Pictured at top: Laurel Hutchison, Claudia Lovell, Hannah Strumwasser, Anne Bremer, Chenning Ma, Michelle So, Haley Schmidt, Pam Cyr, Kristy Bouchard, Chloe Strasser, Becky Bouchard. Not pictured: Kyla Covey, Danielle Lincoln, Aimee Pearce. Photo provided

Members of Lafayette Girl Scout Troop 30209 recently celebrated 13 years of service and activities. The high school graduates were recognized for their achievements and contributions.

Most of the girls earned the Bronze Award in sixth grade and Silver Award in eighth grade, as well as Leadership and Career Awards during high school. Each award required significant personal exploration, skill development, leadership, and community service.

Gold Award Recipients

Five girls were presented with the Girl Scout Gold Award; the highest award in Girl Scouting, earned by about 6% of eligible Girl Scouts nationally. The award takes several years to earn. Requirements include many prerequisite badges and awards, and at least 60 hours implementing a project to fulfill a community need and empower others. The Gold Award recipients and their projects are:

Claudia Lovell: "Do you Know your DNA?" encouraged middle school students to discover excitement for advanced scientific exploration through the experience of isolating their own DNA, producing a take-home sample and a scrapbook to inspire other future biologists.

Anne Bremer: "Spanish Training Video for Hotline Volunteers" assists Family Paths, Inc. of Alameda County with providing Spanish Language service to callers through the production of a training film offering practice opportunities for various levels of fluency.

Chenning (Grace) Ma: "Planting the Seeds of Education" introduced youth residents of Shelter, Inc. to college possibilities, including a tour of the UC Berkeley campus and creation of journals to chronicle educational dreams and goals.

Michelle So: "Restimulation of the Lafayette Economy" facilitated youth participation in the local Chamber of Commerce initiatives of "Try Lafayette First", Concerts in the Plaza, and the Farmer's Market.

Haley Schmidt: "Spreading Awareness of Modern Day Slavery" brought to light this devastating trauma occurring for many victims in America as well as worldwide, through slide presentations and printed materials which also outlined ways to contribute to solutions.