Gold Award Spotlight: Emma Schlotthauer

Meet Emma Schlotthauer, a 2025 Gold Award Girl Scout from Troop 31023 in Fleming Island, Florida! Through her Gold Award project, Empowerment Tiles: Showing Resilience for Child Victims of Maltreatment, Emma took a bold stand against child maltreatment and found a creative way to support survivors on their healing journey.

Partnering with the University of Florida’s Child Protection Team, Emma developed an art-based therapy project where child abuse survivors were invited to paint ceiling tiles. These tiles not only became lasting visual representations of hope and strength but also gave each child a chance to express their emotions in a safe, supportive environment.

Emma’s pre- and post-survey results showed an increase in positive feelings and a measurable decrease in stress levels among participants—demonstrating the power of creative expression in trauma recovery. By turning blank ceiling tiles into stories of survival, Emma helped foster resilience and remind survivors that their voices matter.

“This project allowed child victims to express their individual stories through art, fostering resilience and positivity in a space designed to support their healing journey,” Emma shared.

With plans to continue collecting data for long-term insight, Emma’s work is already leaving a meaningful and lasting impact. Her project stands as a testament to the courage, compassion, and leadership at the heart of every Gold Award Girl Scout.

Congratulations, Emma! Your leadership, creativity, and compassion are making a lasting impact.

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 Emma’s project, check out her Gold Award interview at the link below!