-Earn Monetary Reward for Positive Impact on Local CT Communities-
(Hartford, Conn.) – June 18, 2024 – Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) recently recognized 34 exceptional Girl Scouts who earned the organization’s highest achievement at the Annual Girl Scout Gold Awards Ceremony in Hartford. Now, the non-profit organization is pleased to announce that five exceptional awardees received monetary scholarships totaling $10,000 for their positive community-enhancing projects. They are Makena Logan of Avon, Lilyana Drapeau from Rocky Hill, Samara Negrin of Trumbull, and Lillian Westerberg and Clarissa Halpryn, who both reside in Vernon.
“To earn the Gold Award, a Girl Scout identifies an issue affecting her community, drafts a plan to address a root cause, and then leads a team of volunteers to implement it. When the project is complete, Gold Award Girl Scouts and their teams will have made a sustainable impact on their community that continues to last beyond their involvement,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, CEO of GSOFCT. “This alone is a major feat, however, five shining stars have taken their projects to the next level with their leadership and citizenship skills that set them apart.”
Spearman highlights each Girl Scout’s specific contribution and scholarship reward:
· Lilyana Drapeau of Rocky Hill received $1,000 from GSOFCT for planting a Monarch butterfly garden at an inner-city elementary school in Bridgeport, CT to spark interest in STEM issues among low-income minority children.
· Samara Negrin of Trumbull received $1,000 from GSOFCT and an additional $5,000 scholarship from Girl Scouts USA for creating a tidal wave of awareness about human trafficking. Samara has designed her own jewelry line, speaks at various public forums and hosts an annual Walk to End Human Trafficking.
· Lillian Westerberg of Vernon was awarded $1,000 from GSOFCT for improving the health of Long Island Sound through her original presentation, simulation and YouTube video, which resulted in hundreds of positive actions by viewers.
· Clarissa Halpryn from Vernon received $1,000 from the Connecticut Elks Association for launching a writing center at Rockville High School, which provides help and feedback to students on their writing assignments in a stress-free space. Since its inception, students have developed their writing skills, from grammar and punctuation to analysis and reasoning, improved their grades, and had the opportunity to meet and work with their peers.
“Less than six percent of all Girl Scouts earn the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award,” adds Spearman “Above all else, this achievement makes a girl understand what a difference one person can make, and how dreaming big can make positive change in the world.”
To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.gsofct.org.