Olivia, a Hoover High School graduate planning on attending Rhodes
College in the fall of 2013, recently
earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Olivia earned her Gold Award for her
project South Haven Nursing Home Independence Day Celebration. Her project
focused on recognizing the military service of veterans in South Haven Nursing
Home. She put into place the Veteran’s Appreciation Program, which included an
Independence Day celebration. She made decorations for all the residents’
doors, indicating which residents were veterans with special signs and
decorations. Olivia also organized a program where Hoover High School Chamber
Choir members sang the national anthem and the Hoover High School featured
twirler performed. Veterans were recognized as songs for each branch of the
military were played. She, other Girl Scouts and friends visited with residents
as they enjoyed a huge red, white and blue cake. Olivia’s brother-in-law, who
was deployed but able to come home for Christmas, also visited with residents
and thanked them for their service. He also helped Olivia deliver blankets she
and her friends made for the residents. The staff at the nursing home plans to
continue the program as an annual tradition, and it is already on the calendar
for 2013.
“I learned
that taking an interest in people goes a long way in making them feel valuable
and contributing to their overall wellness. When talking to the veterans,
asking about their lives and making an effort to make their day better, I saw
the joy that was brought by such a simple act,” said Olivia.
“By earning
the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of the
Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Olivia has become a community leader.
Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her
apart.”
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. Some universities and
colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S.
Armed Forces may
receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.
About the Girl Scout Gold Award
The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl
Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate
extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects.
Since 1916, girls have successfully answered the call to go gold, an act that indelibly marks
them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. For more
information about the Gold Award, visit girlscoutsnca.org/gogold.
