Local Girl Scouts were recently honored for community projects with Gold and Silver Awards from the organization, two of the highest honors they can receive for community service projects.
Ashley Hicks and Miranda Weatherly, recent San Benito High School graduates and members of Troop 23473, received the top honor of a Gold Award for their projects while SBHS freshman Sara Ponce received a Silver Award.
Ponce planned an emergency preparedness event in October, attended by 30 younger Girl Scouts who earned a patch for the day’s activities. With volunteers from safety agencies, the girls learned about First Aid safety, earthquake safety and more. The participants made a First Aid kit to take home and one for Ponce to give to residents of the Chamberlain’s Children Center.
Ponce visited Chamberlain’s Jan. 18, where some of the children gathered in the Wellness Center to learn about safety. Ponce’s advisor Shari Schmidt led the kids through some traditional Girl Scout songs while they waited for the rest of the group to arrive, when Ponce handed out the First Aid kits and shared what was inside each kit. The kids received bandages, a bandana and other supplies to keep in their rooms.
“It’s been a great experience to have the time with the kids,” Ponce said, of handing out the First Aid kits. “They were really happy to get that and it was great to see the smiles on their faces.”
Schmidt presented the Silver Award to Ponce at Chamberlain’s, where they also shared cake and juice in celebration.
Hicks’ project involved starting and running a week-long cheerleading clinic for girls in fourth through eighth grade that included sessions on self esteem and healthy eating. The clinic was attended by 22 girls and will continue this year at Anzar High School.
Weatherly’s project included starting a running club, “That’s Not Cool,” at San Benito High School to raise awareness of teen dating violence on campus. The club leadership and staff club advisor will continue the club.
Both girls worked with community leaders, local nonprofits, school personnel and volunteers to complete the project, which requires that it be something that will have an ongoing impact on the community.
