Decatur Graduate Goes Gold with International Reach

Ashley, a graduate of Decatur High School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Ashley earned her Gold Award for her project Healthy Starts Here. When Ashley became aware of complications children in Guatemala suffered because of poor personal hygiene, she acted. Ashley coordinated the donation of basic hygiene supplies like toothbrushes for the children, and she worked to teach the children how to maintain good personal hygiene when she traveled to the country. She made teaching plans and posters available for a local mission group to use when traveling to Guatemala. Ashley will continue to work with local dentists to make supplies available for every summer trip the group takes. Ashley’s project improved her communication and leadership skills.

“The most successful aspect of the project was getting the children excited about healthy habits,” said Ashley. “Many of them would tell me the next day that they brushed their teeth, and everyone seemed to be singing the songs I taught them about healthy habits.

“By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Melva Tate, interim chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Ashley 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.