The Gold Award is the highest award a girl can earn in Girl Scouting. It’s a national standard that acknowledges a girl’s accomplishments, leadership, commitment, creativity, and personal effort to make the world a better place. Each Gold Award is a significant achievement in a girl’s life and an extension and compilation of all she has learned through her Girl Scout experience.

Our seventh highlighted Gold Award features Cadence Oerlemans and her project “Permanent Drumline Practice Grid.” Drawing from her passion for music and dedication to her school’s music program she introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the practice experience for aspiring musicians. Cadence describes her project as the creation of a 50-foot by 80-foot grid adorned with meticulously painted lines, crafted to mirror the dimensions of the drumline practice area utilized during the indoor competitive season. This grid serves as a foundational tool for the enhancement of musical skills, providing students with a structured and immersive practice environment. Recognizing the importance of guidance and support in maximizing the potential of this resource, she has gone above and beyond by crafting an instruction manual and guide. This comprehensive resource not only explains the mechanics of utilizing the practice grid but also offers valuable insights into strategies for using this tool effectively. The impact of Cadence’s project extends beyond the confines of the practice area. By empowering her peers with a tangible asset and equipping them with the knowledge to make the most of it, she has made a lasting impression on the Buena High School Music Department. Her project not only fosters technical proficiency but also cultivates a culture of excellence and innovation within the music program.

Cadence says, “I learned how much of an impact one person can really have on a group of people. Not only was I able to make a difference in my peer’s extracurricular activities, but I was also able to see how it will help and encourage future generations to take initiative. I saw how strong passion can be and I learned how important communication and patience are when working on a project of this scale.”

For our eighth Gold Award project feature, Caitlin Bayaca’s project “Painting a Positive School Culture” aims to foster a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere at Mintie White Elementary School. Caitlin’s vision was to harness the power of art as a tool for social and emotional growth. Guiding the students with enthusiasm, she led them in painting a magnificent mural portraying their school mascot. This collaborative endeavor not only adorned the walls but also instilled a sense of pride and unity within the student body, fostering a culture of belonging and positivity. Adding another dimension to her project, Caitlin brought to life a sensory path within the school premises. Designed to engage students in a playful yet purposeful manner, the path became a catalyst for positive social interaction. Through interactive elements and vibrant designs, Caitlin encouraged students to navigate the path, fostering friendships and enhancing emotional well-being along the way. By integrating art into everyday school life, she not only beautified the environment but also laid the groundwork for a more empathetic and inclusive community. In the tapestry of Mintie White Elementary School’s history, Caitlin Bayaca’s Gold Award project shines brightly as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all of the extraordinary potential within each brushstroke and every act of kindness.

Caitlin reflects on her project and explains, “I grew as a leader as I organized and coordinated with school staff, I gained valuable experience working with youth, and I learned to persevere and be flexible when obstacles arose. Above all, this project helped open my eyes to the power of public art, and the possibilities of using my creativity and passion to connect with my own community.”

Our ninth highlighted Gold Award features Caitlyn Taylor and her project “Food Waste, It’s Not in Good Taste.” Caitlyn took her passion for sustainability and education to create an impact in her community by targeting the root of the issue – educating young minds. Her project focused on developing a comprehensive food waste curriculum tailored for individuals and classrooms, with a target audience ranging from 5th to 8th grade. The curriculum aimed not only to raise awareness but also to provide practical solutions to combat food waste at its source. The curriculum Caitlyn crafted wasn’t just a set of guidelines – it was a roadmap to understanding the impact of food waste and implementing sustainable practices in everyday life. From learning about the journey of food from farm to table to exploring innovative ways to reduce waste in the kitchen, Caitlyn’s curriculum was both engaging and enlightening. She then took it a step further by actively teaching her curriculum to various students, spreading knowledge like seeds in fertile soil. Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, Caitlyn inspired others to rethink their relationship with food and embrace responsible consumption habits. Through education and action, she has sown the seeds of change in her community, nurturing a future where food waste is not just a problem but a distant memory.

Caitlyn says, “Dreams can be accomplished with a little time and lots of dedication and passion.” She is currently attending Whitman College and will soon be traveling throughout the western United States to study the environment and make memories to last a lifetime.

For more information about the Gold Award and how Girl Scouts are creating positive change within their communities, visit here.