2026 Reflections Program

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