Congratulations to our 2011 Girl Scout Gold Award Recipients!
Carlee Bane
Troop #278
Hononegah High School
Daughter of George and Violet Bane
Years in Girl Scouts: 13
Troop Leaders: Violet Bane and Dawn Brick
Gold Award Project: The Fun Zone
Carlee organized, planned, and implemented a day camp for children at the Rockford Rescue Mission. She made 40 tote bags, stuffed them with child-friendly items, and made fleece journals to give to the mothers of the children. She also constructed a giant chalkboard and easel that she donated to the Rockford Rescue Mission, so other children could continue to enjoy her project.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project, because I love working with kids, and the Rockford Rescue Mission is a great place to help kids who truly appreciate it. To me, Girl Scouts means developing in character, becoming a leader, and lifetime friendships. Girl Scouts has taught me the foundations of living a morally fulfilling life. It has taught me selflessness and that I have lots of people supporting me.
Colleen Bransley
Troop #835
Prairie Ridge High School
Daughter of Bill and Ann Bransley
Years in Girl Scouts: 13
Troop Leader: Heather Reich
Gold Award Project: Health Awareness Fair
Colleen coordinated an all-day community fair centered on important health issues. She partnered with healthcare professionals to educate fair attendees on blood pressure and other ways to increase well being.
In Her Own Words:
I have always loved learning about health. I wanted to combine this with helping the community, so this is why I chose to do a health fair.
Girl Scouts is a way for girls to grow and discover themselves. It’s a way to improve their skills of leadership and service. Girl Scouts has allowed me to find new and creative ways to help my community. It has given me confidence. It has allowed me to grow into the person I am today!
Danielle Browne
Troop #1
St. Charles North High School
Daughter of Tim and Annette Browne; Jeff and Deana Wagner
Years in Girl Scouts: 13
Troop Leader: Janet Herreras
Gold Award Project: Restoration: Durant Garden
Danielle’s project focused on restoring the historic garden at the Durant House. The garden had been closed to the public for the past three years due to an invasion of deer, Japanese beetles, and poisons from a nearby walnut tree. Danielle carefully planned out the restoration of the garden and recruited community members to make those plans a reality! The lot was cleared, and the fence was fixed!
In Her Own Words:
The Durant Museum is a place for generations to come together to learn about self-sufficient living and how our community has advanced over many generations. The garden is a representation of Illinois history that was slowly being forgotten. I wouldn’t let that happen!
To me, Girl Scouts means hope for today, hope for tomorrow, and hope for the future. I am proud to be a part of this women’s movement for independence. Girl Scouts is a way of life that can’t be forgotten and cannot be put to the side for a rainy day. Being a member has shaped a part of me and has given me a worldly perspective that cannot be achieved through schools or neighborhoods.
Sarah Elizabeth Clayton
Troop #835
Prairie Ridge High School
Daughter of Cindy and Jeff Clayton
Years in Girl Scouts: 12
Troop Leader: Heather Reich
Gold Award Project: Health Awareness Fair
Sarah’s project was actually four projects in one! The health awareness fair included a food drive, blood drive, career fair, and health screening and information booths. There were six girls organizing the fair with each girl taking charge of something different. Sarah coordinated the blood drive aspect of the fair. It was a huge success with 40 donations of blood!
In Her Own Words:
I and my group wanted to give back to our community in the best way possible. Giving people information, career ideas, and asking them to give blood and food back to their community was a great way of helping in many ways!
To me, Girl Scouts means leadership! I love being a leader and love challenging myself with numerous activities that show I’m responsible and can take on anything! Girl Scouts has shown me that no matter how small or large my activity is it still has a great impact on my community, myself, and others around me.
Kristen Field
Troop #5053
Fulton High School
Daughter of Mike and Saundra Field
Years in Girl Scouts: 11
Troop Leader: Saundra Field
Gold Award Project: Sheltering the Future
Kristen traveled 13 hours to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota to the town of Parmelee. She remodeled the town’s Boys & Girls Club by installing a sheet rock ceiling and three new walls. The renovations required Kristen to do extensive sanding and painting work. She also organized a ceiling tile project with kids from the reservation and displayed their finished tiles in the club.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project, because I saw a great need that affected a community I cared about.
Girl Scouts has been a growing process for me, from just a simple Brownie into a member in society that’s productive, well-rounded, and helping to make the world a better place. Girl Scouts has not only taught me valuable traits like responsibility, leadership, and respect—it’s also improved my public speaking and made me a better person overall.
Haley A. Fischer
Troop #1578
Genoa-Kingston High School
Daughter of John and Taunya Fischer
Years in Girl Scouts: 8
Troop Leaders: Vicky Beckmann, Taunya Fischer, and Dawn Rylko
Gold Award Project: Genoa Days Parade Food Drive
Haley organized the annual food drive at the Genoa Days Parade. The project’s main goals were to give the Genoa Food Pantry a boost in supplies for the summer and to help with the language barrier and organization problems during the pantry’s food drive distribution days.
Haley recruited volunteers to push grocery carts around the crowd during the parade collecting food donations while other volunteers collected cash donations from parade viewers. By the end of the parade, volunteers collected two pick-up truck loads of food and $300 in cash donations. To solve the other food pantry concerns, Haley color-coded food shelves at the pantry, so different food sections were easily identifiable to all food pantry visitors.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project, because I wanted to make an impact on my community. I wanted to focus on people who needed our help in our community. If we focus on making our communities a better more comfortable place to live, the world will become a better place.
To me, Girl Scouts means life lessons, growing together and making a difference. I have learned so many lessons through my years of Girl Scouting, many of which will help with my future in the working world. Through Girl Scouts, I grew with a great group of girls I know I can always count on being there for me. I have always wanted to make a difference in this world, and through Girl Scouts I was able to do just that. Girl Scouting has been a great outlet for me to just drop the things that were bothering me in my life, and let me focus on one specific thing—helping my community! Girl Scouts has also helped to develop my sense of pride in who I am and what I have accomplished!
Taylor Foderaro
Juliette
Barrington High School
Daughter of Kerry and Marni Foderaro
Years in Girl Scouts: 11
Troop Leaders: Marni Foderaro, Marianne Jagmin, and Cindy Seibt
Gold Award Project:Warm Fuzzies for Our Furry Friends
Taylor made and donated small fleece blankets for the animals at the On Angels’ Wings animal shelter. She wanted the project to be sustainable, so she also taught the assistant manager and other volunteers how to make the blankets. In addition, she created a poster with directions for making the blankets, so other people looking for community service projects could make blankets for the shelter.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project, because I am very passionate about animals, especially cats!
To me, Girl Scouts means helping people, friendship, leadership, teamwork and the best cookies in the world! Girl Scouts has helped me understand the world better. I learned many skills, including leadership skills.
Elizabeth Gorski
Troop #263
Elgin High School
Daughter of Robert and Terry Gorski
Years in Girl Scouts: 12
Troop Leader: Donna Little
Gold Award Project: On-Paws Dog Walk-a-Thon
Elizabeth organized a dog walk-a-thon at the James ‘Pate’ Philips Nature Center in Bartlett. Participants brought both their dogs and a donation to be distributed to local organizations, including Anderson Animal Shelter and Hanover Township Food Pantry. Attendees walked their dogs on a 2-mile course and then participated in fun contests and games.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this as my project, because Bartlett is such a dog-oriented community, yet still there is so much need at local shelters and organizations. I needed to raise community awareness!
To me, Girl Scouts is all about leadership, friendship, and a chance to express yourself, no matter who you are. Girl Scouts has provided countless opportunities for me to express myself in any way I wanted and helped me figure out who I am and who I want to be.
Chelsea Grabow
Troop #3361
Harlem High School
Daughter of Scott and Lisa Grabow
Years in Girl Scouts: 13
Troop Leader: Louise Glon
Gold Award Project: Free Clothing Closet
Chelsea formed a Free Clothing Closet in conjunction with the mobile food pantry her church, Grace Lutheran, hosts every four to six weeks. She collected clothing donations from her neighbors, family, friends, and church community. For seven months, the Free Clothing Closet helped families who could not otherwise afford new clothing. Families were allowed to take as much clothing as they needed.
In Her Own Words:
I felt like this was a big need in my community due to the economy. Everyone feels more confident when they get new clothes. Hopefully, by getting new clothes, the families will benefit by feeling better about themselves, and it will help them get new jobs.
To me, Girl Scouts is a family. Anywhere you go, you can find Girl Scouts, and you instantly have something in common, something you can talk about, and you both the know the feeling of always having someone there to talk to. My troop is more than just a group of girls. To me, it is a family. Girl Scouts has pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to try new things. It has also made me more outgoing and willing to talk to new people!
Kacey Keegan
Troop #187
Huntley High School
Daughter of Kevin and Peggy Keegan
Years in Girl Scouts: 12
Troop Leaders: Peggy Keegan and Jill Koepke
Gold Award Project: Sheltered Village Carnival
Kacey planned a carnival for the residents of Sheltered Village, a home for adults with mental disabilities. She organized food for the event and coordinated fun games for over 85 participants. She also collected enough prizes so that everyone would receive a goody bag to take home!
In Her Own Words:
I had worked previously with the residents of Sheltered Village, so I knew how truly excited and grateful they would be to have an afternoon filled with games and prizes.
Girl Scouts is about reaching out to others. Through volunteering and service projects, we do what we can to improve our communities. Girl Scouts has given me experience with volunteering. I have helped out in so many different organizations in my community! Girl Scouts is a life long journey.
Diana Lewis
Troop #263
South Elgin High School
Daughter of Elizabeth and Richard Lewis
Years in Girl Scouts: 11
Troop Leaders: Donna Little and Janet McCain
Gold Award Project: On-Paws Dog Walk-a-Thon
Diana helped plan a 2 mile dog walk at James ‘Pate’ Philips Park that included donations for a local shelter and food pantry. Booths were set up at the event, so local dog-related businesses could educate and interact with the public. More than 100 donations were collected at the event! Participants played games, received prizes, and had fun with their canine friends.
In Her Own Words:
I am considering veterinary medicine as a career choice. I wanted to do something that might give me some background on dogs while helping them out.
Girl Scouts means more to me than selling cookies. It means commitment, originality, responsibility, and fun—all while being educational and supporting the community. Girl Scouts has allowed me to make many new friends and discover new skills. It has been encouraging and boosted my confidence. Girl Scouts has given me the building blocks to be a role model for my peers and my community.
Beth Ann Morley
Troop #3361
Hononegah High School
Daughter of Mike and Gina Morley
Years in Girl Scouts: 9
Troop Leaders: Louise Glon and Rebecca Glon
Gold Award Project: Girls’ Go Green Day Camp
Beth organized a 3 day camp where she taught girls the importance of “going green” and reusing natural resources. Over 35 girls, ages 6-12, attended the camp. Beth spent time producing youth-friendly learning materials centered on recycling and the environment, planning games and crafts, and engaging guest speakers for the camp.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project in order to spread the “going green” cause to our youth, so they will have a better understanding of recycling and protecting the environment.
I reentered Girl Scouts in my junior year of high school, and I have not regretted it! Through Mariner Ship 361, I have met so many friends while also serving the community. Girl Scouts has broadened my horizons while also helping me to be more comfortable in new situations. Girl Scouts has given me both confidence and patience.
Vanessa Mountain
Troop #676
Dundee Crown High School
Daughter of Kathy and Larry Mountain
Years in Girl Scouts: 13
Troop Leaders: Kris Panzloff and Kathy Mountain
Gold Award Project: Nutritious Recipes
Vanessa’s goal was to raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition. She accomplished this by writing informative cookbooks for the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Food Pantry. The recipes were healthy and helped incorporate government commodities.
In Her Own Words:
I myself had to learn more about proper eating habits through this project!
Girl Scouts means learning to explore the world independently. It has taught me to be strong and to put others before myself. It has also given me a feeling of self confidence.
Christina Nalepa
Troop #835
Prairie Ridge High School
Daughter of Margaret and Stanley Nalepa
Years in Girl Scouts: 10
Troop Leader: Heather Reich
Gold Award Project: Health Awareness Fair
Christina recruited area health professionals to discuss their jobs during a community health awareness fair. She connected with many different providers who educated girls and families on numerous types of health careers, including nursing, dentistry, dermatology, and nutrition.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this as my project, because I am interested in learning about health-related jobs.
To me, Girl Scouts means being a leader for your community—to make it better and to get everyone in the community involved. It has taught me to be more responsible, to go out and help and be a part of my community!
Jordan Otto
Troop #4719
Geneva Community High School
Daughter of Kevin and Amy Otto
Years in Girl Scouts: 11
Troop Leader: Deb Matthiesen
Gold Award Project: Head Start Hallway Transformation
Jordan’s project addressed the issue of a language barrier at a local Head Start center. She translated an existing mural into Spanish and painted a new mural in the same heavily traveled hallway. Completing the murals brightened the hallway and offered inspiring phrases in both English and Spanish.
In Her Own Words:
I selected this project, because I believed it would be meaningful to the community and to me. The Head Start building used to be a Christian day care center I attended when I was very young. The building itself means a lot to me and holds many fond memories.
Being a Girl Scout means that I am part of an organization that encourages girls to become involved in community service, assume leadership positions, and celebrate beneficial character traits. Girl Scouts has given me many opportunities to enhance my leadership skills and give back to the community.
Carrie Quinn
Troop #187
Huntley High School
Daughter of Jill Koepke and Gerald Quinn
Years in Girl Scouts: 13
Troop Leaders: Peggy Keegan and Jill Koepke
Gold Award Project: Photo Mural at Sheltered Village
For her project, Carrie worked with adults with special needs at Sheltered Village. She created a photo mural that included a picture of every resident at the home. She also hosted a bingo party that included the unveiling of the mural.
In Her Own Words:
I had previously worked with the residents of Sheltered Village. They were very appreciative and brought so much joy to me.
Girl Scouts means giving back to my community and being a world citizen. Girl Scouts has broadened my view of the world and made me appreciate the little things in life.
Abby Reich
Troop #835
Prairie Ridge High School
Daughter of Allen and Heather Reich
Years in Girl Scouts: 13
Troop Leader: Heather Reich
Gold Award Project: Health Awareness Fair
Abby partnered with other girls to coordinate a health awareness fair. Her portion of the project included organizing the professional health career presentations. She worked with a number of different professionals in health career fields to produce five minute presentations about each career.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project, because I wanted to bring about awareness of the different career paths that are not as well known.
Girl Scouts means devoting my time to helping others and my community. Being a Girl Scouts has taught me to be more responsible and hard working.
Ashley Salazar
Troop #5405
Freeport Senior High School
Daughter of Raymond and Tamara Salazar
Years in Girl Scouts: 12
Troop Leaders: Tamara Salazar and Karen Wilhelms
Gold Award Project: Sewing for a Cause
For her Gold Award project, Ashley sewed pillows for a local cancer center. She collected donations of fabric and other materials. Then, she carefully cut and sewed the pillows together, leaving an opening for stuffing. She recruited other volunteers to help hand sew the pillows closed. The pillows will be given to cancer patients who undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project, because I like to sew and wanted to make a difference in the lives of people who have cancer. My mom’s two really good friends and a lady from our church all have breast cancer.
Girl Scouts is a group that I can belong to with kids my own age. We can learn about important life skills, as well as make a difference in our community. Girl Scouts has helped me to become a more confident person and a better leader.
Connor Savage
Troop #835
Crystal Lake South High School
Daughter of Mary Paolella and John Savage
Years in Girl Scouts: 13
Troop Leader: Heather Reich
Gold Award Project: Health Awareness Fair
Connor worked with a partner to organize a food drive and a blood drive during a community health awareness fair. The girls hosted a food drive for five weeks prior to the fair and also collected items at the fair. Over 700 non-perishable food items were donated, along $110 to be given to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. At the fair, the girls were able to recruit donors who generously gave 40 units of life-saving blood!
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project to help people in need in my community and to make people more aware of local issues.
To me, Girl Scouts means being a role model and a leader in my community and always doing what is right. Girl Scouts has been a great way for me to meet new people and try new things.
Kelsey Smith
Troop #5047
Dakota Senior High School
Troop Leaders: Barbara Lutz
Gold Award Project: Art on the Web
Kelsey noticed the art projects her classmates spent time and energy creating were not being viewed by many people. Kelsey decided she wanted these unique works of art to be viewed by a larger audience. Working with her art teacher, she designed a website specifically for students to showcase their own art projects.
Nikki Smith
Troop #327
Kaneland High School
Daughter of Warren and Carol Smith
Years in Girl Scouts: 13
Troop Leader: Carol Smith
Gold Award Project: Creatively Caring for Kids
Nikki worked with the Kane County Judicial Center to paint 2 murals and add a bookshelf to the waiting room of the Abuse/Neglect/Adoption Courtroom. She also collected art supplies, coloring books, and sewed drawstring bags for 50 art kits that were distributed to foster children through Lutheran Social Services.
In Her Own Words:
I love art and wanted to work with children. Through my project, I wanted to ease the transition of kids going through the court and/or foster system and give them the healthy distraction of art.
Girl Scouts is a gateway for girls into a life where they can thoughtfully and efficiently influence the world around them. Through Girl Scouts, I was exposed to many issues, cultures and relationships I never would have experienced without it. Girl Scouts gave me the skills to succeed in high school—time management, creative thinking and self confidence. It also taught me to be a leader when I led girls at day camp or during earning my Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
Bianca Stodden
Troop #656
Lake Zurich High School
Daughter of Bridget and Mike Stodden
Years in Girl Scouts: 12
Troop Leaders: Suzy Marshalla and Bridget Stodden
Gold Award Project: Kids Cooking for the Community
For her project, Bianca decided to incorporate both her love of cooking and spending time with children. She held three cooking workshops where area kids and teens helped prepare 42 pans of food. After the workshops, Bianca baked the prepared dishes and donated them to the Emmaus House, an organization that offers free dinners every Sunday to local families who are struggling financially.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project because it included both my love of cooking and a specific need in my community.
To me, Girl Scouts means forming a bond with other girls who you work with to better yourself and your community. Girl Scouts has taught me many important life lessons, such as responsibility, organization and leadership. It has also taught me to work closely with others and helped me create lifelong friendships with the other girls in my troop.
Heather Stolz
Troop #835
Crystal Lake South High School
Daughter of Todd Stolz and Cathy Davey
Years in Girl Scouts: 11
Troop Leader: Heather Reich
Gold Award Project: Health Awareness Fair
Heather worked with her troop on producing a health awareness fair. She organized a group of volunteers to donate their time and give free health screenings to the community. These volunteers also provided resources and materials participants could take home from the fair that would help them make better health decisions in the future.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this as my project, because I know one of the most important things is your health! I also know that I want to make my career in health, so I thought it would help me figure out if that is what I really want to do. I also wanted to do something that wouldn’t cost a lot of money to anyone, and this project was inexpensive.
To me, Girl Scouts means helping others, which is one of the most important things in life. It is also a way for young women to grow and prepare themselves for the future. When I was younger, Girl Scout gave me friends I could never replace and opportunities to do really fun things like riding a horse for the first time. As I got older, it helped educate me and prepared me for the future. It also made me a better leader in my community.
Marissa Suchyta
Juliette
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Daughter of Roger and Patricia Suchyta
Years in Girl Scouts: 8
Gold Award Project: Buckets of Optimism
Marissa’s project goals were to offer support to teenage girls undergoing treatment for cancer as well as raising awareness of the importance of cancer research in her community. She sewed over 100 bucket organizers for teenage oncology patients and coordinated a donation campaign within her neighborhood and school requesting items to fill the buckets. The filled buckets were then donated to community children’s hospitals, including Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital and Children’s Memorial Hospital.
In addition, Marissa began the first chapter of the American Cancer Society’s organization High Schools Against Cancer at her high school. Through the organization, Marissa led 20 sophomores in raising cancer awareness throughout the school and in local communities.
In Her Own Words:
I decided to benefit teenage girls with my Gold Award project, because I felt that this was a cancer patient demographic not supported by any existing charity organization. I hoped to offer comfort and support to teens my age who are undergoing an unimaginably difficult treatment process.
Girl Scouts has instilled in me strong skills in leadership as well as a wonderful confidence in my capabilities. The organization is so meaningful to me, because it encourages young women to succeed while encouraging community action. Girl Scouts has promoted the strength and capabilities of women which is such an important value that has shaped who I am and want to be.
Ashley Wellman-Morris
Dixon High School
Daughter of Timothy and Diane Stiens
Years in Girl Scouts: 11
Gold Award Project: Butterfly House
Ashley constructed a butterfly house for a local arboretum. She pieced together a metal frame and added meshing. She collected caterpillars that were placed in the house. The caterpillars turned into monarch butterflies and reproduced all summer long. Ashley learned how to take care of the butterflies by preparing a fresh fruit diet food and a sugar/water mixture.
In Her Own Words:
I chose this project, because our community did not have anything like this. Our community really appreciates our local arboretum and how it has brought learning and a place for children and adults to go and learn about plants, flowers and trees.
Girl Scouts had been an important part of my life growing up from a young girl to an adult. I have learned to give back to my community which has made me a more responsible adult and part of my community.
Morgan Marie Wierema
Troop #5024
Fulton High School
Daughter of Mark and Anastasia Wierema
Years in Girl Scouts: 10
Troop Leaders: Penny Casey and Maxine Wayne
Gold Award Project: Remembering Our Troops and Flags
Morgan collected food, personal hygiene items, games, and clothes from her community and packaged the items up to be sent to troops serving overseas. She also helped Post 402 American Legion by hosting a flag retiring ceremony. She organized the ceremony with assistance from Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in Fulton, Illinois, along with a Marine who was home on leave.
In Her Own Words:
I have many family members who are veterans and have taught me what it is like to be away. I would want to think if I could just help one soldier to get through this tough time away from family that I can help a lot of them. Also, there are many people who don’t know that you can retire a flag, not just throw it away.
Girl Scouts means being able to reach new goals and having someone back you up in what you believe. I have had a chance to learn many things, travel many places, and met new girls from all over. I would like to see every girl have some type of experience in the Girl Scout world.
Chelsey Wilde
Troop #5411
Black Hawk High School
Daughter of Brian and Marsha Wilde
Years in Girl Scouts: 8
Troop Leader: Debi Meng
Gold Award Project: Gratiot Park Restoration
Chelsey’s project was restoring some of the benches and bleachers at the Gratiot Ballpark. The benches needed to be restored, since they were not sturdy. Chelsey made new benches for the ball park and painted them in the school colors of black and red.
In Her Own Words:
I chose to restore things at Gratiot Park and softball field, because it is a place that needed restoration and also a place that means a lot to me.
Girl Scouts means leadership, responsibility, meeting new people and amazing opportunities. Girl Scouts has made me realize that helping others is important.
