2024 Gold Award Ceremony Recap

On April 21^st, we honored 11 Girl Scouts of Gateway Council in a Gold Award ceremony at FSU Alumni Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Girl Scouts and their families gathered to honor the remarkable achievements in a momentous occasion filled with pride, excitement, and a whole lot of Girl Scout spirit!

As attendees stepped inside, they were greeted by our excited staff, fellow Gold Award recipients, a Girl Scout Shop pop-up offering exclusive goodies, and a custom Photo Booth for selfie opportunities. Every corner was buzzing with energy and excitement.

The inspiring keynote address was delivered by none other than Whitney Murray Brown, a board member, and former Gateway Alum. With words of wisdom that resonated far beyond the ceremony walls, Whitney emphasized the importance of leadership, service, and the profound impact of the Gold Award on both them and their communities.

And then, it was time for the moment these young women had been waiting for – the grand finale of the ceremony. With pride and joy, Allison Winans, our Chief Membership Officer, awarded each Girl Scout with a certificate of achievement, graduation cords, and their coveted Gold Award pin. Girl Scouts were then pinned with their Gold Award pin by a family member or mentor.

Gold Award is the pinnacle of the Girl Scout leadership experience – a shining beacon of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Each year, fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts earn this prestigious honor, recognizing their exceptional leadership and initiative. And boy, did this year's Gold Award Girl Scouts rise to the occasion! From tackling vital issues like life skills and environmental sustainability to championing disability inclusion and STEM education, their projects exemplify the true spirit of service and community impact.

But of course, they didn't embark on this journey alone. Throughout their Gold Award journeys, these young women received unwavering guidance and support from their families, mentors, and Gaby Fraxedas, one of our Girl Experience Managers who oversees Highest Awards and older girl programs. With her expertise and dedication, each girl was equipped with the tools and mentorship needed to turn their dreams into reality.

And the rewards of the Gold Award? They’re endless! From scholarships and college admission perks to networking opportunities and career advancement, this prestigious honor opens doors to a world of possibilities, shaping these young women into fearless leaders ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.

So, here's to the Girl Scouts Gold Award Ceremony – a celebration of youth leadership, service, and the transformative power of making a difference. As these exceptional young women embark on new adventures and continue to inspire others, they carry with them the values of courage, confidence, and character instilled by Girl Scouts. Congratulations to all the Gold Award recipients – you are truly trailblazers, leading the way to a brighter future for us all!

To learn more about highest awards, visit https://www.gsgateway.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/highest-awards.html