2026 Reflections Program

In celebration of eastern Missouri Girl Scouts who have earned Girl Scouting's highest award, the Girl Scout Gold Award.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2026 BOGEY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

OPENING REMARKS BRUNCH KEYNOTE SPEAKER EMILY ETTER, 2025 GOLD AWARD GIRL SCOUT 2026 GSUSA GOLD AWARD SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION CEO REMARKS DR. NATISSIA SMALL, GSEM CEO GOLD AWARD CEREMONY CLOSING EVENT PROGRAM

SPECIAL THANKS TO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers Dr. Kimberly Hodge-Bell, Board Chair Dr. Cassandra Suggs, 1st Vice Chair Crystal D. Barker, 2nd Vice Chair

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS Our Missouri Governor, State Representatives, Senators and Congressmen/women for honoring our Gold Award Girl Scouts with printed, personalized resolutions. The South St. Louis Marine Corp League Auxiliary for recognizing our Gold Award Girl Scouts.

Ashley Pyle, Secretary Mike Kiefer, Treasurer Vicki Dawkins, Secretary

GIRL SCOUT VOLUNTEERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS All volunteers who helped plan the event and assisted on-site today.

Members-at-Large Laurel "Buff" Burkel

Michael Dozier Barb Grayson Dr. Tiffany Holman-Besse

FRANK AND ELSIE ST. CYR Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is grateful for the support of Frank and Elsie St. Cyr in establishing a charitable trust for the future benefit of the Girl Scout Gold, Silver and Bronze Award Program. Their gift ensures funding for future Reflections ceremonies and other Council services related to the Girl Scout Gold, Silver and Bronze Award Program.

Legacy Jackson Bhavana Lahoti Alexandria Seay Anastasia Stevenson Eden Turner Keri Westland

HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri's AdvanceHER ™ Leadership Program Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri proudly introduces AdvanceHER ™ , a groundbreaking leadership initiative designed to equip girls with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive in today's world. Rooted in a holistic approach, the program immerses Girl Scouts in transformative experiences that focus on social-emotional well-being, college preparedness, and career exploration. Since 2024, GSEM has signed scholarship agreements with seven higher education institutions. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri AdvanceHER ™ Leadership Program provides foundational, innovative and relevant post-secondary programming, support, and opportunities that complement the mission of Girl Scouting. This movement supports active Girl Scout members through education, mentorship, professional skill-building, socio-emotional support, and access to resources needed to pursue and achieve post-secondary success.

™ AdvanceHE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

To learn more about the AdvanceHER ™ Leadership Program, scholarship requirements and to stay up-to-date on new college partners, scan the QR code below or visit girlscoutsem.org/advanceher .

GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI

GSEM ADVANCEHER ™ LEADERSHIP PROGRAM COLLEGE PARTNERS: • Missouri State University • Saint Louis University • Stephens College • Southeast Missouri State University • Southern Illinois University— Edwardsville • St. Louis Community College • University of Missouri—St. Louis

GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI A H LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ™

A H LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ™

The GSEM AdvanceHER™ Leadership Program will continue to grow as additional agreements are secured.

GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD Girl Scouts who pursue their Gold Award aspire to transform an idea and vision for change into an actionable plan with measurable, sustainable and far-reaching results. Those honored today are part of an elite group who used their knowledge, talents and leadership skills to improve the world around them. Gold Award Girl Scouts are community leaders in the truest sense. Their accomplishments reflect outstanding courage and civic duty. Earning the Gold Award represents the culmination of at least 80 hours of work on a leadership project that leaves a sustainable, lasting benefit on the local community. The Gold Award class of 2026 made a big impact as you can see highlighted below!

37 Gold Award Girl Scouts

3,000+ Service Hours

35 Organizations Benefited

GOLD AWARD COMMITTEE MEMBERS The Gold Award Committee assists Girl Scouts through their award process—from training to mentoring to reviewing final reports. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri extends a heartfelt thank you to the following individuals for dedicating their time to serve on this committee.

Kayla Burch Dr. Meredith Byers Emery Corley Rhonda Eitel Camisha Ester Dr. Sherry Fichtinger

Kensa Koeppen Lou Kramme Judy Newell Melinda Orskog, MHA

Lynn Schmidt Mariah Skelly, MT-BC Dr. Ruby Trice Georgette Williams

Dawn Overmann Anne Ross-Weldy

SAMANTHA ALDENDERFER Samantha identified a critical issue affecting many older adults: isolation and loneliness in nursing homes. These challenges can have serious impacts, including memory loss, decreased mobility, and overall declines in physical and emotional health. To address this issue and earn the Gold Award, Samantha focused on bringing the community directly to residents. She organized intergenerational activities at the Fountains of West County Assisted Living Center, where she and fellow students regularly visited to play board games and spend meaningful time with residents. These small-group interactions created opportunities for conversation, connection, and joy. In addition, Samantha ensured that residents felt remembered and celebrated by creating birthday cards so that no resident’s special day would go unnoticed. To create a lasting and sustainable impact, Samantha established the “Act of Service Club” within the nursing home. Through this club, residents participated in monthly service projects that allow them to give back to their community. Samantha also developed a comprehensive activity guide with detailed plans and ideas to ensure the club continues long after her involvement. The nursing home’s Activity Director will lead the club moving forward, sustaining opportunities for connection, engagement, and service. Loneliness has increasingly been recognized as a public health concern, often referred to as an epidemic. Shreeya identified excessive technology use and mental health challenges as two of the most prevalent root causes contributing to social isolation. To address this issue and earn the Gold Award, Shreeya created and delivered an educational presentation focused on isolation and loneliness, specifically designed for elementary-aged students. Shreeya presented her program to more than 60 fifth-grade students at Fairway Elementary School, equipping them with practical skills, habits, and strategies to prioritize mental health and combat loneliness. To measure the effectiveness of her project, she developed pre- and post-presentation surveys and interactive scenarios, allowing her to analyze student understanding before and after the presentation. In addition to her presentation, Shreeya designed a sustainable educational component to extend the project’s impact beyond her direct audience. She created a STEM Night brain-themed educational stand, which will be used at future Lafayette High School STEM Nights. The stand features engaging activities such as a brain assembly exercise, a “Pin the amygdala on the Brain” game, and accessible information about how the brain and mental health are connected. This interactive display will continue to educate elementary and middle school students for years to come, even after Shreeya graduates. SHREEYA BASAPPA

District 12, Troop 3796 Marquette High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

District 8, Troop 4382 Lafayette High School 9 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

SASHA BLACKSHEAR

SOPHIA BOREN Motivated by the challenges she saw in her community—scarce access to fresh produce, time and financial barriers to preparing healthy meals, and the overwhelming presence of fast-food options—Sasha identified that the root of the problem stemmed from a lack of education and opportunity. Many families simply didn’t have the time, resources, or knowledge needed to incorporate nutritious choices into daily life. To earn the Gold Award and create long-term change, Sasha launched a comprehensive garden education initiative at Peabody Elementary School, transforming an unused outdoor space into a vibrant learning garden. She not only constructed garden beds and created a sustainable space for growing produce, but also ensured the project would have a lasting impact through education. Sasha produced an instructional video for current and future students covering the basics of gardening, including the importance of homegrown vegetables, understanding planting zones, and how to plant, harvest, and prepare fresh produce. The culmination of her project took place in August 2025, during “Garden Day,” an interactive event she hosted for students and staff. Sophia addressed the lack of knowledge about golf opportunities for young players—especially girls—and the low number of female golfers in her community by organizing a hands-on golf workshop for elementary and middle school girls. The event was led in partnership with local golf coach Emma Corbet, her two colleagues, and Sophia’s high school golf coach, Jason Harshman. Sophia opened the workshop by speaking about the need for more female golfers and the valuable opportunities the sport provides. Coach Harshman followed by discussing the small size of girls’ golf teams at local high schools, encouraging participants to consider golf as a long-term pursuit. Participants then rotated through skill-based stations led by the coaching team: chipping on a synthetic turf course, putting on a flat green surface, and taking longer virtual shots indoors using drivers and irons. Each coach provided instruction and encouragement while Jason circulated among stations offering additional tips. Through her Gold Award project, Sophia introduced girls to the game of golf while building their confidence and awareness of how sports can empower them both on and off the course.

District 3, Troop 869 Gateway STEM High School 13 years in Girl Scouts

Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

District 14, Juliette Fort Zumwalt North High School 12 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

JENNA BRINKMAN

During COVID, Jenna’s place of worship, Assumption Church, faced major challenges in sustaining children’s programming, as the children’s liturgy stopped due to a shortage of staff and volunteers, and youth programs for public school families were limited. To earn the Gold Award and help her church, Jenna developed new initiatives to strengthen engagement, including improvements to R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Catholic Kids), a quarterly, family-centered program held after Sunday Mass that provides faith-filled activities to nurture children’s spiritual growth and build community among young families. At the parish day school, improvements were also made to the first-grade library by organizing the space, adding a welcoming book nook, and introducing two original faith-based books—one on the creation story and another on the lives of saints—designed to make faith learning more creative and accessible for children.

District 6, Troop 2900 Lindbergh High School 9 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

MYRA BURGER

To earn the Gold Award, Myra identified a barrier preventing girls from engaging in hands-on STEM experiences: the lack of access to equipment and training needed to host Grand Prix races. These events, which combine engineering, woodworking, and friendly competition, were out of reach for many Girl Scout communities. To address this, Myra developed a comprehensive solution that removed barriers to participation. Her project included creating a detailed planning and training guide, hosting a hands-on workshop for volunteers, and assembling a complete Grand Prix race kit equipped with everything needed to run a successful event. The kit features a professional-grade 32-foot, 6-lane aluminum race track, timing system, race management software, laptop, and essential tools for setup and operations. She also restored and upgraded donated equipment and secured additional materials through troop-earned funds and community support. Her efforts culminated in a historic milestone: the first-ever 100% Girl Scout– managed Grand Prix race in her area. Today, her work ensures that Girl Scout neighborhoods across Jefferson County have the resources and confidence to host these events independently for years to come, creating ongoing opportunities for girls to build STEM skills, confidence, and leadership.

District 10, Troop 112 Fox High School 12 years in Girl Scouts

SHILOH BYERS

ALAURA COE Alaura identified a critical need in her community: limited access to books for children and families. With the local public library offering reduced hours and no weekend availability, many children—especially those involved in sports or with working parents—were unable to access books outside of public library hours. During the summer months, this gap becomes even more significant, as students lose access to school libraries and risk falling behind in reading development. To address this need and earn the Gold Award, Alaura designed and built a “Carnegie Little Library,” a free, community-based book-sharing structure placed outside the Carnegie Public Library. The Little Library allows children and families to take or exchange books at any time, ensuring access beyond traditional library hours. Alaura organized a community-wide book drive using word-of-mouth outreach and social media to collect donations. She then worked with a team to design and construct the library, creating a welcoming and durable space for readers of all ages. Alaura presented her project to elementary school students, high school clubs, and local community groups, and participated in a children’s event at the public library to promote the Little Library. Additionally, she registered the structure on the national Little Free Library map, increasing visibility and encouraging both residents and visitors to utilize the resource. The local library further amplified her efforts by sharing the project with the community on social media. Recognizing that academic success is closely tied to wellness, Shiloh also developed a Wellness & Accessibility section featuring mental health resources, crisis hotline information, explanations of neurodivergence and executive functioning, psychology study guides, and guidance on how students biologically process and retain information. To reach students where they already spend time, Shiloh launched Instagram and TikTok accounts to promote the website resource. Inspired by her own experiences as a student with sensory processing disorder, Shiloh identified a critical gap in traditional high school education: a lack of accessible, flexible academic accommodation for students who do not learn in conventional ways. With limited time, training, and resources, many high school educators are unable to consistently provide individualized support, leaving neurodivergent students without the tools they need to succeed. To address this issue and earn the Gold Award, Shiloh created Techne Colored, a comprehensive educational website. The site includes approachable biology, chemistry, and physics blog posts; simplified lab activities presented in an online packet format; and a “STEM & Trends” section that explains the science behind current world issues in clear, engaging language.

District 6, Troop 705 Kirkwood High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

District 15, Troop 9231 Marceline High School 10 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 10-Year Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

ALLISON DARNELL Allison identified a clear gap in her community: many residents in Kirksville were unaware of local walking trails due to a lack of signage, names, and accessible information. After researching the city’s history, she developed meaningful names for seven walking trails, connecting each location to Kirksville’s heritage. Working alongside the Parks and Recreation Department, Allison’s efforts aligned with the city’s future plans, ensuring her project would be both relevant and sustainable. Her work not only brought visibility to these outdoor spaces but also created a deeper sense of community pride and connection. To address the root cause and earn the Gold Award, Allison designed and installed trail signage featuring QR codes that link to historical information and photos for each location. She expanded her impact at North Park by creating exercise stations with QR codes offering both basic and advanced workout options, encouraging greater community engagement and wellness. To further promote awareness, Allison developed a central trail map display, wrote an article for the city newsletter distributed with monthly water bills, and helped organize a public dedication event with local media coverage. Her project provides lasting infrastructure, tracks trail usage through QR code engagement, and ensures residents can easily explore and appreciate Kirksville’s walking trails for years to come. Recognizing the persistent gender gap in STEM fields, Mia set out to address one of its root causes: limited early exposure to engineering and a lack of visible female role models. Mia’s Gold Award project directly tackled this challenge by creating an environment where girls could explore STEM in a way that felt accessible, engaging, and empowering. Through a partnership with Cor Jesu Academy’s summer camp and RISE (Readiness, Intellect, Spirituality, Empowerment) program, Mia launched a hands-on robotics camp for girls in grades 6 through 9. The program brought together 25 middle school participants and 10 high school mentors, all members of Cor Jesu Academy’s FIRST Robotics Team who are actively pursuing their interests in STEM. Participants gained real-world experience in robotics, coding, and marketing, critical components of both future STEM careers and high school robotics opportunities. Mia’s impact extends beyond a single summer. Following the success of the camp, she expanded its reach by supporting a STEM session at a back-to school backpack event, introducing even more girls to hands-on learning. The robotics camp will now continue as a standard part of Cor Jesu Academy’s summer programming, creating sustained opportunities for future participants. MIA EICKHOFF

District 15, Troop 9171 Kirksville High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

District 6, Troop 4127 Cor Jesu Academy 10 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 10-Year Girl Scout

MA'LAI ELLIS

EMELAINE FOSTER Recognizing that many organizations and schools lack the space or resources to host STEM activities, Emelaine set out to create more opportunities for students to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Her Gold Award project addressed the issue of limited access to STEM programs by organizing a large-scale robotics competition in partnership with her school district and robotics team. The event welcomed 42 teams and more than 1,500 guests, offering not only a competitive robotics experience but also a STEM expo and hands-on learning activities for attendees of all ages. Through interactive exhibits and demonstrations, Emelaine helped inspire curiosity and excitement around STEM fields while building a stronger, more inclusive community of young innovators. To ensure the event’s long-term sustainability, she developed a comprehensive planning guide that includes detailed timelines, logistics, and best practices—providing a valuable resource for future student leaders to replicate and grow the event for years to come. Using her research, Ma'lai worked with schools to share information with families and provided event flyers. Ma’lai also led a Community Awareness Event that brought together local police officers, educators, firearm safety experts, clergy members, and community advocacy groups to educate families on responsible firearm storage and the proper use of gun locks to prevent child fatalities. Attendees received practical information and free gun locks, asked questions, and learned how small actions can make a significant difference in keeping children safe. The new community event will continue annually and include participation from community members, law enforcement, gun experts, educators, and other local advocates. Ma’lai identified a critical issue impacting families nationwide: many gun owners lack education on proper firearm storage or underestimate the risks associated with unsecured weapons. Each year, preventable gun-related incidents occur, often involving firearms that were not properly secured. To earn the Gold Award, Ma'lai conducted extensive research by speaking with clergy members across the nation, as well as local educators and police officers, to better understand how communities and schools address gun safety education and gun violence prevention. Through these conversations, she learned that many states rely heavily on community organizations and media coverage to promote gun safety, and School Resource Officers face limitations on the guidance they can provide without parental consent.

District 9, Troop 992 Francis Howell North High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

District 4, Troop 224 Francis Howell High School 13 years in Girl Scouts

Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

HANNAH HALTERMAN Partnering with the Mid America Veterans Museum in O’Fallon, Missouri, Hannah worked to enhance the experience and quality of interviews conducted for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. The museum regularly records in-person interviews with local veterans, preserving their stories in Washington, D.C., and often inviting them to expand upon their experiences on the museum’s podcast, The Dog Tag . Hannah identified that high school student volunteers who conducted interviews often felt unprepared, which sometimes led to less detailed and less focused conversations. To address this issue and earn the Gold Award, she created a comprehensive interviewer training program and resource materials designed to help students feel confident, ask thoughtful follow up questions, and guide interviews with greater emphasis on veterans’ military experiences. Through her project, Hannah ensured that veterans’ stories are captured with the respect, empathy, and historical value they deserve, creating a more meaningful experience for both the veterans and the students who learn from them. Her project will be sustained through the Mid America Veterans Museum, which will continue using her training resources for future student interviewers. SAFIYA HASAN To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Safiya developed a student-led initiative to promote cultural acceptance and appreciation of different backgrounds within her school district. In February 2025, a week-long cultural event at Lindbergh High School invited students to host tables highlighting their heritage, with themed days focusing on art, language, and other cultural elements. Attendees were able to sample international foods, participate in art activities, and learn phrases in different languages, creating meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange. To make the event possible, Safiya formed a committee of students and staff from diverse backgrounds to manage promotion, logistics, and set up, and its current members have pledged to continue the tradition in future years.

District 4, Troop 224 Francis Howell Central High School 10 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 10-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

District 6, Troop 5056 Lindbergh High School 12 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

CAROLE HOELSCHER Carole was inspired by her personal connection to the fire service through family members and by her understanding of how overwhelming emergency situations can be for autistic and other neurodivergent teens and adults. She recognized that loud sirens, flashing lights, unfamiliar surroundings, and stressful moments can heighten fear, anxiety, and sensory overload, creating additional challenges during emergencies. To address the need and earn the Gold Award, Carole created seven complete sensory kits for the Wentzville Fire Protection District, enough for each primary fire truck and one reserve vehicle. She also supplied each station with replacement tools and resources for continued use. The kits included sensory items designed to help individuals regulate emotions, stay calm, and feel more secure during stressful encounters. In addition, Carole developed communication cards for individuals who may be unable to speak verbally during emergencies, helping first responders better understand needs and respond effectively. She also provided resource guides so departments could easily reorder tools as needed. After presenting her work to the Wright City Fire Protection District, the department immediately ordered supplies for its own sensory kits. Carole then assembled four additional kits for Wright City and organized re-supply materials for their stations. VIRGINIA JENKINS Virginia completed her Gold Award project by restoring the historic Monk’s Bath at Camp Fiddlecreek, a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Camp property. Built in the early 1900s, the Monk’s Bath was originally used by Benedictine monks who occupied the property as a retreat until 1956, when it was acquired by the Girl Scout Council. The bath, once heated by a furnace that remains visible behind the structure today, had fallen into disrepair over time. Virginia led a complete restoration of the Monk’s Bath—uncovering and cleaning the original bricks and stones, mortaring loose pieces back into place, and installing a new sign to recognize the site’s historical importance. She collaborated with the Franklin County Historical Society and Museum to ensure her restoration methods were safe and appropriate for the century-old structure. Beyond the physical restoration, Virginia also ensured the project’s long term sustainability by partnering with a local Girl Scout troop that will maintain the site in the future. As she worked, she shared the story and cultural significance of the Monk’s Bath with others, helping preserve not only a structure but an important piece of local history.

District 14, Troop 4032 Benedicite Education 8 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Silver Award Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

District 13, Troop 4263 Pacific High School 11 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

CAILEY JOHNSON

ALYSSA KAISER At Camp Tuckaho, a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Camp property, invasive plants and grasses had overtaken natural areas due to a lack of staff and volunteers available to maintain the trails. To address this and earn the Gold Award, Alyssa researched invasive species specific to the camp and identified which native plants and wildflowers would best restore the ecosystem. She created educational trail signs using Canva to help visitors recognize local plants and understand the importance of protecting them. Alyssa removed multiple buckets of invasive plants by hand, using environmentally friendly mechanical methods such as pulling, digging, and cutting roots. Once cleared, she spread 30 pounds of native wildflower seeds across the trail areas to reintroduce healthy vegetation. To ensure sustainability, she compiled an informational binder for the camp’s nature center so future visitors and staff can learn about ongoing plant care. Cailey combined her passion for the arts with a commitment to her community by revitalizing a beloved school tradition at Mason Ridge Elementary School. Each year, kindergarten students perform The Three Piggy Opera , a joyful production that brings together students, families, and educators. However, the set pieces used to represent the three houses, constructed from cardboard and paper, had been in use for more than five years and had become worn, damaged, and no longer functional. To address the issue and earn the Gold Award, Cailey designed and constructed new set pieces using sturdy wooden materials. She incorporated functional doors with hinges, allowing students to move in and out of the houses during the performance, and added casters to ensure the structures could be easily moved despite their increased durability. Each house, representing straw, stick, and brick, was carefully painted and detailed with tactile elements, bringing the story to life in a more immersive and engaging way. Beyond rebuilding the set, Cailey expanded the project’s impact by introducing kindergarten students to the creative process behind the scenes. She developed and led a hands-on lesson where students created their own miniature set pieces inspired by the life-size designs.

District 8, Troop 1595 Parkway Central High School 13 years in Girl Scouts

Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

District 6, Troop 2900 Lindbergh High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

KATRINA "BUTTERCUP" KESSELRING Katrina chose her project after seeing how the once-thriving garden at Buder Elementary had fallen into disrepair following the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to 2020, the garden had been regularly maintained and actively used as part of student learning. Staff changes and years of limited upkeep led to overgrowth, making the space unusable for both teachers and students. Katrina recognized an opportunity to restore not only the garden itself, but also its role in education and community connection. To address the issue and earn the Gold Award, Katrina led a full cleanup of the overgrown space, uncovering flower beds that could be restored rather than replaced. She repainted the beds in bright pink and yellow, planted seasonal crops including pumpkins, and added creative seating made from recycled tires. She also designed and installed a chalkboard to help explain the purpose of the space and encourage interaction. Wanting the project to create lasting impact, Katrina worked with a teacher advisor to establish a new school garden club that will continue caring for the space for years to come. She also developed educational slides and pamphlets aligned with Missouri science standards, giving teachers resources to incorporate gardening, sustainability, and outdoor learning into their classrooms. To celebrate the project’s completion, Katrina hosted a school day garden walkthrough, inviting students and staff to experience the renewed space firsthand. RHYTHM KUKREJA Rhythm identified a growing challenge among high school students: the overwhelming pressure to choose a future career path without enough guidance or time to build essential skills. Many students face stress due to the sheer number of options, limited access to mentors, and the expectation to make decisions quickly, all of which can impact their mental well-being. To address this issue and earn the Gold Award, Rhythm founded a College and Career Exploration Club at her high school, creating a structured and supportive space where students could focus on their futures without added pressure. Through eight thoughtfully planned meetings, students engaged in hands-on activities such as building resumes, exploring volunteer opportunities, researching scholarships and awards, and developing personalized college lists. Rhythm ensured the club remained student-centered by gathering feedback, encouraging participation in topic selection, and adapting meetings to fulfill the evolving needs of members. To expand her project’s impact, Rhythm created an online resource, the College Career Compass website, offering accessible tools and guidance for students beyond her school community. With the support of a faculty sponsor and student leadership team, the club will continue to host meetings for new and current members to provide guidance and explore college and career opportunities.

District 5, Troop 1828 Ritenour High School 12 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout

District 14, Troop 1166 Francis Howell High School 11 years in Girl Scouts

Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout

ADELINE LAW Adeline’s Gold Award project, FoodForThought, shines a light on a growing national issue: food waste in schools. Across the United States, schools discard an estimated 530,000 tons of food each year, waste that carries both environmental consequences and missed opportunities to support those facing hunger. Motivated to take action, Adeline partnered with school administrators, cafeteria staff, and custodial teams to better understand how food was being handled and wasted at her school. What she discovered was not a lack of care, but a lack of systems. In response, she designed and implemented a sustainable food recovery and redistribution program within the cafeteria. Clearly labeled collection bins were placed near trash stations, allowing students to donate unopened, uneaten items such as fruit, milk, and packaged foods. These items are then made available to peers who may need an extra meal or snack during the school day or after activities. Beyond implementation, Adeline focused on education and long-term behavior change. Through flyers, social media campaigns, and peer engagement, students gained a deeper understanding of sustainability, food insecurity, and their role in reducing waste. To ensure sustainability, Adeline founded a GirlsinSTEM chapter at her school, and the new members will take ownership of the program while gaining hands-on experience in problem solving, leadership, and STEM-based applications. CHASE LOWRY Chase, a dedicated student athlete and Girl Scout, created a project focused on educating young athletes about injury prevention, physical health, and self-advocacy in sports. Chase recognized a critical gap in youth athletics: while coaches and teams often emphasize performance and winning, many student athletes lack the knowledge and resources to protect their bodies from injury. These injuries can lead not only to physical setbacks, but also to emotional stress, decreased confidence, and a growing resentment toward the sport they once loved. To address the root cause of the issue and earn the Gold Award, Chase developed an educational outreach initiative designed to reach student athletes where they already are, both online and in their schools. She created an Instagram platform to share accessible information about common sports injuries, proper stretching techniques, strength-building workouts, and the importance of understanding personal limits. Her posts also focused on mental health and confidence, encouraging athletes to prioritize well-being over pressure to perform. In addition to her digital outreach, Chase worked directly with student athletes in her community. She spoke with members of a middle school cross country team at Christ Community Lutheran School. She also engaged with high school athletes, teammates, and peers she met at cheer camps and competitions.

District 4, Troop 624 Francis Howell Central High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

District 6, Troop 53 Lutheran High School South 11 years in Girl Scouts

Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

MAKAYLA MORRIS During her time as a camper at Turkey Hill, MaKayla noticed that mealtimes were often challenging: children had no tables or benches, leading them to eat on logs around the campfire or on saddles at Camper’s Village. Meals were frequently dropped, and there was no designated place for plates or drinks. After speaking with the camp director, MaKayla learned that benches and picnic tables were the camp’s greatest need. To address this and earn the Gold Award, MaKayla designed and built three picnic tables, each featuring a central umbrella hole to provide shade, and six movable benches. These additions can be used at the picnic areas, around the campfire, or during games and other activities, creating flexible seating for campers. To personalize the space, she included a Bible verse ring on each picnic table, selected through an online poll. MaKayla also documented her project with a video shared on social media to inspire other Girl Scouts to consider improving camp spaces for future projects. Her efforts have made a lasting impact, enhancing the comfort, safety, and enjoyment of every camper at Turkey Hill. KENEDI NEWMAN Kenedi focused her Gold Award project on the rapid decline of bee populations. Bees are essential pollinators that support ecosystems, food production, and biodiversity, yet habitat loss from land development, pesticide use, disease, drought, and pollution has made it increasingly difficult for pollinators to survive. A major root cause of this issue is the lack of safe, accessible habitats and limited public understanding of how human actions impact pollinator health. To address this challenge, Kenedi designed and led a sustainable pollinator conservation project focused on habitat restoration and community education. She built a permanent pollinator habitat on a local golf course by planting Missouri native flowers and constructing a pollinator hive, commonly known as a bee hotel, to provide shelter for bees and other pollinators. Kenedi expanded the reach of her project through education and community engagement. She installed an informational sign at the habitat explaining its purpose and importance, including a QR code linking to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s resources on pollinators and conservation practices. She also created and distributed educational posters throughout her community and delivered presentations to civic groups and sororities. Kenedi worked with two younger Girl Scout troops, guiding them through hands on activities where they built their own bee hotels and learned about the role pollinators play in daily life.

District 12, Troop 123 Eureka High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

District 15, Troop 9231 Marceline High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

GRACE POINTER For her Gold Award project, Grace addressed a significant community challenge: the lack of public knowledge and limited resources available to foster-based pet rescue services. Because organizations like St. Charles based 4 Paws 4 Rescue are entirely self-funded and rely heavily on community involvement, they often face understaffing and struggle to meet growing demand. To increase awareness and support, Grace organized a series of engaging, family-friendly educational events at accessible community spaces, including local public libraries. Each event featured a creative craft activity designed to spark curiosity and open conversations about the role of foster pet services, the needs of rescue organizations, and meaningful ways individuals can get involved. Through these interactive sessions, participants gained a clearer understanding of how foster programs operate and learned practical ways to assist—from volunteering and donating supplies to advocating for foster animals. Grace’s project strengthened community awareness, inspired compassion, and helped build a more informed and supportive network for foster pet organizations throughout the region. MEGAN PRATT When Gold Award Girl Scout Megan noticed that the playground used by her school’s Child Development Program had fallen into disrepair, she decided to take action to create a safer, more welcoming environment for young children and students in the program. Weather damage, outdated equipment, and even a wasp’s nest had made the outdoor play area unsafe and unusable. To address these safety and environmental concerns, Megan led a complete renovation of the playground, replacing the old fence with a new, donated one and removing damaged or hazardous play equipment. She and her team also installed plastic safety barriers and rubberized mulch to create a soft, accessible play surface. With the help of community donations, Megan added new toys and play structures for the preschoolers to enjoy. Understanding the importance of long-term maintenance, Megan collaborated closely with the St. Charles School District maintenance director to ensure the playground will continue to be properly cared for in the years ahead. She also built a new step at the door, making it easier and safer for teachers, students, and children to access the building.

District 14, Troop 4544 Fort Zumwalt North High School 12 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

District 4, Troop 3970 St. Charles West High School 13 years in Girl Scouts

Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

ISABELLA PRITCHETT When Isabella learned that the Family & Consumer Science (F.A.C.S.) Department at North Point High School was spending a large portion of its limited budget on fresh herbs and vegetables for weekly cooking labs, she saw an opportunity to make a lasting difference and earn the Gold Award. To help the department save money and operate more sustainably, Isabella introduced an indoor AeroGarden system that now provides a renewable source of herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes. These systems use hydroponic gardening—a soil-free method of growing plants in water that contains dissolved nutrients. She researched how to set up and maintain the system, took charge of its care, and created guides to help teachers and students use it successfully. Thanks to Isabella’s leadership, the F.A.C.S. Department can now rely on fresh, homegrown ingredients year-round—freeing up funds for new tools and classroom improvements. Her project not only benefits her school but also serves as an inspiring model for other classrooms and families looking to grow their own food sustainably. SABRINA SACHS Sabrina earned her Gold Award by addressing an important issue in her community: reducing anxiety for young patients receiving medical care. When the Mercy Pediatric Cancer and Hematology Department relocated within Mercy Hospital, Sabrina saw an opportunity to improve the patient experience. She designed and built seven custom interactive “busy boards,” installing one in each treatment room. Each board features bright, engaging designs and hands-on elements such as spinning gears, match-up blocks, peek-a-boo doors, xylophone keys, mazes, and interactive spinners that teach concepts like butterfly life cycles and phases of the moon. These elements help redirect children’s attention, providing comfort and a sense of control during stressful visits. To ensure long-term sustainability, Sabrina developed a QR code– based feedback system for patients, caregivers, and staff, as well as an instructional video to guide hospital staff in maintaining the boards. She also created an educational video to help other hospitals and organizations replicate her project, expanding its impact beyond her local community.

District 14, Troop 1166 North Point High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

District 10, Troop 112 Fox High School 12 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout

ISABELLE SCHNEIDER To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Isabelle created a resource-packed project that helps households make nutritious meals possible on any budget. Isabelle’s project, Cooking Past Limits, meets this need head-on by providing accessible, easy-to-follow cooking resources for people with limited tools, limited time, and limited funds. To support families navigating these challenges, Isabelle created 51 educational TikTok videos, covering everything from microwave-only recipes and meals under ten dollars to creative ways to use WIC-approved foods and simple strategies for reducing food waste. She also included ideas for no-stove meals, such as a pasta salad recipe that became one of her most popular tutorials. Isabelle’s work was inspired in part by the barriers families face within the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides healthy foods and nutrition support but comes with strict, detailed product lists that can make shopping difficult. To help, she partnered with her local WIC office and created printed flyers directing clients to her videos, ensuring the resource reaches families who need it most. ELCIE SCHWEIGERT Elcie earned the Girl Scout Gold Award by creating and leading a community wide Wellness Day designed to educate middle and high school students about the importance of mental, physical, and sexual health. Elcie hosted her Wellness Day at the Ste. Genevieve R-II Elementary and Middle School gymnasiums, creating an informational and engaging experience for students and caregivers alike. The event brought together trusted community organizations and experts to ensure participants received credible, comprehensive information. In addition to live presentations and resource tables, Elcie created and distributed educational handouts covering topics such as ADHD, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. By connecting mental health with physical wellness and sexual health education, she emphasized how each area is interconnected and vital to overall well-being. Understanding that stigma and discomfort often prevent youth from seeking help, Elcie intentionally designed the event to feel inviting and engaging. She promoted the Wellness Day through Facebook community groups, a Facebook local event page, and school communications including email, text alerts, and social media posts. By addressing the root causes of limited awareness and stigma, Elcie’s project not only provided immediate access to resources but also opened conversations that can positively influence students’ futures.

District 18, Troop 1222 Warrenton High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

District 11, Juliette Ste. Genevieve High School 12 years in Girl Scouts

Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout

KRISTINA SCOTT To earn the Gold Award, Kristina created Butterfly My Garden, a website that helps the public identify which plants support butterfly species as host and food plants. Unlike existing resources that focus on butterflies rather than plants, her website allows users to type in a plant name and see a list of butterflies that rely on it, including both common and scientific names. To raise awareness, Kristina designed flyers and visited plant nurseries, libraries, parks, and schools to share her website. She also launched a Facebook page and YouTube channel to provide educational content on butterfly conservation, native and non-native plants, host versus food plants, and butterfly life cycles. As a hands-on application, Kristina planted a butterfly garden at her grandparents’ farm using her website as a guide. Through research, technology, and community outreach, Kristina created a practical, accessible resource that empowers people to support butterfly conservation in their gardens, patios, and local communities. ALLEE SKINNER At Camp Tuckaho, a GSEM camp property, water drainage from the Adventure Center created a muddy, impassable area that prevented Girl Scouts from accessing the nature walk. To solve this and earn the Gold Award, Allee led a project to design and build a 16-foot bridge across the ditch, restoring access to the nature trail for Girl Scouts of all abilities. She worked with her team to develop a bridge blueprint, calculating the dimensions of each plank and determining the volume of materials needed. Once construction was complete, the bridge not only allowed safe passage to the nature walk but also created a new space for troop bridging ceremonies. To spread awareness, Allee designed and shared a poster through the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Marvelous Mentor Facebook group, encouraging troops to use and celebrate the bridge. Her project ensures that all Girl Scouts can fully experience the natural Missouri wildlife trail at Camp Tuckaho.

District 8, Juliette MICDS 12 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

District 6, Troop 2900 Lindbergh High School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

ALYSSA TILLMAN Recognizing a critical gap in student preparedness, Alyssa conducted a survey at her school that revealed more than 35 percent of students have allergies, yet over 61 percent reported they would not know how to respond if a peer experienced anaphylaxis. To address this urgent need, Gold Award Girl Scout Alyssa organized and led an educational event designed to equip her peers with practical, life-saving skills. Through hands-on demonstrations and step-by-step instruction, students learned how to recognize the full range of anaphylaxis symptoms, respond quickly in an emergency, and safely administer epinephrine using an EpiPen. The program emphasized that quick action can save lives and helped build confidence in students to step in during critical situations. In addition to emergency response training, the project also addressed a broader educational gap. Through presentations and informational materials, Alyssa introduced her peers to a wide range of healthcare professions, including emergency medical technicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, medical laboratory scientists, and public health professionals. By expanding awareness of these roles, the project encouraged students to explore diverse pathways into healthcare careers that directly impact patient safety and community well-being. Alyssa's school will continue to host the educational event each year. GRETEL ULMER Gretel identified a challenge faced by many young patients who are unable to attend school while undergoing treatment. Extended hospital stays can leave children feeling isolated and disconnected from classmates and everyday milestones, especially during back-to-school season. She wanted to help children feel included while also providing opportunities to learn, create, and have fun during a difficult time. To address the issue and earn the Gold Award, Gretel partnered with Mercy Hospital St. Louis to provide 10 backpacks filled with engaging school supplies and activities. Each backpack included items designed to support reading, math, art, science, and other important life skills, while also bringing joy and encouragement to young patients. Gretel gathered donations of backpacks and supplies by organizing support throughout her neighborhood and community. She placed a collection basket on her front porch and invited neighbors, friends, and family members to contribute to the project. To create a lasting impact, Gretel also worked with the Mercy Health Foundation to discuss how the project could continue in the future. Because hospital guidelines did not allow direct interaction with patients, Gretel collaborated with nurses to explain how the backpacks and materials could best be used with children in their care.

District 9, Troop 992 The Whitfield School 13 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout Graduating Girl Scout

District 1, Juliette Columbia High School 10 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 10-Year Girl Scout