Courtlyn earned her Gold Award by organizing the Girls Minority Achievement Council (GMAC) at Vestavia Hills High School. Courtlyn wanted to empower young black females to be leaders in the school and to serve as mentors to girls at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. School counselors identified which girls would benefit the most from a mentor and were paired with a GMAC member. One morning each month, the GMAC girls would travel to the elementary school to visit with the younger girls and to participate in a group discussion on a particular topic. “I learned that even the simplest plans take a lot of time and preparation if you want it to turn out well,” she revealed. Courtlyn is the daughter of Michal and is a freshman Berea College in Berea, Kentucky.
The Girl Scout Gold Award is highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. The girl who goes for the Gold embraces challenges, achieves excellence, and works diligently to make the world a better place, in her own unique way. Her leadership, vision, and boundless energy is an inspiration to all Girl Scouts. 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.
