Gold Award Celebration - June 26, 2021 - Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
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Gold Award Celebration June 26, 2021
Mission Welcome!
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, Across Northeast Ohio, members of the community are seeing great changes take
and character, who make the world a better place. place. Elementary schools are receiving valuable STEM resources. Places of worship
are seeing improvements to their buildings and to the safety of their congregations.
Animals have new habitats and resources to support their populations. These
The Girl Scout Promise things were all made possible because of Gold Award Girl Scouts!
On my honor, I will try: Girl Scouts are creating and implementing many incredible Take Action projects
To serve God and my country, in order to effect meaningful and sustainable change to earn the Girl Scout Gold
To help people at all times, Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting.
And to live by the Girl Scout Law. For over a century, girls who have earned this distinction have shown that they are
not only enterprising and engaged young women—they are also courageous leaders
The Girl Scout Law and visionary change makers. This prestigious award is earned by only five percent
of eligible Seniors and Ambassadors nationwide. To earn the Gold Award, a girl must
I will do my best to be meet a clearly defined set of criteria. Each girl carefully develops her project by
honest and fair, evaluating her community’s needs, choosing an issue she is passionate about, and
friendly and helpful, creating an action plan to address the issue in a measurable and sustainable way.
considerate and caring, Girls who have earned the Gold Award aren’t just creating positive change for
courageous and strong, and others. They are also realizing incredible outcomes for themselves. According to
responsible for what I say and do, the Girl Scout Research Institute’s report The Power of the Girl Scout Gold Award:
and to Excellence in Leadership and Life, award recipients have greater life benefits
respect myself and others, than non-Girl Scout alumnae; 99 percent of them hold leadership roles in their
respect authority, everyday lives, 70 percent are active volunteers, and 94 percent feel they have been
use resources wisely, successful in their educational endeavors. Of those surveyed, 98 percent agree that
make the world a better place, and Girl Scouts has had a positive impact on their lives.
be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
M. Jane Christyson Judith Matsko
Chief Executive Officer Chair, Board of Directors
2 3
Margaret Mitchell Keynote Speaker Gold Award Celebration Program
Margaret Mitchell anticipates trends and has a proven track record of creating
competitive breakthrough strategies. She communicates vision, purpose,
Welcome
and core values. As a strong decision maker who builds consensus, she is
a consistent top performer who pursues growth with energy and drive. Pledge of Allegiance
Margaret strives for personal and organizational excellence. Recognized for
savvy in building relationships at all levels inside and outside the organization,
she guides an organization with a steady hand and maintains focus, even in
Girl Scout Promise
challenging situations.
As President and CEO of YWCA Greater Cleveland, Margaret has more than
Keynote Address
doubled the budget, the staff, and the services of YWCA Greater Cleveland
through her leadership, financial acumen, and fundraising. Among her Presentation of Awards
achievements, in 2019 she led the call to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis
in Cleveland and across the state through her leadership in the Ohio YWCA Closing
Council. Additionally, Margaret led the acquisition of the Norma Herr Women’s
Center, Cleveland’s largest homeless emergency women’s shelter. She also
launched the transformation of the YWCA Greater Cleveland Early Learning
Center into a unique, unduplicated preschool that currently operates the only Margaret Mitchell
trauma-informed preschool servicing children and families experiencing President and CEO of YWCA Greater Cleveland
homelessness. Keynote Address
Previously, Margaret was the President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters
Greater Cleveland and served as the VP of Business Development and Director M. Jane Christyson
of Partnerships at Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas (now BBBS Lone Chief Executive Officer
Star). In each of these roles, she expanded the reach and effectiveness of the Welcome
organization – from board development, partnership recruitment, fundraising Presentation of Awards
and organizational transformation focused on data. Earlier, Margaret held
senior leadership roles at Menttium, a for-profit industry leader in one-to-one Judith Matsko
corporate mentoring, featuring cross-company programs serving the Fortune Chair, Board of Directors
500. She began her career in publishing as an editor and writer. Presentation of Awards
Margaret received a BA with honors in Mass Communications from Hampton
Institute – a Historically Black College and recently attended Strategic
Perspectives in Nonprofit Management at Harvard Business School. In 2020,
The Cleveland Orchestra, in partnership with the City of Cleveland, honored
her with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Outstanding Service Award. In 2019,
YWCA Greater Cleveland, ranked in the “Top 10 of the Top 100 Workplaces” by
The Plain Dealer – Advance Ohio and was recognized as a “Business Longevity
Honoree” by Smart Business Magazine.
4 5
Arianna Allman, Ravenna, OH
The Girl Scout Gold Award RavNaz Refresh
Since 1916, Girl Scouts have been making meaningful, sustainable change in their Arianna “Annie” Allman, a 2020 graduate of Bio-Med Science Academy, has been a Girl
communities and around the world. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout for 12 years and has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. The
Ravenna First Church of the Nazarene has benefited from Annie’s Gold Award project.
Scout can earn, acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only Her project, known as the RavNaz Refresh, addressed the minimal landscaping around
empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. the church building, lack of landscaping and lighting around the church sign, and the
neglected prayer garden. Annie, along with church volunteers and two area Girl Scout
These young women are courageous leaders and visionary change makers. They are our troops, thinned out existing plants, planted new annuals and perennials, mulched, pruned
future, and it looks bright! bushes and trees, and placed lights around the church sign. Annie even made a new
wooden bench for the prayer garden!
In addition to Girl Scouts, Annie is involved in Loaves and Fishes at the Ravenna
First United Methodist Church. She was also a competitive gymnast for nine years;
Recipients a cheerleader for 12 years, earning four varsity letters; played varsity soccer for two
years; was an extra in the movie 25 Hill, performed in community theater; and had the
Arianna Allman Lucy Hanselman Amber Nedelka opportunity to travel to Ireland, Italy, Guatemala, and Costa Rica with Bio-Med.
Jordan Anamasi Katie Horn Alexis Ochi Annie currently works for a medical billing company and attends Kent State University
where she is majoring in chemistry. Upon graduation from Kent State, she plans to attend
Jorja Bonar Olivia Johnson Paige Owsiany medical school and become a forensic pathologist.
Allison Byron Bea Jones Keira Oyen
Diane Castner Paige King Ayesha Qureshi
Jordan Anamasi, Avon, OH
Hailey Edie Ava Kress Lauren Shearer Camp Fitch Equine Grooming and Care Program
Elyse Ertel Mikenna Liebmann Kathryn Spinner Jordan Anamasi, a student at Avon High School, has been a Girl Scout for 10 years, and
Alexis Farran Madelyn Low Marjorie Spinner earned her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Jordan, who has been riding horses for over
five years, was inspired to create her project after seeing the lack of education in the
Alexandra Fox Mary Frances Mahoney Sam Tarolli equestrian program at Camp Fitch. She combined her passions for teaching and riding to
Audrey Fuller Meredith Mallon-Jeffrey Trillian Vaughn design her project. Those who participate in the new program will walk away with more
knowledge of horses and how to care for them. Outside of Girl Scouts, Jordan participates
Isabelle Gibson Francesca Marsicano Regina Wolf in many clubs at her school, mainly as Community Outreach Liaison for the Herstory
Alixandria Hall Brigit Morgan Faith Wynn club. She also participates in the National Honor Society, SAVE club, and horseback riding.
After high school, she plans to attend college to study pre-med or education.
Jorja Bonar, Vienna, OH
Nurturing Creativity for Children in Liberia
Jorja Bonar, a Junior at Mathews High School, has been a Girl Scout for 10 years. The
inspiration for her Gold Award project came from her dad’s heartbreaking stories of
children in Liberia who only have basic necessities and no comforts. Her work with
Farmer-to-Farmer, a non-profit farming and education charity, and her mentors, Pastors
Ray and Cathy Ake, helped her discover how she could have a positive impact. Jorja
collected durable educational play items that target creativity and sent two 50-gallon
barrels full of toys to Harrisburg, Liberia. For all Farmer-to-Farmer volunteers, she
created a training packet to prepare them to help develop creativity and fine motor skills
in children. Besides Girl Scouts, Jorja is involved with 4-H; National Honor Society; and
received varsity letters in basketball, cross country, track, and band. After she graduates,
she hopes to attend The Ohio State University and study biology to become a pediatrician.
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Allison Byron, Tallmadge, OH Elyse Ertel, Mentor, OH
Memorial Walkway Cubby Clean Up
Allison Byron, a graduate of Tallmadge High School, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and Elyse Ertel, a Lake Catholic High School graduate, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and
has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Through the years, memorials has earned her Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. The Lake Catholic Performing
were placed in various locations in the Tallmadge School District for students who had Arts Department is benefiting from her Gold Award project. Elyse refurbished the
passed away. For her Gold Award project, Allison created a space for the memorials of instrument cubbies in their band room and set up an digital instrument catalog using
students who had passed, so they would not be forgotten. Allison knew that the schools Google Sheets, which allows for easy updates and management by the band director.
where the original memorials sat were to be demolished and she worked with school By refurbishing the cubbies, Elyse revitalized the band room and is providing a more
officials and volunteers to help create a space to commemorate the memories of the pleasant learning environment for the aspiring musicians. In addition to Girl Scouts,
students. Outside of Girl Scouts, Allison enjoys playing multiple instruments and sewing. Elyse was Drum Major, a Karios leader, and a member of the varsity golf team at her high
She plans to attend Kent State University for fashion design and jazz studies. school. She is currently attending The Ohio State University where she plans to major in
accounting with a minor in German.
Diane Castner, Strongsville, OH
Dementia Herb Garden Alexis Farran, Strongsville, OH
Diane Castner, a graduate of Strongsville High School, has been a Girl Scout for 13 years.
Make a New Friend
Her Gold Award project focused specifically on dementia patients in the Shurmur Alexis Farran, a graduate of Strongsville High School, has been a Girl Scout for 13 years.
Memory Assisted Living Facility. She took her passion for gardening and researched how She has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. She based her project
gardening could help to stimulate memories through the different senses. Diane worked around wanting students to work on including one another and trying new things. Alexis
through the COVID-19 pandemic on her project, implementing the physical project in the added a buddy bench and a gaga pit to the recess area. Gaga ball, a game she enjoyed
facility, as well as creating digital resources for other people to view. The garden is now in playing as a child, was a fun new game for the students at Whitney to learn. She earned
place for residents and families to enjoy and learn from. money by having a summer fundraiser at the school, and collected donations from the
community during the school’s open houses. In order to teach the students about her
Outside of Girl Scouts, she works at a local horse stable where she helps and teaches
project, she sent a video she made explaining how to use the gaga pit and buddy bench,
younger riders. She plans to attend Otterbein University for equine pre-veterinary
and had the school’s counselor present it to the students. Alexis hopes that the work
medicine and go on to vet school.
she put in for her gold award will impact the lives of students at Whitney Elementary
for years to come, by students continuing to include one another at recess and enjoying
the gaga pit with one another. She is currently finishing up her first year at Cuyahoga
Hailey Edie, Bowerston, OH Community College and enjoys spending her free time with her family. Her future plans
Centerville’s Bird Watching Club are to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management and travel the world.
Hailey Edie, a graduate of Carrollton High School, has been a Girl Scout for 11 years and
plans to become a Lifetime Member. She has earned her Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and
Gold Awards. For her Gold Award project, she had an aspiration to work with the senior Alexandra Fox, Mentor on the Lake, OH
citizens in her community, and she did that at Centerville Village. Hailey’s plan was to go The Instrument Initiative
to the retirement home and teach the residents about different kinds of birds, show them
Alex Fox, a graduate of Lake Catholic High School, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and
videos of birds, make birdhouses, and watch for birds outside. She assembled her team
has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Young musicians attending
and gathered her materials. Because COVID-19 impacted her ability to visit the center, she
schools under the Music Alliance are benefiting from her Gold Award project, where she
created a virtual bird watching club through Google Classroom, and was still able to pursue
noted that students were not participating in band due to costs associated with owning
her goal of teaching the residents about the birds. Hailey’s project required help, patience,
and maintaining instruments, and a lack of education about the benefits of music. She
and time when it came to technology, but Hailey and her team learned a lot and she
held various instrument collection drives during the summer of 2019 to collect new and
believes it will help them in the future. Her project is still in action at Centerville Village.
gently used instruments. She felt that it was vital to give back to the schools that turned
Outside of Girl Scouts, Hailey was active in many extra-curricular activities including: her into the musician she is today and hopes that her Gold Award project makes the
CHS Club, Blessings in a Backpack, National Honor Society, Youth to Youth Club, band and ability to participate in band easily accessible to all students at her Alma Mater. Alex is
more. Hailey is currently an Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialist in the Air Force and is currently attending Cleveland State University.
completing basic military training at Lackland Air Force base at San Antonio, Texas.
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Audrey Fuller, Hudson, OH Lucy Hanselman, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Birds to the Bench Twin Falls Youth Room
Audrey Fuller, a Senior at Hudson High School, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and Lucy Hanselman, a rising Senior at Cuyahoga Falls High School, has been a very active
has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. The native bluebird, wren, Girl Scout since kindergarten. She has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold
and other birds that enjoy birdhouses benefitted from the new and improved houses Awards, and has participated in dozens of community service projects and Girl Scout
in Cascade Park as part of Audrey’s Gold Award project. She identified a need in the events. Lucy’s Gold Award project benefits community groups as well as the congregation
community through nature by adding a new park bench in a shady resting spot near and youth of Twin Falls United Methodist Church in Munroe Falls. She saw a need for a
a butterfly garden. By establishing a bench, it provides a place to rest and enjoy the dedicated meeting space for the church’s youth group and other small groups to meet.
surrounding beauty and the birds now have a place to nest, creating a long-lasting impact Lucy directed the renovation of an outdated, cluttered, and underused nursery, turning
on bird population. it into a bright, modern, and welcoming space that is being used frequently for Girl Scout
and Scout BSA troops, youth activities, small group meetings, and much more.
In addition to Girl Scouts, Audrey has been a part of Venture Crew for three years and
Scouts BSA for two years, and is now working on completing her Eagle Rank. She also In addition to Girl Scouts, Lucy is an enthusiastic member of the Cuyahoga Falls Black
makes time for church, friends, and family. Audrey plans to graduate high school and Tiger Marching Band’s trombone section, National Honor Society, symphonic band, and
attend college with a major in psychology. volunteers frequently at her church. Lucy is currently exploring college options and career
interests and is excited for her senior year.
Isabelle Gibson, Vienna, OH
Digitally Organizing Historical Data Katie Horn, Louisville, OH
Isabelle Gibson, an upcoming Junior at Mathews High School, has been a Girl Scout for 11
Preserving Constitution Town’s Pollinators
years and has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Isabelle worked with Katie Horn, a Senior at Louisville High School, has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and has
the Vienna Historical Society for her Silver Award and was inspired to continue working earned her Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. For her Gold Award project, Katie
with them for her Gold Award project. She worked with the society’s president to create a was inspired to address the worldwide issue of the decrease of the honeybee population.
digital database where donated historical items can be listed. This will help the historical She constructed and placed a working honeybee hive, housed in a 8'x8'x6' chain link
society keep better records of items they need donated as well as help the public search fence, in Metzger Park. By having seminars and Google Meets, she created awareness of
out historical artifacts for research or genealogical purposes. the necessity of pollinators and how they affect the worldwide food supply. As a benefit
to the community, the honey from her hive was donated to the Louisville Community
In addition to Girl Scouts, Isabelle is a member of the Akron German Family Society dance
Cupboard. To complete the project with a cost of over $3,000, Katie made and sold
and youth group, plays in the high school band, participates in color guard and flag line,
COVID-19 masks, held snack sales, recruited sponsors, and applied for and received the
is a member of her church’s youth group, and is active in American Heritage Girls. After
Louisville Rotary Community Grant.
graduation Isabelle would like to find a career where she works with young children,
possibly as a pediatrician. In addition to Girl Scouts, Katie is Vice President of the STEM Club, a group leader of
Lady Leopard Mentors, and first chair in LHS marching and symphonic band. She plans
to attend Kent State University to major in Aeronautics: Professional Pilot Concentration
with a minor in Physics.
Alixandria Hall, Twinsburg, OH
Handicapped Accessibility
Alix Hall, a graduate of Twinsburg High School, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and is
continuing on as an adult Girl Scout. Her Gold Award project was building three handicap-
accessible ramps for members of her community. She built a ramp for a gentleman with
ALS who was unable to get into his home by himself, his wife would carry him into the
house. The next ramp was for a gentleman who had his leg amputated from vascular
issues. The final ramp was for an ice cream stand, which only had six steps up to the
ordering window. People would avoid going because they would have to wait for the
server to come outside for service. Her family was her main project team: her mom helped
with the logistics and her mom, dad, papa, and uncle were her building assistants. Her
troop had raised funds and saved to assist in funding with the projects.
Outside of Girl Scouts she enjoys camping and being with her family. Alix plans to work
and continue as an adult Girl Scout.
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Olivia Johnson, North Canton, OH Paige King, Strongsville, OH
Our Hometown Heroes Tree of Life Mural
Olivia Johnson, a graduate of homeschool, has been a Girl Scout for 14 years, has earned Paige King, a 2021 graduate of Magnificat High School, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years
her Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, and was a recipient of the Leaders of and has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. For her Gold Award
Tomorrow Scholarship from GSNEO in 2020. After holding a job at a nursing home project, Paige painted a mural to inspire onlookers to work for positive change in society
for several years, Olivia came up with the idea of collecting stories from local leaders, from our roots to our branches. The “Tree of Life” mural is located in the basement of
businessmen and women, and elderly, and compiling them into a book. She included St. Joseph Catholic Church in Strongsville, where groups of all ages meet. The mural is
pictures, quotes, and stories about each participant to make it more personal. She focused bright and uplifting, featuring a stark black tree against a colorful background. The trunk
the book on the knowledge that they could give and the experiences that they have represents God, a pillar of strength, guidance, and love. Like branches, the faithful extend
gone through. She also made a video for school-age children about the difference and to reach new territory, to make positive change in the community. The new buds (the
importance of generations and the wisdom that can be taken from them. The book was younger members of the community) continue the tree’s story and life.
published online, and the video was published and sent to many different groups in the
Outside of Girl Scouts, Paige participates in the Magnificat High School crew team,
United States and globally. She also recruited local school children and Girl Scouts to make
Magnificat’s student council, St. Joseph’s youth group, and she works at Raising Cane’s
and donate crafts and cards to local nursing homes.
Chicken Fingers. She will attend the University of Dayton honor’s program and study
Olivia is very active at work, passionate about music and crafts, and enjoys gourmet pre-medicine.
cooking for fun! She plans to attend a culinary arts school to earn a culinary degree with
a minor in business.
Ava Kress, Strongsville, OH
Taking the Reigns: Helping Horses Help Kids
Bea Jones, Bay Village, OH
Ava Kress is a Senior honors student at North Royalton High School. A Girl Scout since
Baking Buddies Club the age of 5, Ava serves as the GSNEO Girl Director-at-Large. Ava has also received the
Bea Jones, a graduate of Bay High School, has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and GSNEO Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship in 2020, the Jess & Lillia: Gifts from Above Gold
has earned the Girl Scout Bronze and Gold Awards. Bea’s Gold Award project was created Award Scholarship and the President’s Volunteer Award. She has volunteered with the
to help the special needs classroom at her high school. She formed a baking club, called Special Olympics, nursing homes, animal shelters, multiple camps for children who have
Baking Buddies, which allowed the students to hone many life skills - from shopping disabilities, the Ronald McDonald House, and a food pantry. The National Association of
and following recipes, to interacting with other students and adults while selling and Fundraising Professionals awarded her the Child Philanthropy Award in recognition of her
making change at school bake sales and special events. The money raised was used to Silver Award Snack Sack program. Ava’s Gold Award project, “Taking the Reins: Helping
buy a specialized piece of equipment for their classroom. Hopefully, the program can be Horses, Help Kids,” focused on facilitating the safety of children with disabilities who
restarted after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the sensory chair/swing will be an impactful receive therapeutic horsemanship services, and fundraising and building barn doors to
addition to their school experience. help facilitate the children’s safety. This program focused on: the development of a horse
mural to teach the children about horse anatomy so they can be safe in their presence;
Outside Girl Scouts, Bea is involved in soccer, National Honor Society, community service,
creating developmentally-appropriate signs that direct children where to stand in the
and works at a local ice cream parlor. She plans to attend Miami University to study
horse arena to avoid injury, providing training and education to children in the community
biology and go on to medical school.
about disability awareness; and fundraising, building, and installing two barn doors for
the horses. A total of $5,000 in goods and services was raised to support this project.
In the fall Ava will be attending Ohio University and she plans to become a nurse
practitioner.
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Mikenna Liebmann, Akron, OH Meredith Mallon-Jeffrey, Chesterland, OH
Raised Garden Beds H2O at SFA
Mikenna Liebmann, a graduate of Green High School, has been in Girl Scouts for 12 years. Meredith Mallon-Jeffrey, a graduate of Gilmour Academy, has been a Girl Scout for 11
She has earned her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. The senior citizens of Greensburgh years. She has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Meredith worked
Manor are benefiting from the raised garden beds that Mikenna contributed for her Gold with Saint Francis of Assisi School to replace their old water fountains with new and more
Award project. She was inspired to do this project by her respect and admiration for the “conservation conscientious” water fountains. Since they include bottle fillers and a built-
elderly, particularly her grandma, whom she looks up to. Mikenna was able to complete in tracking mechanism that counts the ounces of water used, the fountains encourage
this project through the generosity of the many businesses who donated materials, the patrons to utilize refillable water bottles. Additionally, aside from the implementation
team of volunteers who worked hard to build the boxes and spread the soil, as well as her of the new fountains, she held presentations about the conservation of water, healthy
Girl Scout leader who encouraged and challenged her every step of the way. Mikenna also living, and recycling for the students (grades K-8) of Saint Francis of Assisi. Meredith is
coordinated an event in which the residents of Greensburgh Manor could gather on the continuing her education in the Honors Tutorial College for English at Ohio University and
final day of the project to help plant vegetables and flowers as a way for them to claim hopes to continue to “brave the big wide world” with her Girl Scout knowledge.
the gardens as their own. The residents now have a new activity that will give them an
opportunity to bond with each other and partake in an activity that may remind them
of their youth without the physical strain of having to constantly bend down to tend to
Francesca Marsicano, Hudson, OH
the gardens. In addition to Girl Scouts, Mikenna was a member of National Honor Society,
Fellowship of Christian Students, and band.
The Butterfly Connection
Francesca Marsicano, a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School, has been a Girl Scout for
Mikenna plans to attend Kent State University with a major in biology and minor in
12 years. She has earned the Silver and Gold Awards. Students and teachers at Old Trail
Spanish while continuing to work.
School, Bath, OH are benefiting from her Gold Award project. Francesca created and
taught a program to Old Trail students about the monarch butterflies found in Northeast
Ohio. Her program helped to bring awareness to children about the importance of animals
Madelyn Low, Rocky River, OH being able to live in their natural habitats and how protecting these habitats is necessary
Magnificat High School Shakespeare Club in an evolving world. Francesca created a program that provides the tools for a virtual or
Madelyn Low, a senior at Magnificat High School, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. in-person experience that is now an educational tool for Old Trail School and is available
She has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Magnificat High School for their educators to use and build on in the future. Her program includes lesson plans,
students have benefited in their awareness and appreciation of William Shakespeare virtual or printable activities, and supporting materials. In addition to Girl Scouting,
and his works. Madelyn revitalized the Magnificat Shakespeare Club with her Gold Francesca was involved in field hockey, rowing, and the Broadcasting Club. She plans to
Award Project. She planned monthly meetings that creatively stimulated learning and attend the University of Alabama where she will major in marketing.
knowledge of Shakespeare’s literature in a fun and interactive atmosphere. Students
engaged in Shakespeare monologue competitions, interactive fencing workshops, and
attended a local production of Julius Caesar. Magnificat students will continue to have a Brigit Morgan, Chardon, OH
greater recognition of Shakespeare’s life, literary works, and accomplishments in both the CMS Music Room Reno
education and theatrical experiences offered in the extracurricular club. In addition to
Girl Scouting, Madelyn is involved in her high school theater productions, show choir, and Brigit Morgan is an upcoming Sophomore at Miami University in Oxford, OH. She has
service outreach program. Outside of high school, Madelyn was involved in the Singing been in Girl Scouts for 13 years and is now a Lifetime Member. Music has always been a
Angels of Cleveland, and works as a princess for Ohio Princess Parties. Madelyn hopes to part of her life, so she wanted to do something that would make the music program at her
pursue a degree in English literature and musical studies in college. school better. The middle school band room had become a little run down over the years
and the director had been wanting to update the room which made for the perfect project.
She and her troop planned a pancake breakfast for their community to raise money for
their Gold Award projects. Things became a little more complicated when COVID hit and
Mary Frances Mahoney, Chagrin Falls, OH there was little communication and access to the school. Having these struggles led to
From Shop to Shelter: Domestic Violence Awareness Bulletin Boards adjustments within the project to adhere to the safety guidelines.
For her Gold Award, Mary wanted to foster a better connection between the local Outside of Girl Scouts, Brigit was a gymnast for her high school and participated in every
WomenSafe Green House and the WomenSafe Resale Shoppe, a thrift shop whose musical group that she could in the school and community. Now, Brigit is enrolled at Miami
proceeds go towards the Green House women’s shelter. Many shoppers were not aware University of Ohio, participating in women’s rugby as well as gymnastics, both club sports
that their purchases helped fund WomenSafe! Mary constructed several informational for the university. Brigit is studying kinesiology to become an athletic trainer one day.
bulletin boards which were hung around the shop with information about domestic
violence, WomenSafe’s mission, and opportunities in order for shoppers to learn about
the organization and it’s mission. Her project helped raise awareness about the shelter
and encouraged patrons to volunteer with the organization. She hopes that by making
information about domestic violence more transparent and readily available it will
encourage more conversation and reduce the stigma that surrounds it.
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Amber Nedelka, Ravenna, OH Keira Oyen, Chesterland, OH
Educational Movie Kits Tubes of Love
Amber Nedelka, a graduate of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, has been a Girl Scout Keira Oyen, a graduate of Hawken School, has been a Girl Scout for 13 years. She has earned
for 13 years. She has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Children that the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Keira partnered with Fostering Hope to
go to her local library will benefit from her Gold Award project. Amber partnered with the supply activity packages to children when they first enter the foster system in Northeast
Reed Memorial Library and created educational kits for the youth in her community. Each Ohio. Her “Tubes of Love” contain simple crafts, puzzles, and coloring activities intended to
kit includes a book and a movie combo with a lesson plan that goes along with it. The reduce stress and anxiety during the difficult transition. They were decorated on the outside
hope is that it will bring educational fun to families with young children. In addition to with encouraging messages during workshops held with elementary and high school
Girl Scouting, Amber also participated in dance since she was 3 years old and was also a students in her community. She also used the opportunity to educate others about the
member of the competition team during her high school years. In high school, Amber also foster care system. Tube contents were supplied through donations and local fundraising
was a member of the International Thespian Society, National Honor Society, and student car washes. She organized remote and outdoor sessions during the pandemic to keep her
council. She was also on the varsity cheerleading team all four years of high school. She project moving forward to completion. Keira is so committed to this work that she has filed
is now currently attending Kent State University where she is majoring in early childhood for 501(c)(3) for Tubes of Love to continue beyond her Gold Award project. In addition to
education. Girl Scouting, Keira is involved in community action projects and outdoor club activities at
Elon University, where she is studying in an accelerated program for physical therapy.
Alexis Ochi, Mayfield Heights, OH
Mayfield Village Greenway Trail Bluebird Houses Ayesha Qureshi, Uniontown, OH
Alexis Ochi, a 2021 graduate of Mayfield High School, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years.
ISNEO Kid’s Playroom
She has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Alexis has always been Ayesha Qureshi, a graduate of Green High School, has been a Girl Scout for 11 years.
interested in animals. When researching a need for her Gold Award project, she knew She has earned the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Members of the Islamic Society of
that this was the direction she wanted to go. She was inspired by bluebird nesting boxes Northeast Ohio are benefiting from her Gold Award. Ayesha used a spare room at her local
that she observed while hiking a trail in Harrison county. Alexis researched locations in mosque and created a babysitting room for mothers with younger children at different
her home community where she could install a similar series of nesting boxes to help the events hosted at the mosque. Ayesha started her project by presenting a proposal to
birds with nest competition. She worked with officials in the Mayfield Village city hall to the ISNEO board members. She then began collecting donations from her community
get her project approved. Eventually, she built thirty bluebird nesting boxes and installed members and began to construct the playroom with the help of other community
them along the Greenway Trail in Mayfield Village. In addition to Girl Scouting, Alexis is members. The next step was to educate potential volunteers to take care of the children.
involved in youth group at church and was a member of her high school marching and In order to do this, Ayesha created a virtual presentation where she gathered information
concert bands, as well as the student council. She was also a four-year member of the from different sources that revolved around how to properly babysit and take care of
cross-country team. This fall she will attend Bowling Green State University, where she children in emergency situations. In addition to Girl Scouting, Ayesha is also a member of
plans to study exercise science. her band, in student government, and a volunteer at local hospitals. She plans to attend
the University of Akron where she will major in biology on a pre-medical track.
Paige Owsiany, Canal Fulton, OH
Rails to Trails of Wayne County
Paige Owsiany will be a senior this upcoming school year at Northwest High School. Paige
has been a Girl Scout for over 12 years and has made so many memories throughout the
years. Paige’s project was inspired by her love for nature, always going on walks, bike
rides, and exploring; she also loves animal life. When thinking of a project she wanted
to help both. Throughout the course of her project, Paige worked hard building over 20
blue bird boxes. Almost half of these boxes were used as fundraising for her project. She
also built a kiosk for the Heartland Trail. This project taught her about how important
teamwork, determination, and perseverance truly is. When Paige is not with her Girl
Scout troop, she enjoys playing soccer, skiing, and hiking. Paige plans on attending college
with a finance major and communications minor.
16 17
Lauren Shearer, Strongsville, OH Marjorie Spinner, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Teens and Social Media: Combating and Identifying Stress Cuyahoga Falls Wheels of Steel
Lauren Shearer, a Senior at Magnificat High School in Rocky River, has been a Girl Scout Marjorie Spinner is a 2020 graduate from Cuyahoga Falls High School and has enjoyed
for 12 years. She has earned her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. For her Gold Award, being a Girl Scout for the past 12 years. Marjorie’s project, Wheels of Steel, was inspired
Lauren researched the impacts of social media within her school; upon learning that by a group called WAWAD, Wirecar Auto Workers Association of Detroit, who came to
over 30% of students spend over 3 hours on social media a day, Lauren realized the true her school and held a workshop on how to build mini cars made from wire. She saw this
importance of social media in our culture today. When COVID-19 interrupted her original as an opportunity to create an artistic outlet for her community as well as making an
plan of “Wellness Workshops,” she decided to create a YouTube channel instead. When organization that would bring artists from all over together. From in-person workshops
she returned to in-person schooling in August, Lauren started the Wellness Club, because to an online format, she taught artists how to problem solve, create, and build their own
she saw that her high school lacked a safe space where students could freely discuss wired cars in order to create a virtual “cruise”, or a parade, of all of the artists driving their
issues that were bothering them, especially when many students were unable to interact artwork. With donations made from local establishments, her project lives on through an
with others outside a formal school setting. She also helped facilitate Magnificat’s school- annual city-wide art show.
wide Wellness Week and gave a talk on social media to the school community during
Outside of Girl Scouts, Marjorie has completed her freshman year as a music education
Wellness Week. Outside of Girl Scouts, Lauren loves being a faith mentor for her parish
major at the University of Akron where she is a member of the UA marching band, UA
youth group, writing for her school yearbook, and participating in Neuroscience Club,
Blue and Gold Brass pep band, symphony concert band, and an active brother of the
Marketing Club, Shakespeare Club, and Campus Ministry. She looks forward to graduating
service fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi. She is currently working on her Eagle Rank through
high school in the Spring of 2022, attending college, and volunteering with Girl Scouts in
Scouts BSA’s troop 7153 in Silver Lake.
the future.
Sam Tarolli, Westlake, OH
Kathryn Spinner, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Renovation of the Colors+ Youth Center
Cuyahoga Falls Postcard Project
Sam Tarolli, a graduate of Westlake High School has been a Girl Scout for 13 years. Over
Kathryn Spinner is a 2020 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High school and she’s been in Girl
that time, she has had the privilege to earn her Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
Scouts for 12 years. Kathryn’s postcard project was inspired by her art teacher and will
As a LGBTQ+ Girl Scout she saw the chance to give back to her community. With LGBTQ+
live on through the CFHS Art Department. She distributed blank postcards throughout
youth all around the country not having a safe space to express themselves, she took the
the city to residents of all ages to be returned decorated and depicting a memory or
opportunity to help renovate a local up-and-coming center to eventually reach its greatest
favorite place in Cuyahoga Falls. Hundreds of the postcard were returned, and with the
potential. The project started by earning money for the Colors+ Youth Center with an
help of Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership and the parks and recreation department,
outdoor yoga event. Proceeds from the yoga activity were used to purchase the items that
she was able to display the cards in the downtown pavilion windows. This afforded
Colors+ needed the most. Sam was able to work with her team to refurbish the space to
Cuyahoga Falls residents an opportunity to safely view the postcards and attracted many
make it feel more like home. Along with new furniture, Sam got the kids that attend the
visitors during the pandemic. On June 23rd, Fox 8 News highlighted her project in their
center to help create a collage of their art, as well as creating a large canvas mural with a
“Helping Cleveland’s Own” segment. The postcards were archived by the local historical
team of other friends and scouts that displays the center’s name.
society and live on through social media.
In addition to Girl Scouts, Sam is involved with the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland as a
Katy is studying art education at The University of Akron, plays cymbals in the UA
youth ambassador and was involved in Westlake Girls Soccer for over 10 years. She plans
marching band, is a member of Tau Beta Sigma Music Sorority, serves on the board for
to attend the University of Pittsburgh with a major in political science.
Collide, and works full time in the summers as an area director for Camp Manatoc. She
is also a member of Scouts BSA Troop 7153, based in Silver Lake, and is in the proposal
stages of her Eagle Rank.
Trillian Vaughn, Louisville, OH
Wildwood Park Playground Equipment Installation
Trillian Vaughn, a graduate of Louisville High School, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. She
has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. . Trillian realized that Louisville’s
Wildwood Park needed some rehabbing. She set her plan in motion to create a safe space
for kids around the neighborhood. To make this happen, she collected $7,000 to purchase
commercial playground equipment, and then installed the equipment with a team of
Louisville high school students and scouts who volunteered their time and effort. Louisville
residents now have something new for the children to enjoy. In addition to Girl Scouting,
Trillian was a member of her high school marching band, Speech & Debate, honor’s society,
and French Club. She is an honor’s program student at Kent State University where she is
completing a Bachelor of Architecture with plans of a Master of Architecture.
18 19Regina Wolf, Amherst, OH
Change through Art Board of Directors
Regina Wolf, a 2020 graduate of Amherst Steele High School, has been a Girl Scout for Judith Matsko – The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma
13 years and is now a Lifetime Member of the Girl Scouts of the USA. She has earned Chairperson
her Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Students, staff, church, and community
members will benefit from her Gold Award project. Prior to COVID, Regina had a plan to Chris Venditti, MBA, CSSBB – Moen Incorporated
revamp a local dance studio. The pandemic may have derailed her initial plan, but she Vice Chair
moved through it and worked with her local church. Regina worked with her team to
create a diverse mural that represented all kids everywhere in the preschool classroom. Cindy Skelton-Becker – Nordson Corporation
Regina chose this particular mural to make the space more welcoming for everyone and Secretary
to remind members that racial diversity is important. Her completed project will help to
create and promote awareness and dialogue about our country’s racial diversity. Kate Asbeck, Retired Finance Executive
Treasurer
Regina is going into her sophomore year at Bowling Green State University with a major
in music theatre and a minor in dance. She has been a member of the Bowling Green
State University Falcon Marching Band, University Dance Alliance and Falconettes. She
aspires to perform in Disney and Broadway shows. She hopes to be a professional dance Members-at-Large
choreographer and own her own dance studio someday.
Allison Baker - Nestlé
Diana Bilimoria, PhD – Case Western Reserve University
Faith Wynn, Uniontown, OH Tami Bolder, CPA/ABV, ASA, MBA, DBA - CBIZ Valuation Group, LLC
Lend a Life Vest
Robyn Gordon - NASA Glenn Research Center
Faith Wynn, graduate of Green High School, has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. She has
earned her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Her Gold Award project was a Lend a Life Joseph Gutkoski, Esq. – Signet Jewelers
Vest Station. The purpose of the Lend a Life Vest Station at Portage Lakes State Park boat
dock is to protect and help the boating community. Boating families can come, borrow a Matthew Inks – KeyBank
life jacket, read about life jacket safety, and go out on the water safely. After their time on
Kathy Moock – Community Volunteer
the water, they return the life jacket to the station where it can hang and dry or be put into
the storage container. In addition to Girl Scouts, Faith is also involved with the local Sea Sandra Rapp – TravelCenters of America
Scout Ship 5001 and NYLT Boy Scout camp. She is also fluent in French and is currently
attending the University of Cincinnati with a double major of international business and Nicole Rodenfels – LifeAct
operations management. She is also completing a minor in French in hopes of being able Laura Schultz, Esq. – Preservation Retirement Services
to live and work abroad.
Ellen Stephens, SHRM-SCP – The Sherwin-Williams Company
Karen Stock, PhD – Walsh University
Thank you to our Gold Award Committee Heather Valentino – Greater Cleveland RTA
Elise Alexander Betsy Gorrell Abigail Richardson Vivian von Gruenigen, MD – NEOMED
Julie Ash Kim Helms Chelsea Rodgers Christine Walker – FirstEnergy
Carol Beasley Beth Herman Holly Sauder
Chris Young, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC – Akron Children’s Hospital
Lisa Breier Christy Higbee Jackie Sosnowski
Mary Lou Britton
Joy DeMarco
Kathi Kovacic
Elizabeth Malloy
Marjorie Steele
Elaine Watson
Girl Members-at-Large
Linda DeMarco Christine Michael Sandi Werbeck Shelby Bennett
Linda Foy Kelly Nemetz Carol Williams Sydney Harbour
Robin Gelet Karen Payne
20 21Juliette Gordon Low Society
Palmer & Cay salutes The Juliette Gordon Low Society was established in memory of our founder, Juliette Gordon Low,
the achievements of to thank and honor friends of Girl Scouts who choose to make Girl Scouts of North East Ohio part of
Gold Award
their legacy and a beneficiary of their estate plans. With their foresight and planning, these donors are
crucial to ensuring that our council will be able to provide future generations of Girl Scouts with opportunities
to reach their fullest potential.
Girl Scouts
Samuel E. Adams Sr.* Tina Marie Collins Lizbeth W. Kohler Margaret A. Renwand
Erik and Eva Andersen- Laura Bailey Culp Carole A. Krupa Susana L. Rogers
Girl Scout Movement-wide Meredythe Gray Daley Gabrielle Love Kathleen Scheutzow
Challenge Planned Gift
Donna M. DeFiore Dot MacIntyre Laura and Tim Schultz
Mrs. Nancy D. Barker*
Gunta Douglas Lisa Maida Elsie Sickafoose*
Dianne Belk and Lawrence
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio Calder-
Girl Scout Movement-wide
M. Elizabeth (Beth) Frank Sharon Mathie M. Elizabeth “Liz” Smith*
Brenda Heidinger Judith E. Matsko Pamela Valentine
Challenge Planned Gift
Bette Mae Jirran* Leslie R. McGinnis G. June Van Dette*
Mary Lou A. Britton
Claudia W. Jones Debbie Minerich Joan P. Villarreal
Patricia A. Broughton
Nan P. Jubell* Sue Neff Ara Lou Waldock*
Amie & Phil Cajka
Mona Karoghlanian Benjamin G. and Jane Norton Marc and Julie Weagraff
Marian R. Calvin
Martha C. Kelly* Mary W. Parker* Michele L. Weilnau
Jane Christyson and Bob
Pam Kirik Joyce Randall* *deceased
Mahoney
Kimberly Klima Sandra L. Reid
To learn more about the Juliette Gordon Low Society, contact VP of Fund Development
Julie Weagraff at 330-983-0399 or jweagraff@gsneo.org.
Insurance • Risk Management • Employee Benefits
www.palmerandcay.com
22 23Thank you to our generous sponsor:
Palmer & Cay
GSNEO • One Girl Scout Way • Macedonia, Ohio 44056
Girl Scouts @gsneo @gsneo @gsneo
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