Three Hawaii Island Girl Scouts were among 25 statewide who earned their Gold Award on Saturday, putting them in the top 5 percent of Girl Scouts across the nation.
Three Hawaii Island Girl Scouts were among 25 statewide who earned their Gold Award on Saturday, putting them in the top 5 percent of Girl Scouts across the nation.
The award is the highest achievement a Girl Scout in grades 9-12 can earn.
To earn it, the Scout must complete at least 80 hours in a project that creates measurable and sustainable change for the local, regional or global communities.
Bethany and Caitlyn Anderson of Hilo each were honored for their Gold Award projects, “Preventing Inhumane Treatment of Cats and Dogs” and “Limiting the Impact of Invasive Mammals on Hawaii’s Fragile Ecosystem.”
Bethany Cole of Kurtistown was also acknowledged for her project, “From the Garden to the Table.”
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation sponsored the Gold Award for a second consecutive year with a $5,000 grant.
Joanne Arizumi, senior vice president of First Hawaiian Bank and Girl Scouts of Hawaii board member, acknowledged the girls’ exceptional projects at Saturday’s ceremony.
“The projects show that girls and young women today can accomplish anything they set their mind to,” Arizumi said. “It is truly a privilege to take part in the opportunities that the Girl Scouts provide.”
Lori Lum, public affairs director at Watanabe Ing LLP and chairperson of the Girl Scouts Hawaii board of directors, thanked parents, family and friends for supporting Hawaii’s Girl Scouts.
“The Girl Scout Gold Award provides an extraordinary opportunity for young women to make a powerful difference in the lives of so many people, while developing leadership skills that will help the girls succeed in life,” Lum said. “Today’s Gold Award recipients are a true testament to the positive impact of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.”