Since 1916, thousands of Girl Scouts across the country have earned the organization’s highest honor, now called the Girl Scout Gold Award, for demonstrating extraordinary leadership and making sustainable change in their communities. Nationally, only 6 percent of all eligible Girl Scouts achieve the Gold Award.
“The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive,” said Lynne Fugate, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of Southern Appalachians (GSCSA). “These young women have worked hard to develop the leadership skills required to earn this prestigious recognition, and their dedication has made a positive difference in our community. We are proud of their achievements and grateful for their commitment to making our world a better place.”
Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians has announced its 2023 Gold Award recipients, and 14 of the 28 recipients are from Knoxville, each addressing community issues.
Savannah Wilde, Sadie Pastor, and Ridhima Singh addressed the ongoing issues for students within the educational field to earn their awards.
Savannah Wilde founded a Speech and Debate Club where she taught middle schoolers public speaking skills and formal debate practices. During her club’s first semester, more than a dozen students joined and regularly attended meetings. Wilde’s club continues to meet regularly, and students participate in regional competitions with other schools.
Sadie Pastor created educational resources for middle school students about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage them to pursue studies in STEM fields. Pastor gave presentations on her research, led fun STEM activities for diverse groups of students and created a website where educators can access her presentations and educational resources.
Ridhima Singh developed a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum that promotes hands-on learning opportunities for underserved students across Knoxville. Partnering with Thrive, she taught 30 students at its five centers during the 2022 fall semester using her curriculum, which Thrive continues to implement across its sites.
At a minimum requirement of 80 hours, most girls spend between one and two years on Gold Award projects. She has strong professional skills that set her apart in the college admissions process and make her an outstanding candidate for academic scholarships and other financial awards.
The Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians has approximately 10,000 girl and adult members in 46 counties from southwest Virginia, through eastern Tennessee, and northern Georgia. Membership is open to all girls from kindergarten through their senior year in high school.
To join, volunteer, reconnect or donate, visit Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians or call 800-474-1912.
All of us have a story and I want to tell yours! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com