2026 Gold Award Girl Scouts

Chloe Allen | Hamilton, OH toggle arrow

Little Library Read-Alongs

Chloe addressed limited access to books and literacy experiences in under-resourced neighborhoods by installing two Little Free Libraries in the neighborhoods of Westbrook and Town & Country. She fundraised to purchase and paint the libraries, installed them, and stocked them with books for local families. Each library included a link to a YouTube channel featuring read-aloud books to extend access beyond physical materials. She also organized three community read-aloud events led by volunteers where children and families participated, encouraging youth leadership and engagement. To ensure sustainability, she partnered with Harts for Hope to continue quarterly events and ongoing video uploads. The project increased access to reading resources, built community connections, and created a lasting model for neighborhood-based literacy support.

Emily Benight | Harrison, OH toggle arrow

STEM Themed Twilight Camp

Emily created and led a STEM-based twilight camp for young girls to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields and improve access to Girl Scout summer opportunities. Working with her service unit, she designed the camp so each day highlighted a different science field through hands-on activities, crafts, and interactive lessons, supported by guest speakers who shared real-world experiences. To remove participation barriers for families with working parents, she scheduled the camp to begin in the evening, allowing girls who could not attend traditional day camps to participate. Through intentional program design and inclusive scheduling, the project increased exposure to STEM careers, encouraged girls’ confidence and interest in science, and provided a camp model for the service unit to offer every summer.

Madilyn Berkey | Beavercreek Township, OH toggle arrow

Be Someone’s Sunshine

Madilyn wanted to improve the well-being of others, so she collected donations to assemble 350 chemotherapy care bags for the James Boyd Cancer Center. To go with the bags, she tie-dyed two hundred port t-shirts donated to the organization “The Gang of Seamstresses” for patients in need of port access when receiving treatment. Madilyn also collected clothing, toys, and hygiene products for a local women’s shelter. Madilyn dedicated her Gold Award project to her grandmother, who passed away from cancer, and who devoted her life to Girl Scouts and spreading joy.

Naomi Blair | Sylvania, OH toggle arrow

Project Outdoors

Naomi’s project addressed the need for increased youth access to outdoor education. She partnered with her local park system to design and implement a weeklong day camp for fifth graders who have limited opportunities to explore nature. Naomi recruited and trained volunteers, then delivered a hands-on curriculum covering environmental stewardship, pollinators, food chains, local watersheds, recycling, and waste management. The camp also emphasized teamwork and helped participants experience the joy of spending time outdoors.

Aubrey Budig | Germantown, OH toggle arrow

Senior Sun-Rise Together

Aubrey wanted to address the challenges high school students face in building and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships. She created an event to bring the class of 2025 together for a morning of fun, connection, and celebration as students participated in games, music and sharing memories before graduation. Aubrey’s event fostered new friendships and strengthened the sense of community with over ninety students participating. Sun-Rise Together also included events during the school year which included Student Training Day and distributing Senior Year Survival Kits.

Tabitha Burk | Toledo, OH toggle arrow

A Step into Space

Tabitha’s project addressed the need for immersive, hands-on learning experiences through simulation. She partnered with the Challenger Learning Center, an organization dedicated to inspiring students in space science and STEM fields. Tabitha combined their mission with her artistic vision to redesign one of the rooms used during simulated spaceflight missions. Tabitha transformed the “airlock” space by creating a large mural and adding structural and scientific design elements that elevate the realism of the experience. She also developed a timeline of human spaceflight mission patches, placing a Girl Scout emblem next to each mission that included a Girl Scout participant. A blank patch at the end of the timeline symbolizes the unwritten future, encouraging students to imagine themselves in future missions and explore the many opportunities within STEM.

Sarah Clark | Dayton, OH toggle arrow

Stop Child Abuse

Sarah wanted to educate parents, caregivers, teachers, and other adults on the signs of child abuse or neglect and where to seek help. She created pamphlets for Dayton Police and Fire Departments so they could provide resources when encountering child abuse or neglect situations. Sarah also presented to Dayton Public Schools and provided the schools with her pamphlet. Her pamphlet will be shared by school officials with students in the Criminal Justice program as well as teachers and parents.

Kayleigh Derbis | Beavercreek, OH toggle arrow

Path of Hope

Kayleigh wanted to remind those who struggle with mental health that they are loved. She created an outdoor walking path with stepping-stones. Each stone is unique and handmade with care. These stones have positive messages on them to help fight depression. Local youth and adults learned about positive affirmations and how to make the stones, then helped create and install the stones. The Path of Hope was installed at Angel Park Pass in Beavercreek.

Kaylyn Elliott | West Mansfield, OH toggle arrow

Stars of the Show Ring

After attending a Junior Fair Board Conference and hearing about diverse opportunities at their fairs, Kaylyn was inspired to build an opportunity in her home county for people with disabilities to show at the fair. Kaylyn partnered with the Logan County Junior Fair Board to organize a livestock show for children and adults with disabilities. Everyone who participated was partnered with a Junior Fair Board member who helped them show their livestock project. Kaylyn led a committee in coordinating the show, recruiting local businesses to sponsor project costs and advertising to the community how they could participate. The Junior Fair Board plans to continue this opportunity at future fairs.

Kaylin Hedrick | Saint Paris, OH toggle arrow

Falcon Nature Club

Kaylin created the Falcon Nature Club to address the lack of opportunities for kids to enjoy the outdoors. The after-school club met twice a month, once with kindergarten to first grade, and once with second to third graders. During meetings, Kaylin read books, created crafts, and led games on topics such as Leave No Trace, animal tracks, trail safety, and fossils. The 50 club members realized the importance of the outdoors through her fun meetings. Kaylin’s Nature Club will be supported in the future by other students and her Girl Scout troop using meeting plans Kaylin created.

Morgan Hoersten | Cloverdale, OH toggle arrow

Community Youth Group Development

Morgan’s project focused on strengthening the organization, participation, and leadership within her local community youth group. Because there were limited youth-focused opportunities in the area, she revitalized and reorganized a space where teens can now gather, collaborate, and grow. She repainted, refurnished, and redecorated the facilities to better suit the group’s needs and create an inviting environment. She also developed a mission statement and constitution for the group and has hosted multiple structured youth group meetings during the year. As a result of this project, youth in her community are now more engaged, connected, and motivated to contribute positively to their surroundings.

Isabel Lutz | Troy, OH toggle arrow

Garden Stand for Lincoln Community Center

Isabel designed and built a potting bench for the Lincoln Community Center. She wanted to help a local non-profit and create a better experience for the children at the center. Isabel and her team built the stand outside in the community garden which allows easier access to pots and tools for the volunteers. Isabel’s stand will be used for flower arranging, washing produce and storage. The bench also provides a space for volunteers to teach children about gardening.

Tia McGowan | Lawrenceburg, IN toggle arrow

Sensory Walk

Tia worked with her local elementary school to design a sensory walk to help students access tools that improved focus and learning in the classroom. She researched sensory walk functions and their effects on the brain, working closely with an occupational therapy professional to design effective activities. She developed a detailed budget and successfully presented the proposal to the PTO, which funded the project materials. To ensure sustainability, she created a digital binder with guidance for ongoing use and maintenance. The project’s impact was measured through teacher surveys, which showed consistent use of the sensory walk and reported improvements in student focus, demonstrating lasting benefits for the school community.

Sophia Meadows | Springfield, OH toggle arrow

Breaking Barriers, Building Changemakers

Sophia recognized a lack of soft professional skills being taught in schools. She was inspired to create a set of workshops and resources designed to teach students those skills which encouraged them to positively represent, and advocate for themselves. She worked with over 70 students in fourth and fifth grade to gain more confidence. She reached over 50 troop leaders and worked with 40 young Girl Scouts. Sophia also reached over 1000 people with video workshops she created. Skill workbooks were also created and left with troop leaders and the school system to continue Sophia’s work.

Nora Meek | Beavercreek, OH toggle arrow

Girls Leading STEM

Nora noticed young girls were losing interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM). She encouraged them to explore STEM activities by creating an event teaching STEM challenges which used critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and collaboration. Nora showed them different areas of STEM that might be new to them. She also invited a panel of women in STEM to answer questions. Nora created ten kits with instructions for fun STEM projects that also included a short biography on an inspiring female and encouraging messages. These kits were delivered to the Family Promise Shelter and the Beavercreek Library.

Isabelle Moreno | Ottoville, OH toggle arrow

Pickleball for All

Isabelle sought to improve physical activity and accessible recreation within her community through her project. Recognizing the growing popularity of pickleball among people of all ages, she worked to bring this inclusive sport to her town. Isabelle collaborated with multiple contractors to design and install the court foundation, painting, fencing, and nets, ensuring a safe and welcoming space for players. She also created informational signage describing the rules of pickleball and the physical and social benefits of the sport. To celebrate the completion of the project and introduce the new court to the community, Isabelle hosted a Grand Opening Pickleball Tournament, offering an opportunity for camaraderie and community connection. This project not only promotes healthy lifestyles but also enhances local inclusivity, and it will be supported and maintained by her local parks department to ensure long-term impact.

Heera Nair | Bellbrook, OH toggle arrow

Bridge Across Program

Heera’s project addressed the challenges faced by families traveling to the U.S. for medical surgeries. Heera recognized that language barriers and unfamiliar settings added more stress to their journey. She worked with “For the Love of Children” (FLOC) to connect families with local cultural organizations to provide community support. Heera created a resource list of culturally relevant restaurants and stores to help families access familiar foods and essentials. She also assembled 100 care packages with water bottles, socks, small toys, and other necessities.

Ashley Nelson | Beavercreek, OH toggle arrow

Awareness for Mental Wellness

Ashley believes mental health is very important, and has seen high school students struggle with stress, which affects schoolwork, extra-curriculars and friendships. She wanted to give elementary children a foundation for better mental health to better help them when they reach high school. Ashley hosted a 3-day mini-camp teaching coping strategies such as positive affirmations, breathing exercises, and yoga. She wanted to break the stigma of talking about our emotions and led discussions about having those conversations with trusted friends and family.

Elise Overstake | Cincinnati, OH toggle arrow

A Helping Hand for Children Impacted by Arthritis

Elise partnered with local leadership of the Arthritis Foundation to create inclusive, meaningful experiences that helped families affected by juvenile arthritis connect and feel supported. She used her artistic skills to design custom coloring pages with positive affirmations and developed hands-on activities that encouraged family interaction. She established and led a family tent at the Walk to Cure Arthritis, offering crafts and creative activities, and managed the children’s activity booth at the Jingle Bell Run. She also served on a panel at a juvenile arthritis family camp, sharing her perspective as a sibling to foster understanding and emotional support. The project strengthened community connections, increased family engagement at events, and created sustainable activities the Foundation can continue using.

Mackenzie Phillips | Perrysburg, OH toggle arrow

Project Crochet NICU Octopi

Mackenzie’s project addressed a need for pre-mature babies in the NICU. Babies in the NICU are often isolated which can cause stress and they also often pull at medical tubing which can cause damage. To address this, Mackenzie created a campaign in the community to teach how to crochet octopi which were then donated to the children's hospital. These octopi are made with special yarn in a certain pattern in which the tentacles mimic the umbilical cord. Babies will hold the tentacles which feel familiar and therefore reduce stress and also provide distraction from pulling on medical wires. Mackenzie taught multiple classes in the community where participants learned about the NICU babies’ needs and they learned to crochet. Mackenzie’s project fulfilled 10% of the current need at the hospital and she has secured a location to provide an on-going education and collection of additional octopi.

Camille Roman | Cincinnati, OH toggle arrow

Bird Collision Mitigation at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Camille partnered with the Cincinnati Zoo and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to reduce bird-window collisions and protect local and migratory bird populations. Advocating for the use of proven bird-safe window film, she facilitated the installation of 1,500 square feet of collision-prevention film at the hospital in a high-risk green space, creating a $36,000 pilot project with a commitment from the hospital for expansion. She also created educational materials, including a video and QR-linked resources, to raise awareness among visitors and staff. To extend the project’s impact, she collaborated with the Cincinnati Zoo on public education efforts and worked with local officials to encourage bird-safe practices in future public buildings, garnering interest from the Cincinnati Art Museum as well, demonstrating the project’s lasting influence.

Kendra Schofield | Bellbrook, OH toggle arrow

Community Flag Education and Restoration

After taking part in many marches with JROTC Flag Detail and as the JROTC Color Guard Officer, Kendra wanted to educate the Bellbrook community on the proper ways to respect and honor the American flag. She taught hundreds how to display the flag, both in a ceremony and on a pole, how to fold the flag, and how to respectfully retire the flag. Kendra implemented a JROTC Club at Bellbrook Middle School to introduce students to JROTC and flag care. To finish her project, Kendra hosted a Flag Retirement ceremony and retired over ninety flags. Her original ceremony script was shared with eighty chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Sabrina Sliger | Vandalia, OH toggle arrow

Onesiphorus Children’s Home Educational Resources

After an inspiring trip to Taiwan, Sabrina, who has studied Chinese for over four years, wanted to help expand educational opportunities for students at the Onesiphorus Children’s Home in Taiwan, which supports under-privileged children. Sabrina created materials to help teach children the Cangjie method, used for typing Chinese characters using an English keyboard. The Cangjie method involves breaking down characters into head and sub-body parts. Sabrina designed magnetic tiles that allowed children to manipulate the characters manually, turning an abstract concept into a hands-on learning tool.

Julianna Sosbe | Holland, OH toggle arrow

Animal Shelter Education and Influence

Through her project Julianna taught children in the community how to help prevent animals from ending up in shelters, what shelters do, and how to support their needs. She hosted two educational events focused on responsible pet ownership, proper pet care, and ways to prevent pets from being surrendered due to irresponsible ownership. Julianna also guided children in creating blankets and toys from recycled materials to donate to local shelters. In addition, she developed books and videos that teach responsible pet ownership and encourage families to support their community animal shelters.

Rachel Steffan | Ottoville, OH toggle arrow

Renovation of the Ottoville Park Bathrooms

Rachel’s project addressed the critical need for an accessible, safe, efficient, and functional bathroom at Ottoville Park. The existing facilities featured outdated toilets, inefficient sinks and soap stations, poor lighting, worn-out stalls, and unsafe flooring, creating hazards in this high-traffic area. Working in collaboration with the park system, Rachel led upgrades that included new plumbing with water-efficient sinks and toilets, non-slip flooring, energy-saving LED lighting to improve visibility and safety, accessible stalls, fresh paint, and improved hand-washing stations. To further support the project’s impact, Rachel created educational posters to inform the community about the bathroom water and energy saving functionality, safety, and accessibility, helping ensure long-term care and awareness of the upgraded facilities.

Emily Stenger | St. Leon, IN toggle arrow

Girl Scout Community Movable Supply Conex

Emily addressed inefficiencies and wasted supplies within her Girl Scout service unit by creating a movable storage system to share supplies across multiple annual events in multiple locations. She designed and implemented a transportable storage conex container that houses supplies in one secure location, eliminating loss, damage, and unnecessary replacement. Working with members of her service unit, she led community fundraisers to support the project, established a storage plan, and created an inventory and sign-out system to track usage. The project reduced waste, saved money, improved accessibility, and promoted responsible resource use. With the container clearly branded and promoting Girl Scouts within the larger community, the system created a sustainable solution that will continue supporting local Girl Scouts for years to come.

Stella Toth | Kettering, OH toggle arrow

Preserving Our Local Habitat

Stella recognized that invasive plants are moved by human actions. She educated her community on native and invasive species by creating a Tree Walk at Gentile Park in Kettering. Six different native trees are marked with a sign and QR code with information on native trees and our ecosystem. To broaden the impact of her project on the local community, Stella also worked with Sunwatch Indian Village in leading volunteers to restore a native prairie by clearing invasive plants and allowing the area to thrive for pollinators.

Eva Winchester | Cincinnati, OH toggle arrow

Recycling Education in My Community

Eva created a recycling education project in partnership with her local library to encourage simple, sustainable habits within the community. She designed an interactive display featuring trash-to-treasure ideas, Family Green Starter Kits, and waste-to-art examples that demonstrated practical ways to reduce waste. Through fundraising and donations, she assembled and distributed one hundred starter kits filled with reusable items and educational materials to help families adopt environmentally friendly practices at home. She also led two workshops, teaching adults how to make eco-friendly cleaners and guiding children in creating no-sew reusable t-shirt bags. Feedback from participants showed an increase in utilizing local recycling solutions and life skills. The library will continue to celebrate a recycling month in August using the resources developed through the project.

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Congratulations to these 2026 Gold Award Girl Scouts for earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting!