2026 Reflections Program

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