Gold Award Spotlight: Carly Hyers

Meet Carly Hyers, a 2025 Gold Award Girl Scout from Troop 978 in Palm Coast, Florida! Through her incredible project, Dance, Fitness, and Fun, Carly tackled the growing issue of physical inactivity among children—and did it in the most joyful way: through dance.

Recognizing that many students lack opportunities for exercise outside of their physical education classes, Carly took action by starting a dance club at a local school. Her club offered a fun, welcoming space where students could stay active while learning dance techniques, warmups, and choreographed routines.

“We met once a week and played dance games, did warmups, and learned dances to perform for the community and the students’ parents,” Carly shared. “Students were able to move their bodies in a fun way where they could learn a new skill.”

To expand her reach, Carly also created YouTube tutorials featuring step-by-step dance instruction and choreography, ensuring even more students had access to her fun and fitness-filled programming. By making exercise exciting and accessible, Carly’s project helps promote lifelong healthy habits for kids in her community.

Her efforts culminated in a live stage performance in front of a cheering crowd in Palm Coast, where her dancers proudly showcased all they had learned throughout the season.

Carly’s Gold Award project is a powerful example of how passion and purpose can come together to make a real difference. Her dedication to encouraging physical wellness through creativity and community is nothing short of inspiring.

Congratulations, Carly, on your amazing achievement and for showing how Girl Scouts lead with heart, talent, and purpose!

To learn more about the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, visit: gsgateway.org/highest-awards

*To dive deeper into Carly’s project, check out her Gold Award interview at the link below!