Silver Award Girl Scouts: Valentina Pizzuto-Pedraza, Olivia DeStefano, Madeline Mendes and Marrissa Schechtman. {GSSEF}
Seven Coral Springs and Parkland Girl Scouts have earned the prestigious Silver Award, the highest recognition attainable by Girl Scout Cadets in grades six through eight.
For their project, Olivia DeStefano, Madeline Mendes, Valentina Pizzuto-Pedraza, and Marrissa Schechtman of Troop 10415 created “Supply of Sensory Toys for Classrooms.” Inspired by their experiences during school lockdowns, they recognized the need for tools to help students manage anxiety.
Using funds raised from their Girl Scout cookie sales, they assembled and distributed sensory toy bins to classrooms. Their contributions included six bins for Park Trails Elementary, one for the Specialized Varying Exceptionalities (SVE) classroom at Coral Springs Middle School, multiple bins for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and additional supplies for the Broward Schools Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Curriculum Supervisor for use in an SVE/autistic classroom.
They reported that teachers and students, including high schoolers, praised its positive impact. The initiative sparked a ripple effect within the community, with ongoing donations inspired by their efforts, particularly for specialized classrooms.
Meanwhile, Hailey Lockwitz, Lily Richardson, and Sadie Suarez from Troop 10804 focused on environmental sustainability with their project, “Reduce the Use of Single-Use Plastics.”
Tony Montalto,Sadie Suarez, Lily Richardson, Haily Lockwitz, Jennifer Montalto. {GSSEF}
Partnering with Coral Springs Sustainability Manager Dr. Andrea Lemaitre, they educated residents at city events about the dangers of plastic bag usage and promoted alternatives.
“The Silver Award challenges Girl Scouts to identify an issue, develop a solution, and work collaboratively to implement meaningful change,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “The efforts of all of these young ladies are expected to make a lasting impact on students and the environment.”
The Scouts were among 66 young leaders celebrated at the 6th Annual Silver Award Showcase, presented by Jennifer and Tony Montalto of the Gina Rose Montalto Foundation, with additional sponsorship from Amazon and HCA Florida Healthcare.
In 2024, the Silver Award recipients created projects that benefited 20 local nonprofits, 12 schools, three municipalities, and countless individuals—from students and senior citizens to animals.
“Our Silver Award recipients have each shown that change is not only possible but starts with those who have the determination to make a difference,” said Johnson. “These young leaders are building a better tomorrow with innovative projects that impact lives today. We couldn’t be prouder of the dedication, thoughtfulness, and resilience each Girl Scout has demonstrated through their hard work.”
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