2026 Reflections Program

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