Many thanks to Girl Scouts who are founding members of the GSCCC Girl Scout Advisory Board.
Abigail Sword
Ava Cook
Cailyn Yerigan
Grace (Gray) MacLuskie
Julianne Van Auken
Kaitlyn Salway
Katelyn Keller Wren Greene
Tracy Keller Chief Executive Officer
As we reflect today on the incredible leadership journeys you have taken through Girl Scouts, it fills me with immense pride.
Your successes are a testament to being resilient and accomplished Girl Scouts — remarkable Girl Scouts.
I and every other adult cheerleader who has been behind you — encouraging you — are truly proud of the milestones you have achieved. Let me add that these monumental accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and leadership of our dedicated volunteers. I thank them for their commitment to empowering our Girl Scouts. They are the backbone of our organization, and we extend our deepest appreciation for the invaluable contributions they have made.
Today, we celebrate girls who have achieved highest awards in Girl Scouts. All of the highest awards aim be transformative — to empower girls to be recognized as community leaders. They demonstrate dedication and organizational abilities that benefit their schools, their communities, and ultimately, their future.
Girl Scout Juniors who pursued the Bronze Award put the Girl Scout Promise and Law into action. Through their project work, they developed an understanding of sustainability and gained a new perspective on the wider world.
Girl Scout Cadettes who earned the Silver Award developed strong leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills through their community-focused “Take Action” projects, boosting confidence as they identified and addressed issues they care about, while building valuable connections and setting a foundation for earning the Gold Award.
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors who earned the Gold Award identified a problem — locally or globally — and designed a sustainable project to address it. They made a difference, and made real, lasting change in our world.
We also celebrate those entrepreneurial Girl Scouts who were top achievers in the Council’s product program. They learned to set sales goals, manage budgets, interact with diverse customers, make business plans, and act ethically. These lessons will translate into real-world success in school and life.
We recognize Girl Scouts who challenged themselves to serve as girl members on GSCCC’s Board of Directors and those who dedicated time to be the founding members of GSCCC’s Girl Scout Advisory Board.
Finally, we celebrate the recipients of Girl Scout scholarships and other special awards, who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and sisterhood.
To all of our Girl Scouts, we applaud your commitment to greatness and for finding the leader within.
Helping you find the “power within” has been the goal of every adult here. It has called upon us to foster your self-confidence, resilience, and unique authentic voice to overcome barriers and pursue your potential.
We are so excited to see the results! As you go forward in your journeys, lean into challenges. They will help you grow.
Lean into fearful moments to build the muscle of fearlessness. This muscle will build the more you use it, and each time it won’t be quite as hard. It will help you achieve greater success.
Find the power within you each and every day!
Congratulations to all!
Tracy Keller Chief Executive Officer, GSCCC
Leadership in Action
June 6, 2026
L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center
Norfolk State University
Welcome
Terri Washington
GSCCC VP of Member Engagement
Sarah Peterson
GSCCC Program and Events Manager
Opening Flag Ceremony
Girl Scout Troop 152
National Anthem
Girl Scout Cadette Hannah Van Auken
Opening Remarks
Dr. Leonard Brown Jr.
Norfolk State University Vice President for Student Affairs
Lu Ann Klevecz
GSCCC Board Chair
Presentation of Awards
Fall Product Top Five Entrepreneurs
Cookie Program Top Ten Entrepreneurs
Buck Harris Award
Girl Scout Advisory Board
Girl Scout Members on the Board
Summit Awards
Bronze Awards
Silver Awards
Gold Awards
Gold Award Charge
Presentation of Scholarships
Salute to Graduates & Bridge to Adult Girl Scout
Closing Remarks
Tracy Keller
GSCCC Chief Executive Officer
Top Product Program Entrepreneurs
Top Five Fall Product Entrepreneurs
Girl
Emmalinn
Charlotte
Peyton
Laila
Hannah Sickles
$2,854.00
$2,114.73
$1,916.80
$1,644.73
$1,560.00
Top Ten Cookie Program Entrepreneurs
Changemaker Award
The Changemaker Award is a puzzle piece, and each piece of the puzzle represents the highest award a Girl Scout has earned for her grade level.
Juliette Gordon Low
Buck Harris Award
The Buck Harris Award was established in honor of Buck Harris, a former executive director of the Virginia Tidewater Girl Scout Council. The award honors a Girl Scout who loves the outdoors, relates to others with respect, has developed values that give meaning and direction to her life, and uses her skills and talents to serve the community. The award is presented annually to one Girl Scout who has been nominated and approved by the Council’s Recognition Committee. The recipient receives a framed certificate and a free week at a GSCCC-sponsored summer camp.
2026 Buck Harris Awardee
Girl Scout Ambassador Kaitlyn Salway
Girl Scout Ambassador Kaitlyn Salway from Troop 152 in Service Unit 230 has been called an “essential” member of her troop, who consistently steps up to mentor younger Girl Scouts, share her ideas, and volunteer. Over the years Kaitlyn has served in various roles for service unit and council events; in 2025 she was appointed a Girl Board Member and participated in the recent Legislative Day in Richmond, Virginia. She has been a “zealous” cookie entrepreneur, surpassing her goals and leading the service unit. But it may be that her work helping to establish Troop 151 at St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children is perhaps the greatest testament to her belief that every girl deserves access to Girl Scouting.
Kaitlyn’s service extends into the community, as well. From serving on her school’s Student Council and her National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta International Mathematics Honor Society memberships, to her hands-on junior volunteer work at Sentara Leigh Hospital and Billy the Kidden Rescue, this Girl Scout makes the world a better place. She also maintains active CPR/AED certifications. Kaitlyn enjoys Music in Motion, a recreational dance program, and outdoor adventure and travel with the Wild Things.
“The Girl Scout Promise and Law mean living with purpose and treating others with respect every day. It is not just something to say at meetings, it is something to truly live by. The Promise and Law have taught me to be more confident in myself, to care about others, and to always try to leave things better than I found them.”
Journey Summit Recipients
The Journey Summit Award Pin is earned by Girl Scouts who have completed all three National Leadership Journeys at their grade level. The colored border around each pin corresponds to their grade level.
Girl Scouts being recognized have achieved Summit Awards for their current grade levels, from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
Daisy Summit Awardee
Mary Alexander
Novaleigh Bentley
M. Billings
Addison Britt
Sanai Brown
Hailee Burks
Alaia Castro
Nora Eley
Alana Galarza
Finley Grayum
Zadie Lawson
Julianna Nelson
Madelyn Ott
Lainey Suzel
Sydney Wilson
Junior Summit Awardees
Abigail Ballard
Lis Banzo
Remyngton Barnett
Maisie Bowman
Braelynn Brooks
Caylee Capbell
Fiona Carter
Lena Cary
Emmeline Chersicla
Chloe Cox
Leilani Cruz
Aubrey Ewigman
Emily Fraenkel
Olivia Gaccione
Emerald Gonzalez
Meadow Green
Brownie Summit Awardees
Serena Anamelechi
Kymber Barnett
Chloe Campbell
Ellery Cook
Lark Doty
Bella Douglas
MacKenzie Duryea
Caroline Finlay
Pippin Forehand
Harper Foster
Hunter Jones
Olivia Kirkner
Esther Mills
Lillian Myles
Charlotte Nelson
Janelle Peterson
Lainey Schaffter
Evelyn Sheets
Deborah Wright
Jadzia Hilton
Anna Hippnstiel
Amirah Hosni
Aubrey Hubbard
Aria Jenney
Marisa Kirkner
Emma Lewis
Alyssia Majors
Julianna Martillo
Anjali McGaw
Anna McLaghlin
Amber Newell
Melody Newman
Lena Parrott
Anne Perry-Hannon
Allison Settle
Kassandra Shankel
Clara Sheets
Cheyenne Sigler
Easterly Spanik
Faith Spann
Evelyn Staten
Michaela Amalla
Emma Babor
Lauren Elrod
Olivia Gray
Caralynn Hannum
Laila Hayes
Lily Hippenstiel
Elizabeth Holcomb
Ella Howard
Madison Isbell
Mikayla McVeigh
Lily Monteil
Maggie Quilantan
Rhowan Sigler
Charlotte Taylor
Emma Thomasson
Emily Vitale
Laurie Willyard
Senior Summit Awardees
Natalie Saunders
Cadette Summit Awardees Ambassador Summit Awardee
Lana Janas
Bronze Award Girl Scouts
The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. Earning the Girl Scout Bronze Award involves the time to complete a Journey, a suggested minimum of twenty hours building a team, exploring the community, choosing and planning a project, and then putting the project into motion.
Gabrielle Albertson
Chloe Archambeau
Alex Arreola
Amanda Bair
Abigail Ballard
Lis Banzo
Remyngton Barnett
Mary Barton
Penelope Benn
Juliette Bielat
Aarya Bledsoe
Vivien Blindenhofer
Ruth Blount
Ellie Boggs
Maisie Bowman
Eliana Breitkreutz
Nora Brennan
Lucy Bunn
Ashby Calland
Eibhlin Campbell
Caylee Campbell
Fiona Carter
Lena Cary
Katherine Cary
Ava Chakan
Xaria Charles
Peyton Cheek
Tessa Cherry
Emma Christensen
Caroline Cline
Caden Coates
Adelaide Collins
Sofia Connor
Isla Cornelius
Chloe Cox
Katelyn Cox
Zoey Crocker
Mackenzie Crocker
Kailani Cruz
Leilani Cruz
Savannah Daniels
Peyton Dean
Charlotte Dow
Zoey Dunn
Ellie Ebersole
Aubrey Ewigman
Sadie Fairchild
Alexis Farabaugh
Alice Fetty
Cienna Finch
Emily Fraenkel
Carina Fullick
Olivia Gaccione
Scarlett Gahagan
Hayley Gall
Hattie Gray
Kaliah Green
Annabelle Griffin
Savannah Gross
Faye Guzman
Emmalin Hardin
Joy Helm
Anna Hippenstiel
Elizabeth Holcomb
Malani Holloman
Diem Hooks
Adalyn Hopkins
Amirah Hosni
Kendall Howe
Aubrey Hubbard
Emma Irving
Leena Jain
Aria Jenney
Bristol Johnson
Jaclyn Johnson
Nina Jones
Emma Jones
Ella Juliano
Alice Karl
Evelyn Katen
Marisa Kirkner
Evelyn Koch
Ryane Lafleur
Chloe Landry
Kiera Lee
Mary Lerf
Emma Lewis
Brianna Lillibridge
Jane Lowrance
Kayley Lyons
Norah MacCord
Alyssia Majors
Julianna Martillo
Lily Martin
Rona McDaniel
Anjali McGaw
Nell McKinley
J’La McMurrin
Madison Meier
Amelia Michalczak
Hope Mitchell
Kylie Morgan
Zoe Morgan
Madilyn Morgan
Hannah Needell
Amber Newell
Melody Newman
Abby Nowak
Amilyne Ols
Genevieve Pachucki
Lena Parrott
Penelope Peterson
Tessa Phillips
Madelyn Porter
Abigail Provensen
Annika Quaintance
Susana Ramos
Lily Reid
Maggie Rodes
Marnet Roberts
Lucy Rousseau
Kaylee Rowland
Genevieve Salazar
Alia Samim
Bianca Samson
Emilyn Schultz
Freya Schwarting
Lilly Scoggins
Kate Scott
Allison Settle
Bayla Shames
Makaylah Shank
Kassandra Shankel
Clara Sheets
McKinsley Shelton
Ariana Shepard
Cheyenne Sigler
Audrey Sinclair
Caroline Smith
Kassandra Smith
Faith Spann
Candace Sparks
Sophie Speck
Journey Stevens
Savannah Stewart
Kathryn Straub
Sienna Suzel
Victoria Teran
Grace Thune
Seraphina Thurston
Ellie Tomberlin
Brianna Tonsetic
Maria Udovich
Hazel Urich
Alexandria Vallera
Claire Walinski
Ellie Wallace
Alice Wallentin
Eva Wargo
Madelyn Watson
Helen Webster
Olivia Weddle
Evelyn White
Sadie Wilson
Brooklyn Wilson
Mia Wimberley
Maggie Wise
Carrington Wrice
Lucy Wright
Kathryn Wuest
Samus Wuest
Alura Wysong
Silver Award Girl Scouts
The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can achieve. It gives girls the chance to show that they are leaders who are organized, determined, and dedicated to improving their community. When Girl Scout Cadettes focus on an issue they care about, learn the facts, and take action to make a difference, they gain the confidence and skills that will catapult them to lifelong success.
Jaydyn Abbott
Covenant Gaga Pit
Theresa Albright
Partnering to Take Care of Our Seniors
Michaela Amalla
The Heart of the Matter: Heartworms and Hounds
Emma Babor
The Heart of the Matter: Heartworms and Hounds
Olivia Barrett
Saving Sandbridge Sea Turtles
Lillian Bell
Covenant Gaga Pit
Abagail Bowman Saving Sandbridge Sea Turtles
Maggie Cook
Partnering to Take Care of Our Seniors
Addison Daughtery Pet Adoption Booklets
Natalie Foxx
Covenant Gaga Pit
Olivia Gehring Paws and Zen Space
Sophia Hudson
Covenant Gaga Pit
Elliana Johnson Paws and Zen Space
Riley Jones
Bike Rack and Safety in Norge
Aganya Karthick
Home Sweet Bat Home
Mae Larsen
Slithering Signs
Audrey Lassiter
Covenant Gaga Pit
Addie Martin
Partnering to Take Care of Our Seniors
Savannah Mayes Child Care Parenting Help and Resources
Kayla McElroy
Bike Rack and Safety in Norge
Avery Miller Finding More Kid2Kid Volunteers
Lily Moritz Paws and Zen Space
Aubrey Muscolino Robo-Mustangs Rising
McKenna Myles
Suffolk Christian Church Food Pantry Expansion Project
Marisa Phillips Saving Sandbridge Sea Turtles
Eleanor Pierson In Balance: Human and Marine Life
Maryah Roberts-George Bike Rack and Safety in Norge
Lucy Roessler Slithering Signs
Myleigh Schools Paws and Zen Space
Rhowan Sigler Home Sweet Bat Home
Kiera Sohoni
Berkeley Middle Recycling
Emma Sorrells
Suffolk Christian Church Food Pantry Expansion Project
Kate Sorrells
Suffolk Christian Church Food Pantry Expansion Project
Penelope Thomas Project Buddy Join Up (PBJ)
Charlotte Ward Blankets for Operation Smile
Grace Wargo Slithering Signs
Katherine Wilson
Suffolk Christian Church Food Pantry Expansion Project
Kaylani Wright
Neighborhood Informational Sign
Congrats, 2026 Gold Award Girl Scouts!
Benefits of Becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout
Gold Award Girl Scouts do well in life! They rate their general success significantly higher than their peers and report greater success in reaching their goals in many areas.
Here are some of the benefits of earning the Gold Award:
• Girl Scouts distinguish themselves in the college admissions process. Only six percent of Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award—imagine how much your application will stand out in the general applicant pool!
• Earn college scholarships with the distinction. Scholarships are available on a national and local level.
• Enlist in the military one rank higher. Jump start your military career by earning the Gold Award.
• Be seen as a role model and distinguished leader.
• Master time management skills. Girls learn to balance their academic studies and social life before living independently and present themselves as a stronger applicant in the job market.
• Make the world a better place.
• Use your vision for change.
• Tackle an issue, locally or globally.
• Establish a lifetime network.
• Create your community legacy with a sustainable solution to a problem.
Candice Cherry
Diana Behling
Christine LeBlanc
Linda Linke
Cheryl McGrenra
Susan Ramsland
Cathy Six Megan Taliaferro
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Gold Award Girl Scout
Marley Fenley
Troop 76
Virginia Beach, VA
Gold Award Spotlight: i wish the world knew
Gold Award Girl Scout Marley Fenley, who previously earned both the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards, wanted to change the way her community perceives neurodiversity.
Marley designed and sold beaded bracelets with positive affirmations, raising over $500, enough to fund all the art supplies and publish a book connected to her project. She then invited children and adults who live, love, or work with neurodiversity to make art pieces expressing what they wished the world understood about their experiences. Marley matted each piece of artwork and organized a three-week art show, then compiled the artwork into a hardcover book, distributing 20 copies to counseling offices, schools, and other community spaces.
During her art show reception, Marley offered attendees the chance to paint kindness rocks. Later, she transformed these rocks into a Kindness Rock Garden outside Embrace Counseling and the Tidewater Psychiatric Center, which is being maintained as a symbol of understanding.
“Many people lack knowledge about neurodiversity. These people in our community, including professionals, often do not understand the behaviors, actions, and abilities of children and adults with neurodiversity. Due to this lack of education and awareness, they often mistreat or misunderstand people who are different than them.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Gold Award Girl Scout
Lana Janas
Troop 810
Windsor, VA
Gold Award Spotlight: A Circle Unbroken
Gold Award Girl Scout Lana Janas, who previously earned both the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards, knew she wanted to make a profound difference in the lives of some survivors of trauma in her community.
She created a permanent outdoor therapy space at Mill Swamp Indian Horses in Smithfield, Virginia, designed to serve children who have survived trauma, veterans with PTSD, and individuals with special needs.
Using her platform as Teen Miss Isle of Wight County, Lana engaged the public through social media, public speaking, and interactive displays at local events. She engaged her audience in creative ways, distributing friendship bracelets color-coded to awareness ribbons for child abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, PTSD, and suicide
Since its completion, the outdoor therapy area has been used regularly for sessions, hosting veteran trauma programs, youth initiatives, special needs programs, and even music therapy, serving as both a safe physical space and a bridge to much-needed community resources
“Childhood sexual assault is especially difficult because it is severely underreported, and many survivors never disclose. Many survivors of trauma do not even know [available] resources exist, particularly children and parents of children who have been through trauma but are now at a loss of what to do in the aftermath.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Gold Award Girl Scout
Sara Miller
Troop 1004
Williamsburg, VA
Gold Award Spotlight: Dragonflies for Schools
Sara Miller, a 2025 graduate of Jamestown High School and member of Troop 1004, turned her passion for creativity and community into a mission of appreciation with her Gold Award project. Seeing how busy life had become for both students and teachers, she conducted a survey and discovered that 71% of respondents felt people were underappreciated. Determined to change that, Sara started a crochet club and began creating handmade dragonflies, known worldwide as symbols of gratitude and hope, to share across her school.
Through her project, Sara aimed to make sure every student and staff member felt seen. She also wanted her club to be a safe, welcoming place for anyone looking for connection. Sara and her club members crocheted 1,400 dragonflies to gift to staff and students.
Sara’s thoughtful planning ensured the project’s lasting impact. She created pre- and post-distribution surveys to measure how her efforts affected school morale. Her crochet club will continue to thrive under a new student sponsor.
“When I asked if dragonflies meant anything to them, someone responded that a dragonfly was the last thing they got from their biological mother. I included a little note that was attached to the dragonflies that let the students and teachers know that they are appreciated.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Gold Award Girl Scout
Nomi Reins
Troop 679
Virginia Beach, VA
Gold Award Spotlight: The Safe Space Project
When Girl Scout Ambassador Nomi from Troop 679 set out to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, she identified a long-standing challenge faced by families visiting the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Nomi previously earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award as a Girl Scout Junior.
Working closely with Judge Timothy Quick, Virginia Beach Public Schools Social Worker Nancy Reckling, and other members of the Virginia Beach Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court team, Nomi designed inviting, child-friendly spaces aimed at reducing stress and discomfort for children and their families. The project was funded by The Board of Friends, a community group that makes donations in support of individuals in juvenile and domestic courts.
On behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Amy K. Burnam, clerk of Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, wrote to Girl Scouts of the USA in praise of her Gold Award project.
“Families with young children who are called to appear in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations court have historically struggled with long wait times and unsuitable waiting areas as their cases were processed through the courts…resulting in a lobby full of crying, loud, restless children whose needs weren’t being met.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Gold Award Girl Scout
Sarah Roberts
Troop 1004
Williamsburg, VA
Gold Award Spotlight: Digital Empowerment Workshop
Gold Award Girl Scout Sarah Roberts, who has also earned the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards, focused her Gold Award project on helping senior citizens and individuals with accessibility challenges to gain the skills and confidence they need to navigate today’s technology-driven world.
Sarah created and led a series of hands-on workshops at Edgeworth Park at New Town senior independence facility in Williamsburg, Virginia. She taught computer skills and introduced practical tools and resources that participants could continue using long after the workshops ended, such as how to use accessibility features, discovering reliable sources for information, helpful features of a cell phone, and how to use voice commands.
Sarah crafted her sessions to be supportive, where participants could feel comfortable asking questions and practicing new skills, helping them feel more connected and capable in a digital world that often leaves some behind.
“I aimed to help bridge the digital divide by empowering senior citizens and individuals with accessibility challenges to use computers confidently. Many in these groups struggled with technology due to physical limitations, lack of education, or the fast pace of new advancements. These challenges often lead to isolation, difficulty accessing resources, and less participation in a digital world.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Gold Award Girl Scout
Noor Swanson
Troop 495
Chesapeake, VA
Gold Award Spotlight: Suffering in Silence: Combatting CRPS
Seeking to raise awareness of something she personally suffered from for years, Gold Award Girl Scout Noor Swanson made it the focus of her Gold Award project. Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, is a form of chronic pain that typically develops after an injury. With this condition, the recurring pain usually presents in a higher proportion to the severity of the initial injury.
The syndrome disproportionately affects adolescent women and teenage girls, including Noor. In sixth grade, an innocent game of tag led to Noor’s toe being slammed in a door. Despite the injury seeming minor, she said her life was “forever changed by CRPS.”
After recognizing the lack of resources and the misinformation surrounding this condition, she took action to create a centralized online resource with the support of Dr. Stephen D’Amato.
Noor shared her findings with community organizations, school counselors, and chronic pain support groups, including information on resources such as medical institutions and CRPS advocacy organizations.
“The excruciating pain can only be described as an extreme burning sensation and intense pressure. It prevented me from participating in sports and eventually even from walking. It hurt to lightly touch my leg. It wasn’t until two and a half years later that I was finally pain-free after receiving treatment.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Gold Award Girl Scout
Sarah Williams
Troop 322
Virginia Beach, VA
Gold Award Spotlight: Uplifting Children Through Positive Art
Hoping to lift spirits and add warmth to a shared space, Gold Award Girl Scout Sarah Williams hosted four art workshops where homeless children created original artwork to brighten the walls of the Birdsong Café at The Landmark Center of ForKids, Inc. in Chesapeake, Virginia. Sarah has previously earned both the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards.
According to the staff at ForKids, Inc., the positive impact was clear. Facility experts observed that the creation and display of artwork increased the children’s self-esteem and gave them a stronger sense of belonging in their shared meal space.
To ensure sustainability, Sarah created a lesson plan booklet detailing each of the art workshops she led. This resource, given to ForKids Art Education Coordinator Jennifer McDuffie, allows future volunteers and staff to continue the workshops.
Sarah’s project also inspired several unexpected outcomes, including the implementation of adult-only art workshops for the parents, and the sale of one of the children’s art pieces during an annual fundraiser which helped raise more than $30,000.
“I wanted to increase the morale of all the residents through art displayed on the walls. ForKids has agreed to continue this project and is excited to implement the idea next year as a sustainable practice so the Birdsong Café will always have new artwork.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts
Gold Award Girl Scout
Lydia Winstead Troop 1579
Virginia Beach, VA
Gold Award Spotlight: Building Confidence in Food Insecurity
Using the skills gained from having previously earned both the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards, Gold Award Girl Scout Lydia Winstead tackled food insecurity among military families in Hampton Roads to earn the Gold Award. According to Blue Star Families, a group that advocates for military families, 26% of active-duty military families struggle with unique challenges and complexities that lead to the inaccessibility of nutritious foods.
Lydia collaborated with community members, including chefs from TASTE, to address the root cause of the issue. She created a website that offers easy recipes and videos that focus on using common pantry ingredients and transforming leftovers into delicious new meals, helping families reduce food waste and stretch grocery budgets while still enjoying tasty, creative dishes.
Staff from the Armed Services YMCA’s Patriot’s Pantry offer the resources routinely to patrons of the pantry on printed cards. There is also QR code signage at Patriot’s Pantry directing people to Lydia’s website for recipes.
“I assisted active-duty military families struggling with food insecurity to make the most of the resources available to them, specifically local food pantries. Younger families and newly enlisted soldiers may lack the time or experience and knowledge to meal plan and make the most of the resources they are given from local food pantries.”
Scholarship Opportunities
She Believes She Can, So She Does Scholarship
The She Believes She Can, So She Does scholarship supports Girl Scouts pursuing higher education opportunities. Girl Scout alum, Kate Godby, created the scholarship to recognize graduating Girl Scouts’ achievements. The application features an essay for the applicants to describe how they personally exemplify the principles contained within the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Maylea Brockington Beasley Love and Laughter Scholarship
Maylea was a member of Troop 475 and a Gold Award Girl Scout who lost her life in a tragic accident as a college student. Maylea embraced all things in Girl Scouts and spread kindness to all. To honor her commitment to making the world a better place, her family recognizes a Gold Award Girl Scout with a scholarship to honor Maylea’s commitment to making the world a better place.
Girls Scouts of Courage, Confidence, and Character Scholarship
After 20 years as a troop leader for both of her daughters, Jennifer Lynch is giving back to graduating Girl Scouts who are continuing their education. As Michaella and Morgan’s mom, Jennifer saw how Girl Scouting contributed to their achievements, especially in their courage, confidence, and character. The Lynch family is excited to offer this opportunity to girls who have grown throughout their years in Girl Scouting.
Helen Kattwinkel Lifetime Membership Endowment
The Helen Kattwinkel Lifetime Membership Endowment conveys Lifetime Memberships upon graduating Gold Award Girl Scouts. Helen offered leadership and mentorship to girls seeking the Gold Award since it was introduced in 1980. Helen founded the Council’s Gold Award Committee and supported the cause until her passing. Thanks to the endowment, Helen’s legacy to girl leadership continues her cherished work.
GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship
The GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship recognizes and provides financial support to one Gold Award Girl Scout per council and one from USA Girl Scouts Overseas. Scholarship recipients must have completed a Gold Award project that demonstrates extraordinary leadership and measurable, sustainable impact and addresses an issue of national and/or global significance.
Find more information about these and other scholarship opportunities at gsccc.org.
2026 Girl Scout High School Graduates
Naomika Aithani
Cristina Birdsong
Molly Boyle
Krista Brann
Linden Brennan
Chloe Burke
Vienna Caluag
Morgan Campbell
Aubree Cass
Emily Cheney
Gianna Christopher
Grace Costello
Stephanie Crabtree
Brianna Creque
Athena Cummings
Allana Cupstid
Megan Danovich
Elizabeth Dawkins
Caroline Dayton
Gabrielle Dewey
Lillian Dial
Ariana Dudley
Paige Eckes
Teagan Emdadi
Yasmeen Fann
Marley Fenley
Alison Flechtner
Gianna Ford
Zoe Frazier
Havanna GannTyree
Jocelynn Garcia
Alessandra Garcia-Santiago
Erica Gonzalez
Amelia Goodwin
Caitlyn Grainger
Raven Griffin
Caroline Haen
Charlotte Haynie
Emma Helwig
Madea Hendrix
Trinity Hobbs-Anderson
Cassidy Hrdlicka
Virginia Hughes
Hailey Humes
Sydney Ivey
Lana Janas
Jasmine Janes
Shamyah Johnson
Micayla Johnson
Grace Johnson
Caitlyn Joines
Katherine Jones
Kendall Jones
Kennedy Kamzura
Jillian Kemp
Danielle Koon
Jordan Kulick
Melodie Kurz
Mia Lahr
Annabelle Lerner
Madilyn Liddle
Danielle Loftis
Laila Manipon
Vaida Martin
Alexandra Mccardle-Blunk
Kaitlin Mccleod
Lilly Mcivor
Emma McVicar
Jadyn Morgan
Mackenzie Morris
Logan Murphy
Madison Murrell
Sydney Nonnenmacher
Catherine Ostroot
Caroline Ostroot
Rheana Overman
Ellen Owen
Skylar Patterson
J’yanah Powell
Wai Quach
I’Yahni Rheubottom
Madison Roush
Autumn Sailor
Carly Sharp
Raegan Slauson-Blevins
Elizabeth Smith
Kylie Smith
Sophia Sorensen
Aliya Summers
Abigail Swanson
Amelia Sweeny
Gabriella Tanner
Samantha Twiford
Sophia Vassilakos
Elisabeth Villanueva
August Walsh
Avery Ward
Savanna Waterfield
Emersen Wesley
Julia Williams
Caitlyn Williams-Greer
Adeline Winfield
Erynn Worthman
Ayana Wright
Girl Scout Famous Formers September 17 • Women’s Club of Portsmouth
Join us at the Girl Scout Famous Formers celebration where we honor remarkable women whose lives were shaped by their earliest experiences in Girl Scouting.
Off to college? Consider Campus Girl Scouts®. You can continue your Girl Scout experience by joining—or starting—a Campus Girl Scouts club. If your school doesn’t have a club, you can start one yourself!
nderful sponsors!
Thank you to the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center Norfolk State University for opening their doors to Girl Scouts!
Girl Scout Mission
Girl Scout Promise
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Law
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God* and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
