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Parkland Girl Scout Earns Top Scholarship; Gina Rose Montalto Award Also Presented 2

Juan Carlos Arias, Emma Solsana, and Zaida Alvarez. {GSSEF}

A Parkland Girl Scout and recent graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School received the top scholarship awarded by Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida after creating a student-led mental health program aimed at reducing stress and anxiety among teens.

Emma Solsona was awarded the $3,000 ECHO Scholarship during the organization’s 2026 Gold Awards ceremony, where Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida presented a total of $20,000 in scholarships to college-bound students from across South Florida.

Solsona plans to attend the University of Florida, where she will major in health science on a pre-physician assistant track with the goal of improving access to health care in underserved communities.

A Girl Scout since 2017, Solsona earned her Gold Award in 2025 for creating “Minds Matter,” a school club that promotes mindfulness, encourages conversations about mental health and teaches students practical strategies for managing stress.

The project was inspired by growing concerns over adolescent mental health. According to the State of the Florida Girl report, commissioned by the Girl Scouts of Florida Association, more than half of Florida high school girls reported feeling sad or hopeless for at least two consecutive weeks, while one in four seriously considered suicide.

At her school, Solsona established monthly meetings focused on mental wellness, introduced classroom “Brain Bins” stocked with fidget tools to help students remain calm and focused, and created a website to help other schools launch similar clubs. She also recruited younger students to continue the program after her graduation.

“The importance of earning the Gold Award cannot be overstated because its meaning transcends more than just being acknowledged or feeling a sense of personal achievement. It is a testament to one’s dedication toward creating change in the world,” Solsona said. “The Gold Award instilled in me not only how to recognize a problem in my community, but also how to formulate a solution and motivate others to join in.”

In addition to her Gold Award project, Solsona served as a community service ambassador in Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s Everglades Service Unit, organizing programs for younger Girl Scouts and leading community service initiatives.

The ECHO Scholarship was established in 2023 by Zaida Alvarez and Juan Carlos Arias in honor of their daughter, Angélica. It recognizes Gold Award Girl Scouts whose projects exceed award requirements and demonstrate exceptional leadership and service.

The scholarships were presented during the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Gold Awards ceremony, sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare, Amazon, Florida Power & Light, Publix Super Markets Charities and table sponsor Tula Hudson-Miller.

Parkland Girl Scout Earns Top Scholarship; Gina Rose Montalto Award Also Presented 3

Lisa Johnson, Jennifer Montalto, Hannah Dickinson, Tony Montalto, Anthony Montalto and Lori Sullivan {GSSEF}

Among the other recipients was Hannah Dickinson of Port Charlotte, who received the $2,500 Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Scholarship. Named in honor of Gina Rose Montalto, a lifelong Girl Scout who was killed in the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the scholarship recognizes Girl Scouts who embody her spirit of service and leadership.

Since launching its scholarship program in 2008, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida has awarded scholarships to 57 young women pursuing higher education and has expanded the program’s funding through donor support.

“Our organization is a respected authority on the lives of girls — as well as their development and the issues facing their future,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “We work closely with community leaders so our Girl Scouts can have the opportunity to receive the financial boost they often need to turn their dreams of higher education into a reality.”

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Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.