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 tenth highlighted Gold Award features Clara Ainsworth and her project ” Trash Can Beautification.” This past summer, Clara Ainsworth embarked on a remarkable journey that not only brightened the hallways of Lompoc High School but also brought a community together through the power of art. For her Gold Award project, Clara, along with a dedicated team of high school volunteers, transformed over 60 indoor and outdoor trash cans into vibrant works of art. The result was a stunning array of California native wildflowers adorning the school’s trash cans accompanied by their scientific names to introduce a more engaging way for students to learn more about their local flora, with a special tribute to the Chumash Brave on the outdoor receptacle. This project was more than just aesthetic changes; it was a meaningful initiative designed to address several challenges faced by teens. During the summer, many young people struggle with finding productive ways to spend their time, forming new friendships, and finding healthy outlets for self-expression. Clara’s project provided a solution to these issues, offering a creative and collaborative environment where teens could come together, bond over a shared goal, and express themselves artistically. As the new school year commenced, the impact of the project became evident. Teachers and students alike were greeted with the colorful and educational trash cans, adding a touch of beauty and curiosity to their daily routines. The painted trash cans not only serve as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship but also highlight the rich biodiversity of California’s native plants. Clara Ainsworth’s project is a shining example of how art can be used as a tool for community building, education, and personal growth. Through her leadership and creativity, Clara has left a lasting legacy at Lompoc High School, inspiring others to see the potential in everyday objects and the power of coming together to create something beautiful.

Clara says, “If you know what you want to do and pursue it with a confident attitude, the rest will flock to you— people, opportunities and results. You only have to be brave enough to try, because everyone else is too scared of failing.”

For our eleventh Gold Award project feature, Delaney Drew’s project “A Safe Space For Friends” aims to create a safe haven for children during challenging times. By completely remodeling a children’s playroom at a local women’s shelter, Delaney has transformed a simple space into a sanctuary of comfort and creativity. Delaney’s vision for the playroom was to provide a secure and caring environment where children could find solace and joy despite the difficulties they might be facing. Her redesign incorporated several thoughtful features, each aimed at fostering a sense of peace and positivity. A quiet corner for reading offered a retreat for those in need of a calm space, while coloring sheets adorned with positive affirmations encouraged self-expression and uplifted spirits. Additionally, a chalkboard provided a canvas for imagination and play. One of the standout elements of Delaney’s project was the collection of coloring sheets she meticulously selected. Featuring positive words and phrases, these pages were more than just activities—they were tools for building confidence and spreading positivity. Delaney even installed a clothesline where children could proudly display their completed artworks, adding a personal touch that tied the room together beautifully. Delaney Drew’s dedication and hard work have left a lasting impact, providing a bright spot in the lives of many children. Her project exemplifies the spirit of the Gold Award, showcasing the power of thoughtful, compassionate action to make a meaningful difference in the community.

Delaney reflects on her project and explains, “I think the most valuable lesson I was taught in the Gold Award process is teamwork. There were times where this project felt challenging and I wasn’t sure how to overcome it. However, I had such an incredible team of people who were able to offer me solutions and encouragement and I am grateful to have had their support. I am so thankful I had such an optimistic team to help me along my way. My fellow Girl Scouts were nothing short of encouraging and I will forever appreciate them for that.”

Our twelfth highlighted Gold Award features Jolina Le and her project “Building Cultural Community: Asian American & Pacific Islander Student Association.” Her project stands as a remarkable testament to her commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting cultural awareness within her high school. As the founder of her high school’s Asian American & Pacific Islander Student Association (AAPISA), Jolina spearheaded initiatives that not only advocated for racial educational equity but also provided a supportive community for AAPI students. One of AAPISA’s most notable achievements was hosting its first-annual Lunar New Year Festival in 2022. This vibrant celebration was the result of weeks of dedicated preparation. Club members crafted handmade paper lanterns, a magnificent 7-foot-long dragon puppet, and unique custom-designed stickers. The festival was a rich tapestry of cultural presentations from club members representing China, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Attendees were invited to immerse themselves in the traditions, games, candies, and languages of these diverse nations. Additionally, the event served as a platform for civic engagement, with students participating in a congressional letter-writing campaign in support of the Lunar New Year Day Act. In observance of AAPI Heritage Month, Jolina and AAPISA launched the “History Through the Halls” initiative. This project involved researching and designing 20 autobiographical posters that highlighted historic API figures. The posters showcased a diverse array of individuals across ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability, appealing to a wide range of student interests. The figures included activists, scientists, politicians, movie stars, journalists, Olympians, and more. This comprehensive booklet of materials has been digitized, ensuring that future generations can build upon this foundational work. Through these initiatives, AAPISA has successfully cultivated a sense of agency and belonging among AAPI students. Jolina Le’s visionary leadership has left an enduring legacy, with AAPISA continuing to thrive and inspire cultural pride and civic participation within the school community.

Jolina tells us about her future plans and says, “I am currently at Pomona College, where I am so excited to be learning about international racial advocacy and community care with my amazing peers at the Racial Justice Coalition, Asian American Mentorship Program, and Vietnamese Student Association. I am also making time to explore new interests like ballroom dance and the harp! I look forward to pursuing a degree in Asian American Studies and Politics.”

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