2026 Reflections Program

NORA VANDELOECHT Nora identified that many students at Marceline High School lacked appropriate attire for interviews, presentations, competitions, and school activities due to poverty and limited access to affordable clothing options in rural areas. Understanding that clothing can directly impact confidence, opportunity, and self-perception, Nora set out to create a sustainable solution. To address this need and earn the Gold Award, Nora established a free professional clothing closet at Marceline High School, providing students with ongoing access to professional and dress clothing at no cost. With the support of her project team, she installed clothing racks, organized and inventoried donated items, and developed systems to ensure the closet’s long-term success. Nora promoted the initiative through presentations at a faculty meeting, Orpha Circle, San Sousi Sorority, and FCCLA conferences at the regional, state, and national levels. These outreach efforts resulted in the donation of 347 clothing items, significantly expanding resources available to students. To further ensure sustainability, Nora developed a digital inventory system using an online spreadsheet to track donations and usage, allowing Marceline High School to manage the clothing closet well into the future. ADELAIDE WHITE Recognizing that Emmanuel Preschool’s existing play areas were outdated or non-existent, Adelaide identified a critical gap in opportunities for pretend play, sensory exploration, and social interaction. Many children experienced boredom due to limited play options, while teachers faced challenges with broken and insufficient shelving that restricted access to toys, games, and educational materials. To address these needs, Adelaide’s Gold Award project introduced new, durable shelving units designed to improve classroom organization and accessibility. Based on direct feedback from teachers, she installed both fixed shelving for year-round materials and flexible shelving to accommodate rotating toys. These updates provided teachers with greater flexibility and created a more engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environment. Understanding the importance of sensory and imaginative play in early childhood development, Adelaide also added an outdoor play kitchen, encouraging hands-on learning, pretend play, and peer interaction. In addition, she created an outdoor classroom, allowing children to learn in a natural setting that promotes curiosity, calmness, and deeper engagement.

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

District 6, Troop 407 Webster Groves High School 13 years in Girl Scouts

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