Our readers may remember our Hero Kid, Ella Kate Vinson. This amazing young woman is still earning recognition.
Elizabeth “Ella Kate” Vinson has earned a $5,000 Gold Award Scholarship from Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to support her post-secondary pursuits. Only one Gold Award Girl Scout per council may receive the scholarship, awarded to those whose project demonstrates extraordinary leadership; measurable, sustainable impact; and addresses an issue of national and/or global significance.
“We congratulate Ella Kate for this well-earned recognition and know this scholarship will be a great benefit to her and her family as she enters college,” said Lynne Fugate, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA). “She is the epitome of what it looks like to be a Girl Scout, and I can’t wait to see how she continues to make a positive impact.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate exceptional leadership by tackling important community issues. Earned by just 6% of Girl Scouts nationwide, the award requires planning and executing a sustainable, high-impact project. Through this intensive process, young women work hard and empower themselves while creating lasting change for others.
Vinson’s Gold Award project created the first annual Pond Gap Clothing Closet and Wellness Fair. Through an investment of 90 hours, she partnered with local schools, the United Way and other community members to provide the closet and host healthcare providers to share information about available services to more than 160 attendees. Vinson’s written guide will help others recreate the event annually.
“Earning my Gold Award taught me that meaningful change starts with simply seeing a need and taking the initiative to do something about it,” said Gold Award Girl Scout Ella Kate Vinson. “Organizing a free community clothing event for families at a local elementary school showed me the power of service, collaboration, and leadership, and it strengthened my desire to continue making a difference wherever I am. Girl Scouts has shaped the kind of leader I hope to become – someone who listens, serves, and works to make a meaningful impact in my community and beyond.”
If your girl is ready for fun adventures and to start creating the world she wants to see, she’s ready to be a Girl Scout today. Visit girlscoutcsa.org or text “JOIN” to 59618 to learn more.
Gretchen Crawley is chief communications officer for Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians.
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