Caitlin, a student at Troy University and graduate of Hartselle High School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Caitlin earned her Gold Award for her project Strive to Drive? Arrive Alive. She was concerned about the large number of people who have lost their lives due to distracted driving, and she wanted to encourage her peers to change their mindsets so they would be safer drivers. She used the testimonies of those affected by distracted driving to make a video to be shown to driver’s education classes at Hartselle High School. She also created a Facebook page and website to promote the initiative. This project taught Caitlin how to be an advocate for something she believes is important. She now feels more a part of her community, and she has more direction for her future career. “I believe that this project was only the beginning of my advocacy. As my video continues to be shown to students, I and the others involved will feel as though we have impacted the lives of each and every person who hears our message, and that maybe we have saved them in a small way,” said Caitlin.
“By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Melva Tate, interim chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Caitlin 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 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.
