2026 Reflections Program

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