Allison Walker-Elders of Lisbon Falls, left, and Ashley Richards of Sabattus are recipients of the Girl Scouts Gold Award. Marissa Griswold of North Monmouth was absent.

Local girls garner highest Scout award

AUGUSTA – Girl Scouts of Maine hosted the 2008 Silver and Gold Award Ceremony at Jewett Hall Auditorium, University of Maine in Augusta, on June 7.

“This annual award ceremony recognizes a girl’s accomplishments and commitment to excellence as she develops the skills and values required to meet the present and future leadership challenges in her life,” said Joan McDonald, Girl Scouts of Maine CEO.

“The Silver and Gold Awards are national awards with national standards, and Girl Scouts of Maine is honored to present the awards to local Girl Scouts on behalf of Girl Scouts of the USA,” she said.

Local girls who received their Girl Scout Gold Awards are Allison Walker-Elders of Lisbon Falls, Ashley Richards of Litchfield and Marissa Griswold of North Monmouth.

Richards’ project was “More Fun at Montello Heights Inside and Out.” Richards worked to benefit the senior residents of Montello Heights in Lewiston by beautifying the grounds.

She installed park benches along the walking trail, several raised flower planters and assembled a two-sided racing game board. The new surroundings are intended to encourage the residents to socialize more and to increase their memory and fine motor skills.

The focus of Walker-Elders’ project, “A Christmas Carol and Victorian Ballroom Dance,” was to entertain patients and staff at Mercy Hospital. Walker-Elders and some friends formed the drama dance ensemble and visited Mercy Hospital to sing traditional Christmas carols. The performance included Victorian period costumes, mandolin-playing and harmonized singing. The program was so popular, Walker-Elders arranged for organized visits at the hospital on a regular basis.

Griswold’s project, “Kennebec Land Trust Storyboard,” was done for the nonprofit organization that protects Maine land. Griswold raised money and worked to produce a professional storyboard for the land trust to use as a volunteer recruitment tool in public venues and to encourage land donations. She provided photos and copy for the board and worked with professionals to determine the graphic elements and design.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting and focuses on a 14- to 18-year-old Girl Scout’s interests and personal journey through leadership skills, career explorations, self-improvement and service.

The New Girl Scout Leadership Experience helps girls to discover themselves, connect with others and take action to make the world a better place. For information on membership and volunteer opportunities, contact Girl Scouts of Maine at 1-888-922-4763 or visit www.girlscoutsofmaine.org.