changes, both from within oneself and in the community. Cynthia not only got healthier snacks put in the vending machines, she made a change for the better at her school. Girls like Cynthia prove to others that one person really can make a difference, and that’s the essence of what the Gold Award is all about.
