27 Local Girl Scouts Receive Gold Award for Leading Community Impact Projects
April 23, 2026
(PHOENIX) – Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) honored 27 local Girl Scouts with the Gold Award for leading impactful service projects that address needs in their communities and beyond. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor in Girl Scouting and recognizes girls who create lasting solutions to real-world challenges.
Each Gold Award project starts with a local or global issue identified by the Girl Scout and reflects a one-to-two-year journey of research, planning and collaboration as she develops a sustainable initiative designed to benefit others long after the project is completed.
“The Gold Award challenges Girl Scouts to think big about how they can improve the world around them and bring their vision to life,” said Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “Through the experience of leading long-term projects, girls gain valuable skills and the confidence to stand out in college, careers and their communities.”
The 27 Gold Award projects tackled a wide range of meaningful issues across central and northern Arizona, including environmental stewardship, mental health and wellness, youth safety, cultural understanding, animal welfare, arts access and initiatives supporting schools, hospitals and shelters.
“The Gold Award is often the beginning of a lifetime commitment to service and leadership,” said Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC. “These Girl Scouts showcase diverse passions and perspectives, devoting their time and energy to making a noticeable difference.”
Earning the Gold Award prepares girls to navigate the next chapter of their lives and opens doors to scholarships, networks, academic opportunities and career pathways. This achievement represents a significant milestone for Girl Scouts as they prepare for the future.
The 27 Gold Award recipients and their projects are:
Green Ground
Abby Schroff, Glendale
Girl Scout Abby Schroff noticed that camp lacked a recycling or composting system, and was surprised by how much reusable waste was being thrown away each summer. Inspired by her long-standing interest in composting, Abby created “Green Ground,” a project focused on building a sustainable composting system at Camp Maripai in Prescott. Abby designed and constructed compost bins to collect horse manure and leftover food waste from the lodge, installed educational metal signage explaining how to compost, and encouraged participation through fun compost-themed stickers for younger campers. By the end of summer 2025, the bins were collecting nearly 200 pounds of manure per week, totaling about 1,500 pounds, which is now being reused to fertilize camp fields. A Girl Scout for 13 years, Abby says Girl Scouting shaped her leadership skills and confidence. A graduate of Mountain Ridge High School, she now attends the University of Arizona pursuing engineering.
The Roots of Our Nation: Re-igniting the Girl Scout Journey in Agriculture
Abigail Hurst, Mesa
Growing up around agriculture, Abigail Hurst was surprised by how little many people understood about where their food comes from. In her efforts to reduce food waste and reconnect youth to agriculture, Abigail created a Girl Scout Junior badge program centered on agricultural education. Through multiple “Agriculture Days” hosted at Dobson High School in Mesa in partnership with FFA students, more than 30 Juniors at each event learned firsthand about farming’s role in society. Abigail developed a booklet modeled after official badge pamphlets and designed an approved patch now sold at the council shop, with plans to pursue national recognition. An 11-year Girl Scout, she credits the program with helping her grow as a leader and step outside her comfort zone. Abigail is a graduate of Dobson High School and plans to study law in college. She aspires to become a U.S. senator to create meaningful policy change.
Understanding POTS: A Guide for Everyday Awareness and Support
Alexis Gefroh, Gilbert
Diagnosed with POTS at age 12, Alexis Gefroh experienced firsthand how difficult it was to explain an “invisible illness” to others. Frustrated by the lack of clear, accessible information, she created a simple tri-fold pamphlet explaining POTS symptoms and ways to support someone living with the condition. She translated the resource into Spanish and distributed it through Facebook groups, school nurses across the Chandler Unified School District and local medical offices. She also adapted the material into a blog post for Dysautonomia International. Her outreach generated more than 500 online interactions and led to the distribution of more than 400 printed pamphlets and 48 digital copies. A Girl Scout for 13 years, Alexis credits the organization with strengthening her advocacy skills. A graduate of Higley High School, she now attends the University of Arizona as an honors student majoring in biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology.
Calmly Crocheting
Alyssa Hernandez, Tempe
Recognizing the stress many students experience in high school, Alyssa Hernandez wanted to create a creative outlet that could help her peers relax. Through her project, “Calmly Crocheting,” she founded a crochet club at Marcos De Niza High School in Tempe and taught crochet classes for fellow Girl Scouts, demonstrating how the craft can reduce stress and promote focus.
Students completed surveys before and after club meetings that showed an average three-point drop in stress levels after participating. The club ran for two school years and regularly served eight to 10 students, creating a welcoming environment for creativity and relaxation.
A Girl Scout for 13 years, Alyssa credits her involvement with helping her develop leadership and independence. After graduating from Marcos De Niza High School in Tempe, she began attending Mesa Community College and plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a dual-language focus.
Pages of Hope
Amiya Aggarwal, Scottsdale
A lifelong reader who credits books with shaping her academic and personal growth, Amiya Aggarwal wanted to expand access to literature for underserved communities. Through her Gold Award project, “Pages of Hope,” Amiya organized a large-scale book drive that collected 2,738 books from schools, neighbors and community members. She sorted the donations by age and genre and partnered with low-income schools, domestic violence shelters, food banks and women’s shelters to distribute them. Each book included a personalized bookmark featuring inspirational quotes and links to mental health and community resources. Based on partner data, her donations reached more than 20,000 individuals across several sites. A Girl Scout from kindergarten through 12th grade, Amiya says the program strengthened her commitment to service. A graduate of BASIS Scottsdale, she now attends Rice University, where she is double majoring in mathematical economic analysis and business finance.
Self Defense Go!
Amy Fleming, Scottsdale
Amy worked with women at her taekwondo studio to develop simple, beginner-friendly techniques that girls of any age could practice. She filmed instructional tutorials demonstrating the moves and shared them through her YouTube channel, SelfDefenseGo. Amy also hosted three in-person events where she taught the same techniques to Girl Scout troops and community participants.
The workshops drew positive participation, with girls eager to learn the skills and discuss the importance of self-defense. Her videos have continued reaching viewers online, generating more than 600 views and expanding the project’s impact. A Girl Scout for 12 years, Amy says the organization has been a constant source of friendship and community involvement. A graduate of Chaparral High School, she now attends Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College studying forensic psychology.
Papa’s Extended Wing
Anna Santiago, Phoenix
Anna Santiago wanted to help families better understand the condition and support those undergoing dialysis treatment following the loss of her grandfather to kidney disease. Her Gold Award project, “Papa’s Extended Wing,” was created in his honor and focuses on raising awareness about diabetic kidney disease while providing comfort to patients receiving dialysis care.
Anna developed educational presentations, flyers and an informational website to explain kidney disease in simple, accessible terms. Anna also organized volunteers to assemble care packages for dialysis patients that included essentials such as gloves, tissues, socks, hand sanitizer and healthy snacks. In addition, volunteers and quilting groups helped create and donate more than 50 lap blankets for patients receiving treatment. Community outreach events connected dozens of people with resources and information, and the project’s website has reached more than 500 viewers online. Blankets and care packages are now distributed through the Fresenius Kidney Care Clinic. Anna says 12 years of Girl Scouting has helped shape her leadership and friendships. A graduate of Maricopa Institute of Technology, she now attends Northern Arizona University studying cybersecurity with a minor in Spanish.
Feed, Clothe, House, Heal
Bella Rao, Scottsdale
Volunteering alongside her father at St. Vincent de Paul for years, Bella Rao wanted to create a Gold Award project that would bring hope to people experiencing homelessness. Her project, “Feed, Clothe, House, Heal,” focused on transforming a large wall at the St. Vincent de Paul homeless shelter through a community mural. Bella organized and led a team of more than 35 volunteers to design and paint a 60-foot mural at the shelter. The artwork was created to brighten the space and provide encouragement to the individuals and families who visit the facility each day. The completed mural now greets shelter residents and visitors, providing a visual reminder of support and resilience. Bella says the project helped her develop patience and stronger communication skills while leading a large volunteer team. A Girl Scout for 10 years, Bella credits Girl Scouting for teaching her leadership, empathy and perseverance. A graduate of Horizon High School in Scottsdale, she now attends the University of Arizona’s W.A. Franke Honors College, studying personal and family financial planning and business management while minoring in economics.
Engineering Safety: 3D-Printed Walkie-Talkie Holders for Aquatic Facilities
Bethany Carlson, Chandler
While working as a lifeguard, Bethany Carlson noticed that walkie-talkies were often placed on the ground or stored in inconvenient locations, creating safety concerns and communication challenges during emergencies. Wanting to solve a real-world problem, she created “Engineering Safety,” a project that designs and distributes custom 3D-printed walkie-talkie holders for aquatic facilities. Bethany engineered durable holders designed to attach securely to lifeguard chairs and pool structures, using heat-resistant filament, stainless steel clamps and drainage features suitable for outdoor environments. She has produced more than 50 holders, which are now used at 11 aquatic facilities across the United States. Lifeguards report improved access to radios, better organization and increased communication efficiency while on duty. Bethany also created a website to allow aquatic centers to learn about and purchase the holders, helping the project expand nationally. A Girl Scout for 12 years, Bethany says the program strengthened her leadership and problem-solving skills. A graduate of Hamilton High School in Chandler, she plans to attend Arizona State University to study mechanical engineering.
For Your Future
Ciera Colburn, Gilbert
Ciera Colburn realized many young people feel the same anxiety about navigating life after high school and uncertain about the challenges of adulthood. Her Gold Award project, “For Your Future,” was created to provide an accessible online resource answering common questions about adulthood. For the project, Ciera developed a website featuring 29 articles organized into three key categories: career, education and health. The site offers practical guidance on topics many young adults encounter for the first time, helping readers feel more prepared and confident about their futures. Since launching, the website has reached nearly 200 users, including Girl Scouts and high school students seeking reliable information about life skills and independence. A Girl Scout for 13 years, Ciera says the program helped shape her values and lifelong friendships. A graduate of Highland High School in Gilbert, she now attends Arizona State University and plans to pursue a degree in narrative studies before earning a master’s degree in library science with the goal of becoming a public librarian.
Kids Corner
Courtney Hartle, Gilbert
As a longtime food bank volunteer, Courtney Hartle set out to create a Gold Award project that would improve the services she saw helping families every day. When the food bank itself did not have a need that fit the Gold Award, Courtney met with social workers and a site director at a supported school resource center in her district. They identified a clear gap: families needed a dedicated space where children could play safely while parents received assistance such as food, toiletries and clothing. Courtney launched “Kids Corner” by distributing donation flyers through the Girl Scout community, then organized volunteer teams to clean, sort and set up the new play area. She also assembled 50 goodie bags with stuffed animals for children visiting the center. To extend the impact, Courtney created recipe cards and shared samples to help families use common food bank ingredients and reduce waste. A Girl Scout for 13 years, she graduated from Perry High School and now attends Arizona State University studying mechanical engineering.
Note-Worthy Education
Ella Southworth, Chandler
Music shaped the childhood of Ella Southworth and she wanted more children to have access to the same opportunities, regardless of resources at home or school. Her Gold Award project, “Note-Worthy Education,” created a free, accessible music education website featuring classroom videos, a student-made instrument gallery, virtual instruments and a music theory activity available to anyone with an internet connection. Ella also assembled shaker-instrument kits and delivered them to a local library to support hands-on learning beyond the screen. The results were positive as children who used the website showed an 80% increase in understanding of music theory and its application after exploring the resources. Ella says the project reinforced how important equity is in education and how access can change outcomes. A Girl Scout for 12 years, she credits the program with building empathy and lasting friendships. A graduate of Basha High School, Ella now attends California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo studying mechanical engineering. She plans to pursue a mechatronics concentration and hopes to work on electric public transit.
Musical Enrichment Through Assisted Living Facilities
Elsie Chase, Mesa
Elsie Chase has long loved playing instruments, especially the violin, and found out while progressing in her orchestra classes how intimidating it can feel as a musician to perform in unfamiliar settings. She also recognized that assisted living and memory care facilities often have limited activity options. Elsie combined these needs to create a Gold Award project that brought student musicians into assisted living spaces while helping performers build confidence. She contacted activity directors, coordinated dates and coached students on preparation, then organized performances that typically lasted about an hour. Each event began with student introductions, followed by live music and time afterward for conversations with residents. The impact reached both audiences with students gaining confidence performing in public spaces and residents enjoying live music and interaction. A Girl Scout for 12 years, Elsie says the program helped her build confidence and try new ideas. A graduate of Desert Ridge High School in Mesa, she now attends Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus studying applied biological sciences with a focus in natural resource ecology.
The Sensory Garden
Emma Smith, Phoenix
Emma Smith noticed that students with intellectual disabilities were often separated from peers and had fewer opportunities for hands-on learning at Camelback High School. She created “The Sensory Garden” to provide a therapeutic space that supports cognitive growth, fine motor development and meaningful connection across campus. Emma designed the garden and organized two monthly activities with volunteers, including painting rocks, creating stained-glass decorations, designing stepping stones and painting birdhouses. She also developed more than 20 sensory experiences, including 12 mini sensory boxes, sand shakers, a mini dig site, a zen garden and a garden-themed hallway with textured walls. Over the course of the year, the garden improved students’ moods and social skills while strengthening relationships between the program and the wider school community. Staff and peers also engaged with the space, contributing ideas and spending time with students. A Girl Scout for nine years, Emma says Girl Scouts provided the supportive community she relied on growing up. A graduate of Camelback High School, she now attends Paradise Valley Community College majoring in communications and plans to transfer to complete her degree.
Signage for the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
Hayden McCauley, Phoenix
Visitors to the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary often have questions about where to go and what they are seeing during tours. To improve the experience for guests while supporting the sanctuary’s conservation work, Hayden McCauley created new signage as her Gold Award project. Working with a volunteer team, Hayden designed, produced and installed durable metal enclosure signs that provide educational information about the
reptiles at the sanctuary, along with wooden directional signs to help visitors easily locate key areas such as exits and restrooms. The additions help staff spend less time answering logistical questions and more time focusing on animal care and conservation education. Sanctuary staff noted that the signs have made tours clearer and more informative for visitors. Hayden learned how to manage a large effort from planning to installation while leading her Gold Award project. She has been a Girl Scout for 13 years. After graduating from Sunrise Mountain High School, Hayden plans to attend Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College to major in music therapy.
Pixie Patch Garden
Kara Bush, Tempe
Kara Bush had seen how stress from academics and family pressure affected her peers and believed a welcoming garden could support students’ emotional and psychological well-being by providing a calming outdoor space where students could step away, breathe and reset. For her Gold Award project, “Pixie Patch Garden,” Kara planned and installed four large garden beds at her high school, working with administrators and staff on the design and coordinating volunteers for painting and construction. She improved the space with shade coverings to make it usable during the day, added a walkable pathway, built a storage cabinet and refreshed seating by painting benches, tables and chairs. Kara also organized art-based activities in two classrooms to give students additional ways to relieve stress. The garden continues to grow as a lasting resource, with a science teacher integrating it into the curriculum. A Girl Scout for about 10 years, Kara now attends Arizona State University studying biology with plans to pursue veterinary medicine.
The Next Act: An Educational Workshop for Professional Theater Development
Katie Burkes, Kingman
Katie Burkes has a lifelong passion for theater and wanted to make the performing arts more accessible to young people in her community. Through her Gold Award project, “The Next Act: An Educational Workshop for Professional Theater Development,” Katie addressed the high costs of participating in school and community productions, from costumes to set donations, which can prevent students from getting involved. She organized a two-day workshop where youth worked with experienced community theater performers and technicians to learn acting, choreography, musical theater and improv skills. The program finished with a showcase performance for friends and family, giving participants the opportunity to share what they learned on stage. The workshop introduced 15 young people to theater training, and five participants later joined the local community theater, where they continue to volunteer and perform in productions. Katie has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and says her involvement helped her find confidence and a sense of belonging. A graduate of Lee Williams High School in Kingman, she now attends California State University, Fullerton, pursuing degrees in theatre arts and communications with a minor in French.
Courage to Fly
Laney Thompson, Scottsdale
Laney Thompson knows how difficult it can be for teens to recognize the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. After experiencing an abusive relationship in high school and learning about the signs through a teacher, she realized many students might be facing similar situations without knowing where to turn for help. This realization inspired her Gold Award project, “Courage to Fly,” which focuses on raising awareness about teen dating violence. Laney organized outreach during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, setting up informational tables during lunch and distributing brochures that explained different types of abuse and resources for support. She also hosted a workshop for teachers on how to recognize warning signs and support students who may be experiencing relationship abuse. Educators who attended the session placed awareness posters throughout the school, helping keep the message visible for students year-round. Seeing classmates wear the awareness wristbands she distributed showed Laney how powerful one conversation can be in starting change. A Girl Scout for 13 years, she credits the program with helping her grow into a confident leader. A graduate of Horizon High School, Laney now attends Grand Canyon University studying forensic psychology and behavioral health sciences.
LEGO Lap Tables
Lilly McAnerney, Glendale
While spending time in a hospital herself, Lilly McAnerney noticed that some of the activities available to pediatric patients were difficult to use from a hospital bed. She focused on one familiar favorite, LEGOs, and designed a solution that would make building more accessible for kids who cannot easily sit up or move around. Lilly created LEGO lap tables made of acrylic with foldable legs for easy storage for her Gold Award project. Each table includes LEGO borders on three sides and two LEGO plates in the center, creating space for loose pieces and a stable area for building. Lilly donated the tables to the pediatric unit of a local hospital, supporting children’s mental health by providing an engaging activity they can use in bed. Nurses confirmed the impact through questionnaires and shared positive feedback about how well the tables worked for patients. Lilly says working on her Gold Award project strengthened her appreciation for community service and teamwork. Lilly is a Girl Scout of 13 years and graduated from Ironwood High School. She now attends Northern Arizona University studying communication sciences and disorders, with plans to become a speech-language pathologist.
Eagle’s Nest Library
Natalia Franco, Goodyear
An avid reader, Natalia Franco was frustrated that her school did not have a true library students could access throughout the day. Classroom collections were limited, could not be checked out and often required students to wait until work was finished. Natalia knew these barriers impacted younger students and peers who wanted to read more regularly, so she created “Eagle’s Nest Library” to make books consistently available to the entire K-12 campus. Natalia established a permanent library space with a working checkout system so students could borrow books without relying on teachers or parents to visit public libraries. She built grade-specific systems, including sign-out sheets for primary and middle school students and a QR code checkout form for high school students. The middle school averaged about 20 signed-out books per week, with high school averaging about 15. The collection also included SAT and ACT prep books. A Girl Scout for 12 years, Natalia graduated from BASIS Goodyear and plans to attend a university for nuclear engineering.
Sensory Sanctuary
Savannah Luckie, Phoenix
Savannah Luckie created “Sensory Sanctuary” to reduce stress and sensory overload for students in the Next S.T.E.P. program, a fifth year of high school that supports disabled students as they build skills for adulthood. Savannah wanted to offer a calming space where students could go when they felt overwhelmed and was inspired by her own experiences with anxiety. She developed a dedicated sensory area stocked with items such as fidgets, coloring books and other tools designed to help students regulate emotions and refocus. Savannah received information that students were actively using the Sensory Sanctuary and benefiting from the space. She tackled challenges by securing donated replacement lights and continued building the space as intended. Savannah funded the project through two rummage sales and community donations of supplies. Savannah is a Girl Scout of 12 years, and graduated from Thunderbird High School in Phoenix. She is now attending Arizona State University majoring in special education.
Fur Real Safety: A Guide to Babysitting with Pets
Simone Zurawski, Phoenix
A babysitting job that took an unexpected turn sparked Simone Zurawski’s Gold Award project. When she was attacked by a family’s dog while babysitting, Simone realized that many young caregivers are taught how to care for children but receive little guidance about handling pets in the home. Simone created “Fur Real Safety: Babysitting Safety in Homes with Pets,” to help fill that gap – a practical guide designed for preteen and teen babysitters. The resource outlines common warning signs of stress or aggression in animals, questions babysitters should ask parents before a job and steps to take if a pet-related emergency occurs. Simone worked with an animal behaviorist, parents and other babysitters to ensure the information was both accurate and useful in real situations for her project. The guide is now shared online through Safe Sitter®, a national babysitting certification program, allowing babysitters across the country to access the resource. A Girl Scout since Daisy level, Simone says the organization has helped her develop the confidence to turn a difficult experience into a project that can improve safety for others. Simone graduated from Arizona State University Prep in Phoenix and now attends Chapman University in Orange, California.
Confidence, Strength, and Empowerment through Taekwondo
Sophia Tew, Goodyear
Throughout her taekwondo training, Sophia Tew noticed that many girls did not stay in the program and that she rarely saw female role models in martial arts. Sophia was determined to change this by creating “Confidence, Strength, and Empowerment through Taekwondo” to encourage girls to try martial arts and build confidence through taekwondo. For her Gold Award project, Sophia planned three two-hour classes where she taught beginner techniques including punches, kicks and nunchuck skills, then guided participants through board breaking, a transformative experience for building confidence. Sophia also produced videos and shared them on her YouTube channel so girls could revisit the lessons as needed. Participants left classes feeling empowered, and Sophia saw their skills and confidence grow each session, welcoming almost 30 girls. Sophia has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and attends Millennium High School in Goodyear. She plans to attend Northern Arizona University to study nursing, with hopes of working in labor and delivery.
Embracing Cultural Differences
Tara Ghafouri, Paradise Valley
Tara Ghafouri wanted to help young children learn empathy and appreciation for differences at an early age after facing hurtful comments about her heritage. Recognizing how quickly children begin noticing differences in one another, Tara created a Gold Award project designed to encourage understanding before negative behaviors start, writing and illustrating a children’s book, "What’s in Your Lunchbox?" which invites young readers to celebrate cultural differences through food, appearance and shared experiences. She published more than 150 copies and placed them in schools, libraries and the Persian Cultural Center, while also donating books to CASA Academy and St. Vincent de Paul. Tara hosted live readings at each location, encouraging children to share their own cultural experiences and perspectives. She also created a YouTube read-aloud and made the book available on Amazon, donating all proceeds to the Arizona Persian Cultural Center. Tara has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and currently attends Phoenix Country Day School, she plans to attend college after graduation.
Learn, Plant, Grow
Tayeba Tashbiba Waliza, Bogura, Bangladesh
Driven by a lifelong love of the outdoors and shaped by growing up in a disaster-prone country affected by flooding and climate extremes, Tayeba Tashbiba Waliza created her Gold Award project to make environmental education hands-on and accessible for young people. Her project, “Learn, Plant, Grow,” brought interactive learning to audiences across Arizona and Bangladesh through workshops, garden building and community partnerships. Tayeba hosted two Native Plants of Arizona workshops at the Parsons Leadership Center that engaged about 140 girls and included planting activities and nature-based art. She also donated five informative plant signs to the center. At Leading Edge Academy, she taught about global landscapes and climate action to about 120 students. Partnering with Garden Social, she helped launch a nonprofit garden, planting more than 70 square feet of beds and producing more than 55 pounds of vegetables donated to Hope Women’s Center. She also led a landscape-focused workshop with the Arizona chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and organized a climate camp for 30 girls in Bogura, Bangladesh. A Girl Scout for a year and a Girl Guide for 10 years, Tayeba completed an exchange year at A+ Charter High School in Maricopa and now attends Police Lines School & College in Bogura, where she is in 11th grade.
Feral Cat Awareness
Taylor MacDonald, Gilbert
Taking in a stray cat opened Girl Scout Taylor MacDonald’s eyes to how many feral and stray cats were living in her community. With encouragement from her counselor, Taylor connected with the Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program and built a Gold Award project centered around raising awareness and support for a solution. Through presentations and flyers, Taylor educated students and adults about what TNR is, what it does and how people can contribute, including teaching how to make a cage cover. She also organized donation-based supply efforts so the program could continue assisting feral cat populations in Gilbert and surrounding areas. When school posting restrictions limited her outreach, Taylor expanded into the broader community, sharing information through local libraries, coffee shops and thrift stores. Taylor says being a part of Girl Scouts for 13 years has given her a second family and helped build her confidence speaking publicly about issues that matter. A graduate of Highland High School in Gilbert, Taylor is now a freshman at Arizona State University, majoring in mechanical engineering through the Fulton Schools of Engineering and Barrett Honors College.
Education on Native Plants in Arizona
Tessa Langbecker, Scottsdale
Tessa Langbecker believes that environmental stewardship starts early and she wanted younger students to better understand Arizona’s native plant ecosystem and why it matters. This inspired the creation of her project to provide hands-on learning and accessible resources. Tessa built a garden for Archways Academy and developed video lessons about each plant, linking the content through a YouTube channel and additional information on a Facebook page. She also taught Girl Scouts directly through nature walks focused on native plant life. This impact reached both in-person participants and online learners with Tessa teaching more than 90 girls at a Parsons camp through her trails and reporting more than 2,000 views on her YouTube channel. Tessa says this project showed her she could take research and turn it into education that reaches far beyond what she expected. Tessa has been a Girl Scout for eight years and credits the program with strengthening her confidence and communication skills through badges and cookie sales. She attends Chaparral High School in Scottsdale and is an Arizona State University finance major.
About Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,500 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 12,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org.
