Malverne Girl Scouts Awarded Highest Honor

Girl Scouts of Nassau County recognized Elizabeth Stackowitz, a senior at Sacred Heart Academy, Ariana Ward and Natalie Iannone, both juniors at Valley Stream North High School, who earned the highest and most prestigious award within the Girl Scout Movement.

In order to be eligible for a Gold Award, a Girl Scout must have completed two Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador Journeys or have already received the Silver Award and completed one additional Journey. The Gold Award also requires the completion of 80-hours or more of an individual leadership Take Action project that makes a sustainable and measurable impact on an important issue, or need in the community, and that serves to educate and inspire others in the community.

“It is such an accomplishment to be a recipient of the Gold Award,” said Donna Ceravolo Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Less than 5 percent of Girl Scouts throughout the nation earn this award nationally.” The Gold Award recognizes the Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts for excellence and leadership and must be completed during or before her senior year in high school.  For most girls receiving the Gold Award, it is the pinnacle of achievement and recognition.

Elizabeth’s Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action Project, Food Allergy Awareness, was designed to address the is­sues and potential dangers that people face with life-threatening al­lergies. Elizabeth educated children on how to respect others and create a safe atmo­sphere for people with allergies.

Ariana’s Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action Project, Operation BeYOUtiful, was created to give back to the community by encouraging young girls to live healthier lives. She brought her project to girls aged nine to twelve in her community as well as the children at Art Feeds in Joplin, Missouri. Ariana addressed the importance of proper exercise habits, healthy eating and self-con­fidence.

Natalie’s Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action Project, Pee Wee Paganinis, stemmed from her love of the violin. The program was designed to help younger children gain a better understanding and appreciation of music. Participants were elementary school children who play the violin; they improved their musical ability by learning new pieces of music.