2026 Reflections Program

SASHA BLACKSHEAR

SOPHIA BOREN Motivated by the challenges she saw in her community—scarce access to fresh produce, time and financial barriers to preparing healthy meals, and the overwhelming presence of fast-food options—Sasha identified that the root of the problem stemmed from a lack of education and opportunity. Many families simply didn’t have the time, resources, or knowledge needed to incorporate nutritious choices into daily life. To earn the Gold Award and create long-term change, Sasha launched a comprehensive garden education initiative at Peabody Elementary School, transforming an unused outdoor space into a vibrant learning garden. She not only constructed garden beds and created a sustainable space for growing produce, but also ensured the project would have a lasting impact through education. Sasha produced an instructional video for current and future students covering the basics of gardening, including the importance of homegrown vegetables, understanding planting zones, and how to plant, harvest, and prepare fresh produce. The culmination of her project took place in August 2025, during “Garden Day,” an interactive event she hosted for students and staff. Sophia addressed the lack of knowledge about golf opportunities for young players—especially girls—and the low number of female golfers in her community by organizing a hands-on golf workshop for elementary and middle school girls. The event was led in partnership with local golf coach Emma Corbet, her two colleagues, and Sophia’s high school golf coach, Jason Harshman. Sophia opened the workshop by speaking about the need for more female golfers and the valuable opportunities the sport provides. Coach Harshman followed by discussing the small size of girls’ golf teams at local high schools, encouraging participants to consider golf as a long-term pursuit. Participants then rotated through skill-based stations led by the coaching team: chipping on a synthetic turf course, putting on a flat green surface, and taking longer virtual shots indoors using drivers and irons. Each coach provided instruction and encouragement while Jason circulated among stations offering additional tips. Through her Gold Award project, Sophia introduced girls to the game of golf while building their confidence and awareness of how sports can empower them both on and off the course.

District 3, Troop 869 Gateway STEM High School 13 years in Girl Scouts

Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 13-Year Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout

District 14, Juliette Fort Zumwalt North High School 12 years in Girl Scouts Milestones Bronze Award Girl Scout Silver Award Girl Scout 2025 Graduate Girl Scout