Gold Award Girl Scout: Lexi Vaille, Dillon, “Battling the Stigma Against Mental Health”

What did you do for your Gold Award project? 

For my Gold Award, I partnered with Building Hope and started a Hope Squad program at Snowy Peaks High School.

How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience?

I measured the impact my project made by creating a Google form, asking questions about what resources the student knew about before and how they think Hope Squad will be helpful to students in the future.

How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement?

Connor Catron, Summit School District social worker, and Justin Holms, Snowy Peaks teacher, will keep the program running for at least the next four years and hopefully continue after that. Connor and Mr. Holms signed a commitment letter stating that they will help keep the program going. This program will be something that every student can join.

What is your project’s global and/or national connection?

My project’s global link is the lack of awareness on the topic of mental health and how it affects people.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that I am good at public speaking in front of large crowds, over Zoom, and in person.

How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future?

Earning my Gold Award means a lot to me. My dad and older brother both have their Eagle and I wanted to be able to earn my Gold Award. I am the first in my family to earn my Gold Award. In my future, I will be able to inspire younger girls to achieve their Gold Award because it is such a big honor. Creating a mental health program will inspire me to use those resources in my future and to become someone anyone can talk to when I become a teacher.

Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience?

The Gold Award was an important part of my experience because it allowed me to take the lead on a project and do something based on what I am passionate about.

How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?

Earning my Gold Award helped me become a G.I.R.L. because I was a go-getter by not giving up on my goals and pushing through to make sure I got them done. I was able to be an innovator because I got to figure out what program would work best and change it as needed. I was a risk-taker because I had to present to many people I did not know or feel comfortable around, so I took the risk and was able to do it. And, I was a leader because I got to use my leadership skills in starting the program.

**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.