2026 Gold Award Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts make our world a better place by taking action to address issues facing their local communities. There are no better examples of this Girl Scout spirit and resiliency than the 36 Girl Scouts from across Colorado who this year earned the distinction of Gold Award Girl Scout, the highest honor in Girl Scouts. Gold Award Girl Scouts are high school girls who address issues they’re passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond.

Liliene Anderson, Littleton 

The Pride & Respect Program 

For her project, Liliene championed inclusion by developing an educational program for Girl Scouts that helps build empathy for the LGBTQ+ community. Through thoughtfully designed activities, discussions, and learning materials, her program introduces the concepts of inclusion, respect, and understanding. By equipping younger Girl Scouts with the tools to embrace diversity and practice kindness, Liliene’s project creates a lasting foundation for a more inclusive world. 

Liliene plans to attend Metropolitan State University of Denver to major in elementary education, with a minor in psychology. She then plans to get a master's degree in either school counseling or social work and would love to pursue a career in teaching.

Teagan Barela, Aurora 

Inspiring Young Musicians Club  

For her project, Teagan founded a music club to connect high school students with younger musicians, sharing the passion for music that has shaped her own life. Her mentorship program provides a supportive space where older students guide, teach, and inspire younger kids, helping them build a love for music. By continuing her own musical journey through high school and encouraging the next generation to do the same, Teagan has created a legacy of mentorship and musicians in her community. 

Teagan is currently a junior in high school and plans to attend college to study biology or environmental science.  

Savannah Barrera, Aurora 

Backpacks of Hope 

Savannah launched Backpacks of Hope to provide essential school supplies to children in underprivileged communities, ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed. While creating this program, Savannah organized supply drives, coordinated volunteers, and created a sustainable system to deliver backpacks where they are needed most. Her efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of students and leaving a lasting impact on her community. 

Savannah currently attends Saint Louis University in Madrid, Spain, where she majors in political science with a minor in international business and Spanish. She hopes to pursue a career in politics or the humanities, where she can continue to make a meaningful impact on society.

Samantha Baxter, Colorado Springs 

Supporting Mary’s Home 

For her Gold Award project, Samantha led an awareness campaign supporting Mary’s Home, a housing and educational program for single mothers and their children. To educate her community,Samantha shared information about homelessness in Colorado and ways people can help. She also organized a donation drive, providing Mary’s Home with essential items to better serve those in need. 

Meera Bipin, Thornton 

Stroke Awareness Project  

Meera’s Gold Award project was driven by the memory of her grandmother. She created an awareness campaign about stroke symptoms and prevention, and distributed posters with lifesavinginformation at local businesses. Meera, a long-time Girl Scout, ensured that vital health resources reach those who need it most and leaves this project as a beautiful tribute to her grandmother. 

Meera currently attends University of Colorado-Boulder studying computer science, creative technology, and design with a minor in business.

Sarina Bisarya, Highlands Ranch 

First Aid Kits for Affordable Housing  

Sarina created and donated custom first aid kits for transitional housing for people and families who were formerly experiencing homelessness, ensuring residents have easy access to essential supplies. Through her decade in Girl Scouts, Sarina has shown how compassionate, thoughtful action can make a real and lasting difference by empowering individuals to stay safe, healthy, and cared for while they build their futures. 

Sarina currently attends Creighton University and hopes to pursue a career in health sciences and attend medical school one day.

Alia Bokhari, Aurora

Community Clothing Closet 

Alia created a free clothing closet for her community by partnering with local organizations to ensure families, especially children, have reliable access to clothing. Connected to the Ansar Food Pantry, the clothing closet has a steady flow of volunteers supporting the closet’s ongoing success. With additional support from student volunteers at her school, her clothing closet will continue to serve and uplift her community for years to come. 

Alia plans to pursue a double major in classics and biology at either Bryn Mawr College or Colorado College and eventually go to medical school.

Gracelyn Burnett, Gunnison 

Bridging Community  

Gracelyn focused her project on strengthening community connections within the Gunnison Valley for participants of the Choice Pass program. The Choice Pass is a celebration of healthy choices for all 6th through 12th grade youth. Gracelyn created detailed maps that help local business owners and youth navigate the program more effectively, fostering greater engagement in her community. Through this work, she demonstrated how thoughtful communication solutions can make a meaningful impact. 

Gracelyn currently attends Western Colorado University in Gunnison and is double majoring in history and creative writing, with plans to pursue a master's degree in fine arts and cultural history.

Lynzee Crouse, Firestone 

Generational Connections Through Scouting 

Lynzee created Senior Scouts, a program that fosters intergenerational connections, bringing company and joy to both retired seniors and young Girl Scouts. Her nine years in Girl Scouts have shaped her into a compassionate leader who understands the power of mentorship and meaningful relationships. Through this project, Lynzee has celebrated the Girl Scout mission by making a lasting difference for members in her community. 

Lynzee plans to pursue a degree in sociology with an emphasis in environmental sciences and plans to continue to give back to her community.

Serenity Davis, Westminster 

Project Pony 

Serenity combined her love for animals with a project that supports their physical wellbeing by designing and building a specialized obstacle course for miniature horses. She gave back to a horse rescue that is close to her heart, helping improve the health and quality of life for mini horses who often arrive in poor condition. Serenity has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and has used her determination, leadership, and commitment to making a meaningful difference. 

Serenity plans to attend Community College of Denver to major in health sciences in hopes of becoming a dental hygienist and eventually a pediatric dentist.

Sofia Deocon Day, Colorado Springs 

Speak Up, Reach Out: Teen-Driven Mental Health Peer Support 

Sofia’s peer-support program empowers students to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, creating a safer and more responsive school community. Her Gold Award project leads with empathy and positions students as a critical front line in the community in care of their peers. This experience reinforced her understanding that meaningful change stems from purposeful leadership and taking direct action, and she has made a lasting impact. 

Sofia plans to pursue a career in medicine or engineering and continue to challenge herself through research, collaboration, and community involvement and to improve people's lives in meaningful and lasting ways.

Ainsley Dye, Boulder 

Indigenous History: Then and Now  

Ainsley noticed a lack of awareness regarding local Indigenous history in her community and responded by creating an interactive museum exhibit at her local library for her Gold Award project. This project encouraged her to connect with various organizations and learn deeply about the history that continues to shape her community today. 

Ainsley is currently attending University of Colorado-Boulder pursuing a double major in international affairs and political science with minors in leadership studies and space. She is also part of the Presidents Leadership Class.

Wava Fleck, Lakewood 

Wolf Park Upgrade 

For her Gold Award project, Wava transformed the storage garage at Wolf Park to create a welcoming, organized space for the Golden Junior Baseball League. By improving the storage and organization of tools and equipment, she helped ensure young athletes have a better environment to practice and play. Wava’s project strengthened the community and supported the development of youth sports in Golden.

Madison Gauna, Thornton 

Nest & Nurture  

Maddie's Girl Scout journey culminated in a Gold Award project designed to educate the public on the ecological importance of native birds. She chose this focus because many essential bird species lack conservation support simply due to a lack of public awareness. The project allowed her to feel closer to her community while pursuing her goal of changing the world for the better. 

Maddie is currently attending the University of Denver with a marketing major and Spanish minor and is excited for internship opportunities as well as studying abroad.

Alyssa Gribble, Peyton 

Night Sky Defender Program 

Alyssa’s innovative Junior Ranger program educates the next generation about the importance of defending the night sky against light pollution. Her nine-year journey in Girl Scouts fueled a powerful passion for conservation and environmental leadership. Through this project, she was introduced to a community of like-minded advocates, encouraging her to use her skills to the best of her ability. 

Alyssa plans to join the Space Force and continue to advocate for our night sky.

Hayden Henry, Highlands Ranch 

RMSEL Playground Upgrade 

Hayden’s Gold Award focused on transforming the playground at the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning to boost physical activity and student morale. She created a beautiful, new playground and developed a comprehensive physical education curriculum for educators to use, inspiring students to be more active and enjoy their time outside. Hayden’s project gives a lasting gift to the school, encouraging health, fun, and play for years to come. 

Hayden is currently a freshman and is excited to finish high school and continue exploring the arts, playing tennis, and serving others.

Elizabeth Hightower, Strasburg

Museum Electrolysis Stand 

For her Gold Award project, Elizabeth created an electrolysis stand for her local museum to preserve cast iron antiques, ensuring these pieces can be enjoyed for years to come. Her project includes a clear, easy-to-follow guide, so volunteers can safely operate the process, even overnight, with minimal risk. This innovative preservation system gives the museum a lasting tool to protect its collection and share its history with the community.

Charlotte Holmberg, Highlands Ranch 

Onboarding for Recreational Gymnastics Coaches  

Charlotte’s 12-year history with Girl Scouts helped her develop the leadership skills needed to give back to the sport she loves, gymnastics. For her project, she designed a comprehensive training program for recreational coaches to ensure higher quality staff and more consistency for young athletes. Her project taught her how to handle unexpected challenges with kindness and professional problem-solving. 

Charlotte will be attending Towson University to continue her academic and athletic career on a full-ride athletic scholarship.

Olivia Jukes, Mancos 

Once Upon a Gown  

Olivia established a dress lending closet at her high school, providing affordable formal wear and easing financial burden for her peers. She developed the entire lending program, from securing a space for the closet to organizing donations and creating a system that ensures dresses can be borrowed for years to come. Through her dedication and leadership, Olivia has created a lasting resource that will continue to support students and celebrate memorable moments for generations. 

Olivia will attend Pennsylvania State University pursuing business management at the Smeal College of Business. She hopes to one day own a bookstore because she is loves reading and wants to pass on her passion for years to come.

Sonia Kettler, Woodland Park 

Recycled Bottle Cap Mural & Awareness Campaign 

Using recycled bottle caps to create a vibrant mural, Sonia turned community waste into a powerful message about environmental awareness and the dangers of microplastics. Her 12-year journey inGirl Scouts reflects a lifelong dedication to advocacy, art, and positive change. Completing this project gave her a greater sense of purpose as she prepares to dive further into her passion for environmental policy. 

Sonia will attend Colorado State University in the fall to major in environmental science to pursue a career in environmental policy and advocacy.

Preslee Kiner, Centennial 

Preslee’s Pantry 

Preslee’s initiative to stock food pantries at local pediatric practices ensures that no child or family leaves their doctor's office worrying about their next meal. Her 10-year journey in Girl Scouts inspired her to find an innovative, direct way to serve families in need when they need it most. By identifying a gap in community resources, she created a sustainable solution that continues to give back.  

Preslee plans to attend college and major in business, with a focus in marketing or hospitality.

Lucca Legendre, Berthoud 

Skin Health Awareness Campaign 

Lucca’s impactful Gold Award project combined her passion for skin health and public speaking into a successful campaign to promote healthy skin habits to young people. 

 Her 11 years of commitment to the Girl Scout mission are evident in the confidence and knowledge she shared to help teens prevent long-term skin damage. She said this project taught her how to turngoals into action and the true importance of persistence. 

Lucca hopes to attend medical school and become a dermatologist to continue her interest in skincare and empowering others with knowledge.

Pranavi Mantha, Erie 

STEM Explorers 

Pranavi created "STEM Explorers," an educational initiative designed to provide hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math opportunities to elementary students. By developing a series of interactive workshops and take-home experiment kits, she created a fun way for young learners to engage with complex technical concepts in an accessible way. Her project has successfully expanded the STEM opportunities for young kids, establishing a foundation for the next generation of innovators. 

She is currently deciding where to attend college next year and plans to pursue a major in electrical engineering.

Adelaide Maxson, Littleton 

GenBridge 

Through the creation of her club, GenBridge, Adelaide created a social framework that connects local students with senior residents to combat social isolation. The program facilitates frequent social gatherings that support the mental wellbeing of both generations while fostering a unique culture of mentorship and shared storytelling. This impactful initiative has strengthened the community’s social fabric and created a lasting model for intergenerational connection.

Adelaide is currently a sophomore in high school and hopes to attend college to major in biochemistry and contribute to helping improve the world through science. 

Marissa Morris, Colorado Springs 

You Are Not Alone  

A Girl Scout for 10 years, Marissa used her artistic talents to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. She hand-painted bulletin boards featuring scenic locations to provide a sense of comfort and joy to those going through difficult times. Through this project, she grew more confident in her abilities and discovered the power of using her personal talents to connect with others. 

Marissa plans to attend the University of Wyoming to study microbiology with a minor in psychology. She hopes to one day be a professor of microbiology at a research university, performing oncology research alongside students.

Josie O’Meara, Highlands Ranch 

Family Wellness Kits 

For her Gold Award, Josie created specialized wellness kits focused on mental health resources for families visiting the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Her kits provide age-appropriate tools and guidance for everyone from toddlers to teens, offering comfort and practical support to families in need. Through this project, she has shown how advocacy and thoughtful action can make a lasting difference. 

Josie will be attending Loyola University Chicago and plans on pursuing a double major in criminal justice and psychology. She believes there needs to be more female representation within the criminal justice community and plans to stay involved in that field.

Alli Orellana, Woodland Park 

CommUNITY Gardens in Woodland Park 

For her Gold Award project, Alli founded a club at her high school that explored the origins of food and its connection to the environment where teens learned to appreciate what they eat and engage in growing their own food. With the support of the club she built a community garden, a tool for fostering essential conversations about connecting to food and practical skills. Sustained by the club, the garden will continue to educate and inspire students and neighbors for years to come.

Akyra Rundell, Peyton 

Pathways to Nature  

Akyra created a comprehensive environmental education plan for elementary students, teaching key points about sustainability, native plants, invasive species, and the use of rain gardens. As part of her project, Akyra installed educational signs along a popular walkway, giving students hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to explore the environment during class field trips. With a dedicated website and ongoing social media promotion, her curriculum will continue to educate and inspire young learners for years to come. 

Akyra is attending Pikes Peak State College and plans to pursue a career in wildlife conservation.

Gianna Sauvageau, Evergreen

Life Told Aloud 

Gianna tackled the critical issue of elderly loneliness with her Gold Award project by establishing an annual event and a framework for assisted living facilities to foster lasting community connections This meaningful work marks the culmination of her 13-year journey as a Girl Scout and reflects her deep commitment to service. Completing this project has been her most rewarding experience yet, inspiring her to continue improving the lives of those around her. 

Gianna plans to attend Front Range Community College and Colorado State University to pursue a degree in criminal justice to one day join the police academy to become a law enforcement officer.

Clara Schnitzler, Lakewood 

Wolf Park Concession Stand  

Clara has been a part of the Girl Scout community for 13 years. To earn her Gold Award, she renovated the concession stand at Wolf Park to help the Golden Junior Baseball League expand and allow more children to play. Through this project, she learned valuable leadership skills and what it means to lead both her peers and adults in a professional setting. 

Clara plans to attend Savannah Collage of Art and Design for production design with a focus on costuming. Her dream is to turn her love of theater into a career.

Alaina Shelton, Aurora 

The C.A.R.E. Program  

Alaina has always embraced the Girl Scout values of integrity and empathy. For her Gold Award project, she established a food pantry at her high school after learning that some students were at risk of dropping out due to food insecurity. This project serves as a powerful lesson in project management and the importance of never giving up, even when faced with significant obstacles. 

Alaina currently attends the University of Northern Colorado and is majoring in communication sciences and disorders, with plans to become an audiologist. 

Alyssa Silberman, Centennial 

Empowering High School Girls in STEM  

Having spent 10 years in Girl Scouts, Alyssa was motivated to address the lack of female representation in upper-level STEM classes at her school. She founded a "Girls in STEM" club and collaborated with professional engineering organizations to connect student clubs across Colorado. To Alyssa, being a Girl Scout is about giving back and finding continuous inspiration to lead. 

Alyssa plans to study mechanical engineering and engineering management in undergrad with a goal to complete a dual master's degree in those specialties.

Denica Terrell, Colorado Springs 

Courtyard Beautification  

Denica’s 13-year journey from Daisy to Gold Award recipient led her to renovate the outdoor area at a local rehabilitation center. By beautifying the flower beds and adding seating, she turned a safety concern into a peaceful space for residents to enjoy. This project reinforced her belief that helping others and working hard for a goal can create a lasting impact that continues long after the work is done. 

Denica plans to attend college for a criminology or forensics degree before transitioning into either forensic anthropology or detective work.

Alexandra Theming, Littleton 

Unified Lunch Crew 

Alexandra created the Lunch Crew at her high school, a club that brings together students with differing abilities to build meaningful connections. To ensure her impact continues, she developed an informational video that will be shown to incoming freshmen, encouraging ongoing involvement and inclusion within the special needs program. Through her program, Alexandria is fostering a more connected, understanding, and inclusive school community for years to come. 

Alexandra will be attending college in the fall of 2028 and hopes to study health sciences and become a sports medicine doctor. 

Kai Trunkhill, Colorado Springs 

Home for the Bats  

Kai focused her Gold Award project on wildlife conservation by building bat houses to support endangered species. She combined the bat houses with a website to teach others how to help bats in their own communities. For Kai, the Gold Award represents a significant achievement in learning essential life skills while protecting the natural world. 

Kai is currently a freshman in high school and hopes to one day attend Colorado State University to study veterinary medicine and become an exotic animal vet.

Rayne Wilson, Westminster  

Healing Spirit  

For her Gold Award project, Rayne created an awareness campaign to highlight the unique ways animals can assist with physical and mental health. Inspired by a volunteer's story about equine therapy, she realized there was a lack of accessible information on animal assistance programs and decided to fill that gap. Her work has successfully brought awareness to these inspiring stories and the profound benefits of animal companionship. 

Rayne is currently pursuing a degree in art history and anthropology at Lyon College in Arkansas.

Open only to girls in high school, the Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in the world for girls. The Gold Award project involves seven steps:

1. Identify an issue

2. Investigate it thoroughly

3. Get help and build a team

4. Create a plan

5. Present the plan and gather feedback

6. Take action

7. Educate and inspire

Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.