Seniors Emma Ambarian, Claire Claverie, Maggie Crosslin, Brooklyn Pike, and Grace Wehby worked on individual projects, representing three months of planning plus 80 hours of direct efforts each to bring their solutions to life. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA, only 5.4% of those eligible earn the Gold Award.

Emma was inspired by a close friend and mentor whose church’s hiking trail needed to be fixed due to safety concerns.  “I loved that my project was nature-focused,” she said. “I wanted to help others be able to experience nature in a safe and fun way.” Emma made two benches, multiple trail signs, and a website for hiking safety that is attached to the church’s website. Now, the trail is safe for walking.

Claire created a financial literacy club at St. Cecilia Academy to teach students essential money skills. She provided instruction on budgeting, saving, taxes, building credit, and investing. Additionally, she launched a social media account to facilitate conversations about financial literacy and make the topic more accessible to others.

Shoes for Metro Students was the project Maggie focused on to raise awareness of poverty and its impact on children. She highlighted challenges such as hunger, limited healthcare and education access, and lack of necessities. Her project emphasized how these hardships create long-term disadvantages and affect children’s future opportunities. In addition to earning the Gold Award, Maggie received the Agenia Clark Scholarship for Excellence in Leadership. It is given to Middle Tennessee Gold Award winners who have shown exceptional leadership through their projects.

“I chose my service project because The Branch of Nashville needed improvements to their English Language Learner classroom,” said Brooklyn. She designed and painted a mural on one of the classroom walls. “I was able to integrate some of the student's national flowers from their home countries into the space.” In addition to the mural, Brooklyn provided school supplies and books for their studies.

 

Grace partnered with Preston Taylor Ministries to transform their children’s reading areas. She reorganized books, added comfortable furniture, decorated the rooms, and read with children to encourage literacy. Her project created inviting spaces to foster a love of reading, especially for children with limited access to books at home.

The students agreed that St. Cecilia instilled skills that led to their success. “SCA prepared me to use my leadership abilities and have the confidence to complete my Gold Award,” said Emma. “My project delivered on my love of service that St. Cecilia nourished,” added Brooklyn.