Gold Award Ceremony

Elizabeth’s Gold Award project addressed the lack of education and access to menstrual hygiene products for young girls in her community. Partnering with Langley Health Services, she distributed pouches filled with essential menstrual products and educational pamphlets at their Back to School Bash. With support from the Citrus County Quilters, she created 80 handmade bags and reached more than 100 individuals. Elizabeth also led informational sessions for local Girl Scout troops and teen girls, educating them on the importance of menstrual health and how to obtain hygiene products with limited funds.

She further raised awareness of her project by sharing her message on social media platforms like TikTok and by being featured in the Citrus County Chronicle. Despite challenges, including supply shortages, Elizabeth adapted and ensured her project’s success. Her initiative will continue with Langley Health Services sustaining the effort and the Quilters pledging to donate bags for future distribution.

Elizabth graduated from Crystal River High School in 2025.

Katie’s Gold Award project promoted inclusion and understanding for students in Exceptional Student Education (ESE), which in Florida includes both students with disabilities and gifted students. Inspired by the unique personalities and talents of the ESE students at her school, Katie created monthly events such as Opportunity Unity Day and the Love Unites Dance to celebrate their individuality and encourage meaningful connections. She worked closely with teachers, her team and the students themselves—volunteering daily and gathering feedback to ensure their voices were reflected in every monthly activity.

To share her message, Katie spoke directly with students from various classrooms, collaborated with staff and promoted her project through local news outlets and school district websites. As her project gained visibility, more students joined the cause, helping grow the Opportunity Unity team and expanding its reach. Katie is currently building a website to continue spreading the message of inclusion.

Katie graduated from Weeki Wachee High School in 2025.

Ava’s Gold Award project addressed the harmful effects of single-use plastics on the ocean and marine life. After living in Hawaii for nearly three years, Ava was inspired by the state’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and wanted to bring that mindset to the mainland. She created a website and Facebook page to share her research on how plastic pollution damages coral reefs, endangers marine animals and impacts human life. Her platforms provided practical tips and resources to help individuals reduce their plastic usage in everyday life.

To expand her impact, Ava hosted educational tables at community events where she talked with attendees about plastic pollution, shared a QR code linking to her website and collected survey responses gathering feedback on what participants learned. Her project was featured by local organizations, including The Osprey Observer, Life Without Plastic and Patch.com. Ava plans to continue updating her platforms regularly to inspire more people to protect the planet by limiting plastic use.

Ava graduated from Newsome High School in 2024.

Olivia’s Gold Award project addressed the decline in student participation in music programs as they transition from middle to high school. Believing in the academic, social and personal benefits of music education, Olivia created an outreach club at her school to encourage younger students to continue their musical journey into high school. She and her team connected with middle school families, attended band camp and concerts, and shared materials with local music studios to promote the value of high school bands.

Through these efforts, Olivia reached more than 75 people and built early connections that helped incoming freshmen feel welcomed and supported. Her project strengthened the music community and encouraged continued engagement in the arts during high school.

Olivia graduated from H.B. Plant High School in 2025.

Summer’s Gold Award project tackled the lack of composting infrastructure and education in Florida and beyond. She partnered with Southeast AgNET and the Ag Information Network to broadcast messages about the benefits of composting, distributed through more than 100 radio stations across Florida, Georgia, Alabama and California. To further her impact, Summer created a Composting Informational Guide and a Composting Workbook for Brownies and Juniors, helping younger Girl Scouts learn how to compost in a single troop meeting.

In addition to education and outreach, Summer advocated for policy change by writing to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, urging the reclassification of food waste to promote composting initiatives. Summer combined education, advocacy and outreach to inspire environmental responsibility and sustainable farming practices.

Summer graduated from Strawberry Crest High School in 2024.

Alexa’s Gold Award project tackled food insecurity by providing accessible, nutritious and affordable meal solutions for families in need. She created an Instagram account to share easy, budget-friendly recipes, nutrition tips and educational content about healthy eating habits. To expand her reach Alexa posted QR codes in her neighborhood and local libraries, making it easy for community members to access her resources. She also set up a food donation box, collecting non-perishable items to support local food pantries.

Through social media outreach, community engagement and advocacy, Alexa empowered families to make healthier food choices regardless of financial barriers. To ensure the sustainability of her project, Alexa partnered with the Women Helping Other Women club at her school, which will continue promoting food donations and sharing nutrition education.

Alexa will graduate from Steinbrenner High School in 2026.

Sophia’s Gold Award project aimed to bridge the gender gap in male-dominated career fields by encouraging young women to explore opportunities in architecture, construction and engineering. She created the Women in ACE program at her school, which connected students with female professionals through guest speaker presentations. To further her impact, she developed a website with career resources and presentation details, ensuring accessibility for all students.

In addition to in-person sessions, Sophia spread awareness of her program by sending school-wide newsletters and posting informational materials using her school’s Canvas platform. To ensure the longevity of her project, she partnered with her school’s college counseling team, which will continue hosting speaker events and sharing career resources with future students. Through education and mentorship, Sophia’s project helped empower young women to confidently pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Sophia graduated from H.B. Plant High School in 2025.

Emily’s Gold Award project focused on reconnecting students with the origins of their food through hands-on agricultural education. She built two raised garden boxes for the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department at Cypress Creek Elementary, which serves students with disabilities, and created a curriculum to teach them how to grow fruits and vegetables suited for Florida’s climate. Emily partnered with an educator to develop lesson plans and tested them with peers to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

She shared her project through TikTok, which received thousands of views, and provided additional resources to other schools. Her project helped students make connections between food, sustainability and health while encouraging environmentally conscious choices.

Emily graduated from Lennard High School in 2025.

Inaaya’s Gold Award project amplified the voices of women-led nonprofit organizations in Tampa by creating a dedicated Instagram platform, @share4acare. After interviewing nonprofit leaders, she shared their stories, missions and volunteer opportunities to raise awareness and connect them with potential donors and supporters.

Inspired by involvement with her mother in a local giving circle, Inaaya recognized how many impactful organizations go unnoticed due to limited marketing resources. By showcasing these nonprofits through free video storytelling and social media promotion, she helped bridge the gap between their vital work and the community members eager to support them. Her platform has already increased visibility for several local organizations and continues to foster engagement and awareness citywide.

Inaaya graduated from Tampa Preparatory School in 2025.

Mariana’s Gold Award project raised awareness about early detection and support for children with dyslexia. She created an informational website (SignsOfDyslexia.com), hosted a webinar and partnered with The DePaul School for Dyslexia to offer pre-screening events and educational sessions for parents. Mariana also led presentations in libraries, distributed brochures and flyers and used social media to share resources with her community.

Her project helped reduce the stigma surrounding learning differences and equipped families with the tools to seek early intervention. By fostering education and advocacy, Mariana created a lasting impact on how families recognize and respond to dyslexia.

Mariana graduated from Ensign Peak Academy in 2025.

Amelie’s Gold Award project addressed the financial barriers that prevent students from fully participating in music education. She focused on the often-overlooked cost of essential accessories—such as strings, shoulder rests and rosin—which can make it difficult for students in low-income households to continue playing their instruments.

Amelie partnered with the Violin Shop Tampa and The Florida Orchestra to collect and distribute more than 100 donated accessories to students in local outreach programs. She promoted the project through a recital, flyers, social media and an advocacy website, and developed editable templates so schools and music stores can replicate the program in their own communities. Her project ensures more students have what they need to experience the benefits of music education.

Amelie will graduate from Howard W. Blake High School in 2026. 

Many Hillsborough County families live below or near the poverty line, making book ownership increasingly out of reach. Because of this, Brianna’s Gold Award project focused on increasing access to books to improve literacy rates in her community and encourage a love of reading. She organized a book drive at her high school, collecting 195 books, and hosted a free book fair for students in Graham Elementary’s HOST program. Each student took home 5–7 books of their choice, giving them ownership over their reading experience and fostering enthusiasm for literacy.

To raise awareness about the issue, Brianna created an Instagram account and designed flyers featuring local, state and national literacy statistics. The remaining books Brianna collected were donated to the HOST program’s library for long-term student access.

Brianna graduated from Tampa Preparatory School in 2025.

Liv’s Gold Award project addressed the lack of women’s health education available to high school girls in her community. She organized a presentation led by OB/GYNs and healthcare providers, who educated attendees on essential topics including menstruation, contraception, STIs and overall wellness.

To expand her reach, Liv created an Instagram account and shared a recording of the event on YouTube. Pre- and post-presentation surveys showed that average quiz scores increased from 38% to over 92%, demonstrating the significant knowledge gained. Her project provided girls with a safe space to ask questions, access accurate information and feel empowered to care for their health.

Liv graduated from H.B. Plant High School in 2025.

Zaria’s Gold Award project promoted mindfulness and self-awareness among teens by highlighting how intentional actions and color associations can support mental well-being. She partnered with her psychology teacher to deliver a classroom presentation on mindfulness and created a flyer for the local library to educate the public on how color relates to personality and emotion.

To expand her reach, Zaria launched an Instagram account where she shared mindfulness exercises such as coloring, journaling and self-care. She also conducted a community survey to encourage reflection and measure the project’s impact. Her initiative helped normalize conversations around mental health and empowered others to prioritize daily moments of intentional thought and personal growth.

Zaria graduated from Plant City High School in 2024.

Riley’s Gold Award project raised awareness about domestic abuse and provided direct support for survivors through advocacy and action. She partnered with The Spring of Tampa Bay to organize a personal care item drive, collecting essential supplies for survivors in her community. Riley also created an Instagram account that reached over 3,200 followers, where she shared facts, hotline information and The Spring’s Amazon wish list to encourage community support.

To further raise awareness, Riley led presentations at her high school on the signs of emotional and physical abuse, creating space for open conversations and education. Her project empowered survivors to seek help and reminded them they are not alone, while inspiring others to advocate for change and support those affected by domestic violence.

Riley will graduate from H.B. Plant High School in 2026.

Alexa’s Gold Award project raised awareness about the vital role of pollinators and promoted environmental stewardship through education and hands-on community engagement. She partnered with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful to design and build a vibrant pollinator garden, filled with native flowers to support bees, butterflies and other species. Alexa also created a kindness rock garden and refurbished a nearby Little Free Library to encourage community interaction and learning.

To expand her impact, Alexa developed a Linktree page filled with pollinator resources, facts and a presentation she shared with students in elementary, middle and high school classrooms. Despite hurricane damage to the garden, she restored the space and remained committed to ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Alexa graduated from H.B. Plant High School in 2025.

In response to Florida’s record-breaking heat and anticipated water shortages, Isabel’s project helped make Girl Scout Camp Dorothy Thomas more water efficient and educated her community on the importance of water conservation. To tackle her water conservation efforts at Camp Dorothy Thomas, Isabel worked with the camp ranger to enhance water efficiency by installing low-flow shower heads, shower timers and rain barrels. Isabel also created and distributed an informational flyer and hosted educational workshops for Girl Scouts. She reached more than 220 individuals.

To promote her project, Isabel created a website, YouTube channel and Facebook page. She used those platforms to educate the public on ways to conserve water and the importance of water efficiency. Her workshops were recorded and uploaded to her online platforms, furthering her mission to educate the public.

Isabel will graduate from Newsome High School in 2027.

Grace’s Gold Award project raised awareness about dyslexia and other learning disabilities while promoting a love of reading among children. Inspired by close people in her life who were diagnosed with dyslexia, she created bilingual resources in English and Spanish to help parents and teachers recognize the early signs of dyslexia.

Through community book drive events, Grace distributed more than 600 books to local children. Each child selected a book to take home and received a flyer with dyslexia information to share with their family or educator. Her project not only supported early literacy but also helped reduce stigma and encouraged more inclusive reading experiences.

Grace graduated from Trinity Homeschool Academy in 2024.

Maya’s Gold Award project promoted inclusion and connection by helping children build friendships through play. Inspired by her own experiences feeling excluded as a new kid at school, she created a box containing instructions for 52 international and national games that require little to no equipment and are easy for kids to play together during recess or after-school time.

She launched The Buddy Box at High 5, Inc.—a Brandon-based nonprofit that provides after-school care and recreational programming—and created a Facebook page with downloadable resources, a caregiver flyer and a video introducing the box. Maya’s project helped children strengthen social skills, embrace diversity and build a more inclusive community through joyful, collaborative play.

Maya graduated from Newsome High School in 2024.

Nora’s Gold Award project aimed to educate families about the risks and long-term effects of myopia, a vision condition that alters the shape of the eye and can lead to serious health complications. Inspired by her father, a pediatric optometrist, Nora created a website, YouTube channel, and Instagram account designed to make information about myopia easy for parents to understand and share.

Her project reached more than 450 website visitors and 200 video viewers, and was promoted through Facebook groups, a Girl Scout troop presentation, and Vision Expo East 2025. Through these efforts, Nora’s audience gained a better understanding of what myopia is, how it affects vision and what steps can be taken to manage its long-term impact.

Nora graduated from Freedom High School in 2025.

Fatima’s Gold Award project promoted the Girl Scout High Awards. She created and led workshops for Girl Scouts in Juniors and above, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to pursue the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Fatima also hosted High Awards Rallies in two service units to celebrate earners and motivate younger Girl Scouts to begin their own journey.

To expand her reach, Fatima promoted her project at council-wide events, such as STEMapalooza and Girl Scout Fest, using engaging activities to educate families and troop leaders. Her efforts reached more than 700 people and sparked local government conversations with the Hillsborough and Pasco Commissions on the Status of Women to encourage official recognition of High Award recipients.

Fatima will graduate from Pasco High School in 2026.

Maryam’s Gold Award project addressed the lack of accessible health science education for students. She created and led an interactive program that introduced students to core topics such as anatomy, physiology, mental health and basic first aid, while also exploring career paths within the medical field.

To extend the reach of her project, Maryam designed a website to house all educational materials, allowing students to revisit and engage with the content beyond the event. She also partnered with the Science National Honor Society at Pasco High School, where members continue to share and discuss the resources during meetings. Her project helped bridge the educational gap in health literacy and inspired greater interest in medical careers among youth.

Maryam graduated from Pasco High School in 2024.

Hope’s Gold Award project addressed food insecurity by helping families prepare healthy, affordable meals using items commonly found in local food pantries. Inspired by her passion for cooking, Hope created recipe cards grouped on binder rings that featured photos, ingredient lists and QR codes linking to video tutorials. She also developed brochures explaining food insecurity and distributed both print and digital resources.

She shared her materials through school food pantries, libraries and social worker networks, and her project was featured in Feeding Tampa Bay’s newsletter. By combining nutrition education with practical tools, Hope’s project empowered families to cook nutritious, budget-friendly meals with confidence.

Hope graduated from Steinbrenner High School in 2025.

Naisha’s Gold Award project improved early childhood literacy and encouraged a love of reading. She collected more than 1,600 books through multiple community drives and partnered with organizations like BayCare Hospital, Redeeming Love Foster Closet and Books for Africa to distribute them to children in need.

To support caregivers, Naisha created a YouTube channel with five age-appropriate book recommendation videos that received more than 1,000 views in two months. She also designed educational flyers and motivational posters shared in schools, libraries and online. Naisha read to more than 60 students at a local preschool, using engaging storytelling to build early literacy skills and confidence. Her project empowered families with the tools and resources to make reading a joyful, lifelong habit.

Naisha graduated from Land O Lakes High School in 2028.

Samantha’s Gold Award project was inspired by Leah Nash—a dedicated licensing case manager who once supported Samantha’s family during a time of need. In Leah’s memory, Samantha created comfort bags for children removed from unsafe homes, filling each one with items such as stuffed animals, coloring books, bottles and stress toys to ease the trauma of displacement. She partnered with the Zephyrhills Police Department, who now carry the bags in their patrol cars to distribute during child welfare calls.

To raise awareness about the child welfare system, Samantha promoted her project on Facebook and Instagram and developed educational brochures and a PowerPoint presentation with recovery resources for parents and caregivers. Her project reached more than 40 families and continues to provide comfort and support to children and families in crisis.

Samantha graduated from Wesley Chapel High School in 2024.

Madeline’s Gold Award project addressed the lack of outdoor access and rising screen time among children living in rental or multi-family housing. Inspired to promote healthier lifestyles, she partnered with Storrs Hill to build a fire pit at the top of a local hiking trail, creating a new destination for kids and families to hike to, gather and enjoy nature. Her goal was to reduce sedentary habits and encourage more time outdoors by highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of activities like hiking.

To raise awareness, Madeline posted flyers at trailheads, grocery stores, post offices and community boards, and reached out to local apartment complexes to share her project with residents. She also created a research-based guide on the health benefits of hiking, which is available both in print at Storrs Hill and online. Her project provides a lasting community space and continues to inspire others to get outside and unplug from technology.

Madeline will graduate from Countryside High School in 2026.

Gabriella’s Gold Award project addressed the growing challenge of accessing healthy and fresh food by revitalizing an abandoned garden bed at Mease Countryside Hospital. Inspired by her passion for gardening, Gabriella partnered with hospital staff to transform a 10’x20' garden bed into a productive vegetable garden. She planted a variety of organic produce, including kale, mint, tomatoes and bell peppers, which were harvested and used in the hospital cafeteria to provide fresh, nutritious meals.

To raise awareness, Gabriella designed educational flyers with information about the garden’s benefits and included a QR code linking to a survey gathering feedback. Her project was also featured in a BayCare news article and on the organization’s public Facebook page. With the help of hospital volunteers and a coordinated maintenance plan, the garden continues to thrive—serving as a sustainable source of healthy food and a model for community wellness.

Gabriella graduated from East Lake High School in 2024.

Meghan’s Gold Award project addressed the growing threat raptors (also known as birds of prey) face due to human interference—including habitat destruction, pollution and anticoagulant rodenticides, which poison birds through the food chain. To raise awareness, Meghan partnered with the Safety Harbor Owls and Nature group to create an educational comic with resources and QR codes. She distributed the comics and handouts at libraries, nature centers and community events like Market Marie and Raptor Fest.

She also secured a permanent educational display at Brooker Creek Preserve, which continues to educate visitors about the dangers raptors face and the small changes people can make to help. Meghan’s project brought attention to a critical environmental issue and encouraged safer, more humane choices in pest control to protect birds of prey.

Meghan graduated from East Lake High School in 2025.

Gabriella’s Gold Award project addressed the barriers that prevent elementary students in low-income areas from learning to read and play music. Inspired by her passion for music and her mother’s work as a teacher, Gabriella designed “music boxes” to make music education more approachable and accessible for young learners. Each box included a recorder, color-coded skill bands, printed lesson plans and a USB drive with digital materials—tools to support music enrichment.

Gabriella distributed the music boxes to three Pinellas County elementary schools, where teachers used them to support students struggling with music reading and performance. Gabriella’s use of familiar songs and level-based content made the learning process less intimidating, building students’ confidence and interest in music. Teachers reported that students were excited to use the boxes and even talked about them with friends, showing the positive impact the project had on their engagement and learning.

Gabriella graduated from Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School in 2025.

Inspired by her mother’s battle with cancer, Isabella’s Gold Award project focused on supporting those caring for loved ones with cancer. She created a digital handbook with practical advice, led a workshop for younger girl, and introduced a patch program to educate Girl Scouts about cancer and compassion. Isabella also partnered with the Countryside Mease Infusion Center to deliver essential bags to nurses and blankets to patients in treatment.

She spread her message through Instagram, Facebook and community outreach, ultimately reaching more than 200 people and providing much-needed resources to caregivers of all ages.

Isabella graduated from Palm Harbor University High School in 2025.

Amber’s Gold Award project reconnected her community with nature by encouraging education about Florida wildlife. She created more than 100 interactive wildlife flashcards featuring native and invasive Florida species, which she placed along the trail to the amphitheater at Camp Wildwood and donated to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park for broader educational use. Amber also developed brochures for local libraries and collaborated with staff at both locations to integrate the cards into ongoing educational activities.

Her project addressed the growing disconnect between people and nature by helping visitors learn to identify native and invasive species in Florida. Amber’s work fostered environmental awareness through interactive learning and community collaboration.

Amber graduated from South Sumter High School in 2024.

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