What did you do for your Gold Award project?
I built a memorial to recognize the sacrifices made by women who have served in the military.
How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience?
There was only one monument for women in the military in Colorado, well now there are two! Placing this monument and promoting it through the VFW and Facebook creates awareness for female military members past and present and the issues they face. I have a great passion for this project. I have been volunteering with the VFW for years. I have been active with parades, buddy poppies, and fundraising dinners. I received the youth volunteer of the year award from the VFW. Working closely with veterans, I knew how much this would mean to the women who have sacrificed everything to fight for our freedom. This is my thank you to them!
How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement?
My monument will always be here and will be used in future ceremonies so that more and more people will see it. At the unveiling, many people cried tears of joy and happiness when I pulled the cover off. This display of emotion showed me that my project means the world for the people out there who have served or have relatives or friends who have served. Every time a new visitor views the monument, women who have served in the military gain recognition for their service and the sacrifices they have made.
What is your project’s global and/or national connection?
My project has a huge connection globally and nationally. By promoting the monument using national organizations’ websites and social media, people can connect to my project and the issues facing military women.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I can do anything if I just set my mind to it.
How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future?
Earning the Gold Award looks amazing on a resume, and hopefully will help me when applying for college. I also plan to used my experience to encourage other girls to do bigger and better things to improve their communities.
Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
My Gold Award project was important to my Girl Scout experience because it showed me what a difference I can make. It also marks the end of my time as a girl and the beginning of my time as a young adult. This project made me realize that I can do amazing things if I just put my mind to it and that I can succeed in any challenge I may face in the future.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog represents only a small fraction of the hard work, dedication and requirements that go into earning a Girl Scout Gold Award. It is simply a brief summary, which is meant to inspire Girl Scouts to Go Gold in the future. For more information on earning your Gold Award, please email highestawards@gscolorado.org