Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan is pleased to honor Stephanie with the most prestigious award in the world for girls: the Girl Scout Gold Award. Stephanie is among 13 young women who have made a difference in each of their respective communities through sustainable, community change projects. The time and continuous effort these girls have dedicated towards their projects prove they’re true leaders, innovators, and exceptional examples for all girls to look up to.

The Gold Award is Girl Scout’s highest honor and girls are required to spend at least 80 hours investigating the problem, creating a plan, and implementing it. It is presented to Girl Scouts who address a community issue or problem they’re passionate about. Stephanie chose to address bike safety for her project.

Stephanie provided elementary school students a valuable life skill that they will be able to use the rest of their lives. Noticing several bike accidents in her community, Stephanie decided to address this issue and provide education on the rules of the road, bike fit/maintenance, and helmet fit to local elementary students. She did this by presenting an interactive slideshow to fifth graders at a local school, making a website, and passing out bookmarks with a QR code of the website to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. She worked with a teacher who continues to use the presentation, the website, and educational videos on other students so that they, too, can be educated on bike safety.

“If you persevere through roadblocks that occur, you’ll eventually find success.”