AWARD CEREMONY Celebrating Those Who Have Earned the Highest Achievements in Girl Scouting
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AWARD
CEREMONY
Celebrating Those Who Have Earned
the Highest Achievements in Girl Scouting
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Honoring our Class of 2021
Gold Award Girl Scouts and
Silver Award Girl Scouts
GIRLS CHANGE
THE WORLD
THE GIRL SCOUT PROMISE
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
THE GIRL SCOUT LAW
I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Make new friends,
but keep the old.
One is silver,
and the other’s gold.
A circle is round,
it has no end,
that’s how long
I want to be your friend.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 2
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Presentation of Honorees Kelsey Aggrey, Emcee
Opening Ceremony Rutland and Worcester Troops #30010,
#30048, #30862, and #41032
Welcome Kelsey Aggrey
Opening Address Patricia Hallberg, GSCWM CEO
Board of Director Address Joan Bertrand, President/Chairwoman
Keynote Address Carolyn Stempler, CEO for the Greater
Worcester Community Foundation
Presentation of Awards Patricia Hallberg
Joan Bertrand
Congratulatory Messages from: Judith Batty, Interim CEO of Girl Scouts of
the United States
Senator Tammy Duckworth
Closing Ceremony Rutland and Worcester Troops #30010,
#30048, #30862 and #41032
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 3
Dear Gold Award Girl Scout,
Congratulations on your extraordinary achievement in earning the Girl Scout Gold
Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn!
Today, we celebrate your accomplishments as the culmination of your Girl Scout
Leadership Experience. You have demonstrated dedication to empowering yourself
and improving your community. You are now part of the legacy of impressive Girl
Scouts who have been making meaningful, sustainable change in their communities
and around the world since Girl Scouting began in 1912.
You are a source of pride for the adults who have watched you grow and excel, and a
role model for others in your community.
Many of you are graduating from high school, and we hope you will remain a part of
our sisterhood by becoming an adult member. Wherever you go next, your Girl Scout
experience goes with you. And your Gold Award sets you apart as a confident leader
and visionary change maker.
You are the embodiment of the Girl Scout mission: a young woman of courage,
confidence, and character, who makes the world a better place. We look forward to
seeing what you will do next and how you will fulfill the pledge you have taken so
often, “to live by the Girl Scout Law.”
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Patricia Hallberg Joan Bertrand
Chief Executive Officer President/Chairwoman
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 4
Congratulations to our
2021 Gold Award Girl Scouts
Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and the doers who take “make the world a better
place” to the next level. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable—proof
that not only can she make a difference, but that she already has.
Seniors and Ambassadors who earn the Gold Award tackle issues that are dear to them and
drive lasting change in their communities and beyond. Think of the Gold Award as a key that
can open doors to scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, and amazing career
opportunities.
ERIN ARSENAULT Leicester •
Music Lending Library for Leicester Public Schools
When Erin realized many fellow students could not play an instrument due to the cost,
she wanted every student to have the opportunity to play. She set a goal of collecting
musical instruments that could be loaned out to students that wanted to learn how to play.
In the end, she collected 25 instruments, raised funds to help repair and maintain those
instruments, and set up a system at the high school to enable students to 'check out' an
instrument for as long as they were in the school system.
Music should be available to everyone, not just those students that can afford it.
MADISON BERARDI Grafton •
Grafton Land and Trust Reference Guide
A lifelong resident of Grafton, Madison first learned about the Grafton Land Trust as a
high school sophomore when they made a presentation at her school. Impressed and
intrigued by what she learned, she set out to learn more and to share it with others.
She created picture book reference guides to help her community become familiar with
Grafton’s open space, natural areas and trails. Madison donated guides to each of the
town’s elementary schools and the Grafton Public Library.
Because of Girl Scouts, I now feel confident in starting and completing a large-
scale project that has many components.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 5
CATHERINE BEZIO Erving •
Educating Youth on Working Dogs
Service dogs are known to be of benefit to many people with disabilities, PTSD or anxiety
assisting with day-to-day living increasing quality of life. But many people don’t know
how to respect the service dog or its tasks so Catherine wrote and published a children's
book about what to do when you see a service dog, provide basic dog safety as it relates to
approaching a strange dog and to explain the different types of working dogs. More than
30 copies of the book were donated to schools and local libraries and more have been
sold via online book retailers. Catherine presents on the topic and will continue as long as
people are willing to learn.
Girl Scouts has given me opportunities: the opportunity to learn, to teach, to
travel and to serve others.”solute best and to keep serving others and giving back
to your community.
EVANGELINA BURDICK Hudson •
Drainage and Path Improvements at Camp Green
Eyrie Dining Hall
A fondness for Girl Scout camp helped Evangelina choose a Gold Award project to benefit
Camp Green Eyrie. Working with the site ranger she engineered a drainage system using
sustainable trail materials to get campers to and from the camp dining hall on a mud-free
path. Negotiating materials and securing volunteers for installation helped develop her
leadership skills through implementing delegation, teamwork, and organization.
Girl Scouts means that I am always connected to a web of strong females who will stand
up for one another, just like Girl Scout sisters.
SERENA CROTEAU • Agawam
Safety Stash
After being part of the A.L.I.C.E. training at her high school, Serena was inspired to create
"Safety Stash" buckets which contain emergency supplies in case of a school lockdown or
other emergency. She set about soliciting and collecting enough items to fill 100 buckets
and recruited and managed her team to fill them. Her buckets contain baby wipes,
whistles, water, first aid kits, glow sticks, flashlights, batteries, bungee cords, tissues,
door stoppers, bug spray, and latex free gloves.
Being in Girls Scouts taught me to work with others, be responsible, safe and be
an active member in my community.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 6
JULIA DONATI • Williamstown
Tree Planting 101
Julia credits Girl Scouts for helping her develop an appreciation for nature and the
environment. She chose trees for her Gold Award project and used her art skills to create
a digital pamphlet outlining the merits of planting a tree for every one removed and the
considerations for selecting a tree to match its environment. She shared her enthusiasm
for trees reading The Lorax to kindergarten classes and planted many trees in her
community.
I’ve learned it’s better to finish something good than never finish something
perfect.
ERIN EWING Feeding Hills
•
Fitness On-the-Go
Erin created Fitness On-the-Go to offer community members of all ages a way to build
and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a
goal of inspiring others to get active regardless of age or access to workout equipment,
she created levels of exercises for beginner, intermediate and advanced individuals
with circuits including warm-up, five exercises and cool-down stretches. She built and
provided signs with exercise instructions for her community’s senior center, public library
and parks and recreation facility.
Girl Scouts means making a difference in not only my own life, but those of my
friends, family and community.
BREANN HACKETT • Granby
Art for Hearts
Knowing that making art can be quite soothing, Breann wanted to provide a simple way
for children in the hospital to access art. She illustrated a detailed how-to-draw book with
easy to follow, step-by-step instructions which she digitally colored and donated several
copies to the local hospital. She solicited art supplies and donated art bags as well as a
digital file to keep her project sustainable.
Girl Scouts to me is a community. It is opportunities for growth I never would have had
otherwise.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 7
COLLEEN HENDERSON • Bolton
Leaving Your Legacy
Through her Leaving Your Legacy project, Colleen created a lasting gift for her
community’s senior citizens and their families by documenting their life stories and
preserving them on CD. Her interviews captured participant’s family history and tales
from their past and are preserved in the Bolton Historical Society collection of citizen
history. Her Leaving Your Legacy project will be included in the curriculum of the video
production class at Milford High School.
My interview project connects teens and seniors in my community which will help build
our character and spread inspiration for this means of connection and family importance.
KATHERINE ICKES Bolton •
Fall "Minute to Win it" Extravaganza
Katherine wanted to inspire others the way she was inspired to help those who have
cancer. She created a kick-off event, Minute to Win It style, for the American Cancer
Society’s Relay for Life bringing cancer survivors and supporters together. She created a
how-to event planning binder for her high school’s future relay teams.
The confidence that Girl Scouts gave to me allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.
COLLEEN MCCARTHY Holden •
Bridging the Community Together
Colleen constructed a three-bin composting system for the Holden Community Garden.
She provided informational cards on how to use the system and detailed the importance
of composting for a sustainable earth. She also designed, and constructed a decorative
bridge for the benefit of all who visit Holden Community Garden as well as all current
and future Girl Scouts who now have a very effective place to conduct Service Unit
bridging ceremonies.
I learned that having the flexibility to adjust to the world in the time of a pandemic,
rather than quitting and giving up on the project made me a stronger person.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 8
JILLIAN PACCICO Milford •
Going for Gold Sensory Garden Style
Jillian worked with a dementia care unit and built garden beds to hold plants that
stimulate the five senses, also known as a sensory garden. These gardens have many
positive effects on dementia patients such as decreasing their feelings of agitation and
isolation. Letting them care for the gardens gives them a sense of control despite their
illness which can so often make them feel out of control.
Because of Girl Scouts I know that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to.
TRINITI PETRUZZELLI Grafton •
You Are Not Alone - Mental Health Awareness
Triniti knows firsthand that depression, anxiety and other mental health areas can be
overwhelming to some and knowing you are not alone can save a life. She worked with
therapists and professionals in the homeopathic community to outline a myriad of stress
and anxiety reduction strategies and methodologies which she presented to her school
and local community. She worked with Shrewsbury Youth Services and the Grafton Lions
Club to sustain her project through a grant.
Mental health issues are all around us, and so many suffer in silence. We need to let
others know they are not alone and they have areas to go to for help.
MENAJA RAJA Boylston •
"Spread [Soap] Love Everywhere You Go"
~ Mother Teresa
Menaja discovered a love for knitting during a troop service project making prayer shawls
which led her to the organization S.A.C.K. (Supporting A Community with Kindness).
From there she focused on her Gold Award project by enlisting friends, family and
community members in the U.S., England and India to crochet or knit “soap sacks” and
then donate them, with a bar of soap in each one, to local agencies that serve individuals
facing homelessness.
The various service projects that I did during Girl Scouts helped me become well versed in
service and community engagement.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 9
ADHITHRI RAJARAGUPATHI • Westborough
Junior Health Awareness Camp
Adhithri planned and provided a summer camp to bring health awareness to the local
elementary school students in her community. Health is not taught as a subject in school
until the eighth grade and she taught first aid, epidemiology, mental health and basic
anatomy as well as what goes into a healthy body and healthy lifestyle. She also started
the Global Health Awareness Initiative at her high school and the club members will
continue running the Junior Health Awareness Summer Camp every summer as well as
maintaining the website Adhithri created.
I was able to find my voice as a leader of my community and work with members of my
community in order to bring my ideas to life.
KAITLYN REED Sutton •
Don’t Trash It, Recycle It*
Kaitlyn and her troop had been redeeming plastics, cans and glass for eight years out of
the dingy, town recycling shed and she had a desire to fix it or retire it. Taking the tenants
of “use resources wisely” to heart, Kaitlyn finally found the opportunity to refurbish her
town’s recycling shed. It was when she arrived as a vocational high school student that
her project idea came together.
For me Girl Scouting was the beginning of how to learn to become a future leader. In Girl
Scouts, I had more opportunities to try different things and grow as a person.
MIRA SETTY-CHARITY Amherst •
Creating an International Students Club
Mira formed the International Students Club at her high school to raise awareness
about international communities. She organized school-wide guided discussions about
xenophobia and racism, and formed a tutoring program for international students to learn
English. What started off as a small club that worked to make donations to organizations
to help children internationally, is now an inviting club environment that continues to
grow.
Being able to work with others to voice opinions that need to be heard is so important.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 10RACHEL SILLS • Feeding Hills
Line for Life
Recognizing the hazard improperly discarded fishing line poses to aquatic life, Rachel
acquired and installed recycling tubes at multiple popular fishing ponds and along the
Connecticut River in western Massachusetts. The recycling of used fishing line stops
the harm that discarded line can cause keeping it out of the water and landfills. These
recycling tubes are becoming more and more prevalent, leading to more fisherman
recognizing and using them. Each of the public spots chosen for her tubes are being
maintained by the state park rangers.
Girl Scouts is a wonderful organization helping girls expand their horizons, learn a new
skill, and grow into young women willing and able to achieve whatever they set out to do.
EMILY SYNAN Worcester •
Helping the Homeless Feel More at Home
Emily’s project benefits her city's homeless population. She learned that people who
apply for shelter are placed based on where there are beds, not where they are from.
This leaves people in unfamiliar areas. Emily created shelter specific resource books
listing grocery stores, places of worship, mental health resources, where to apply for food
stamps, and more. Each book had a number of resources within walking distance from
the shelter with QR codes for each book, making them accessible online and on mobile
devices.
Girl Scouting means developing skills and drive that will help you for the rest of your life.
ABIGAIL THIBODEAU • Southampton
Cover It!
Abigail noticed a lack of shelter and shade over her town’s new preschool playground.
After consulting with her local town officials and the Community Preservation
Committee she was able to secure CPC funding and executed a plan. With the school’s
input, Abigail selected two steel shade shelters to protect students and teachers, and
worked with the town’s highway department on installation. Working with multiple
departments and a manufacturing delay due to COVID, this project strengthened her
project management and communication skills.
As a Girl Scout, I learned the value of making my voice heard.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 11LIZIE TORTESON Grafton •
Coping with Anxiety Using Self Care
As someone who struggled with anxiety, Lizie wanted to create a project that would not
only help her, but help teens in similar shoes. She created and hosted an online event
for Girls Inc. of Worcester presenting how to cope with anxiety, and engaging the girls
in different means of self-care. Her project will be sustained by Girls Inc. of Worcester’s
Eureka program.
I learned that so many people in today's world struggle with anxiety, and that's okay.
It's okay to not be okay.
AMBER TUCKER • South Hadley
Stuffed Love
A mental health advocate, Amber’s project provides comfort to children in sudden
stressful situations. In collaboration with the local police and fire departments, she
collected nearly 500 stuffed animals that she cleaned, sanitized and donated for the
departments to distribute to children in traumatic situations. Amber also created “ Take
Home Teddy Bear Kits” that teach children how to sew with basic teddy bear pattern and
follow along video with the help of a fellow Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts taught me to make the world a better place by spreading care and kindness
to all.
EVANGELINE WELCH Holden •
Sharing Our Stories: A Group for Youth - by Youth –
Who Have Had a Parent Die
Evangeline started a peer support group for teenagers who have experienced the death
of a parent. Following her own mother’s death in 2016, Evangeline sought out support
systems to help her cope with her loss but had difficulty finding groups comprised of
kids her age. She found that because of the stigma surrounding discussions about death,
youth have difficulty talking to their peers about their experiences with the loss of a
parent, and therefore have a harder time grieving. The Sharing Our Stories group meets
monthly. They created an online site loaded with resources for the grieving child as well
as those who want to support them. (https://linktr.ee/sharingourstoriesgoldaward)
I am able to navigate the duality of being a leader and friend and will continue to work to
improve my community.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 12GABRIELLA WILKERSON South Hadley •
Do Try This at Home Science Kits*
One STEM statistic that really stuck out to Gabriella inferred that people in STEM careers
were much less likely to come from lower socio-economic backgrounds than in other
fields. Impassioned by this she wanted to create a resource for elementary school age
students that was free and would help kids find their own passion for sciences regardless
of their background. Gabriella worked with the Springfield Science Museum to create Do
Try This at Home Science Kits, a set of six experiments kids could do at home. Originally
the project was to create a lending library of kits but the outbreak of COVID-19 lead to her
creation of six kits with prompting questions, explanations, and comparisons to the real
world as well as some supplementary videos. The kit directions are in both English and
Spanish and are accessible on the Springfield Museum’s website.
Girl Scouts has taught me that I can have significant impacts on our communities and
that I don’t have to wait until I am a certain age to begin to make positive and lasting
change. That can start at any time.
EMMA ZIMON • Holden
Beyond Driver’s Ed
When she experienced her first flat tire Emma recognized she didn’t learn everything she
needed to know about driving a car in Driver’s Ed. Taking initiative – a trait she credits
Girl Scouts with instilling – she explored what she didn’t know about a variety of car
related skills, taught herself how to deal with them, and then created a YouTube video to
teach others how to add windshield washer fluid, pump gas, navigate the drive-through
and how to fix a flat tire.
Girl Scouts taught me to take initiative and be a leader even if a topic is outside my
comfort zone.
*Gold Award Projects were completed in 2020 but due to COVID, recipients opted
to be presented their awards this year.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 13Dear Silver Award Girl Scout,
Congratulations Silver Award Girl Scout,
Your achievement is symbolic of your commitment to Girl Scouting and your
community. You have demonstrated an ability to see the world around you, identify
community challenges and initiate positive change. All of us at GSCWM are so very
proud of you.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Patricia Hallberg Joan Bertrand
Chief Executive Officer President/Chairwoman
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 14Congratulations to our
2021 Silver Award Girl Scouts
When Girl Scout Cadettes focus on an issue they care about, learn the facts, and take action
to make a difference, they gain the confidence and skills that will catapult them to lifelong
success. It all adds up to the Girl Scout Silver Award—the highest honor a Cadette can achieve.
A Place to Sit Rowan and Katherine worked with the Sterling Recreation Department to
build sustainable benches with Silver Award plaques for the tennis courts
Troop #30518: Sterling in their town. Due to COVID, the girls were not able to host a live in-person
Rowan O'Connor, Katherine Smith event so they made a video that was shown on the Recreation Department
and Senior Center’s Facebook page to introduce the community to their new
place to rest, relax, and socialize. Rowan and Katherine learned that you
shouldn’t be afraid to try new things and to make some mistakes because it
is all part of life and learning.
Birthday in a Box The girls in Troop #30457 wanted to make sure everyone has the joy of
having their own birthday party, without the stress of not being able to
Troop #30457: North afford it. Olivia, Molly, and Amanda started with festively wrapped recycled
Brookfield cookie cases, filled them to the brim with all the supplies needed to throw
Olivia Giangrande, Molly Procopio, a party, donated them to the North Brookfield Elementary Student Food
Amanda Seidler Pantry. They got their student council to agree to ensure there are birthday
boxes going forward. The girls realized through their project that they should
never take simple everyday things for granted.
Clean up and Refurbish The First Federated Church playground was not child-friendly or safe, so
Ava and Brielle set out to refurbish the playground, top to bottom. They
First Federated Church completely sanded everything down, replaced rotted wood, painted all the
Playground wood, added a baby swing, installed a new canopy and even cleaned up the
Troop #75302: Marlborough, landscape around the playground before holding a dedication ceremony with
Hudson the church. This project taught Ava and Brielle not only construction skills
and how to use hand tools, but also how to work better as a team and how to
Ava Daly, Brielle Milton help others.
East Windsor Girl Scout Ana-Lois decided that it was time to replace the old Girl Scout banner in
her town of East Windsor, Connecticut because it was in deplorable shape
Town Banner and wanted her sister Girl Scouts to be proud when they saw the banner
Troop #11220: Southwick displayed or carried at town events and ceremonies. She drafted a few
Ana-Lois Davis designs, got the feedback of her community, and then created a digital
replica that was printed on the vinyl banner that is now displayed. Ana-Lois
learned to take pride in her community and the way her sister Girl Scouts are
portrayed.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 15Feminine Hygiene Addressing the growing period poverty around the world and how so many
people do not have access to feminine hygiene products, Verena enlisted her
Products for All church and community and began a collection program to supply Walking
Troop #11634: Holden Together in Worcester with personal hygiene products on an on-going
Verena Welch basis. She has a committed team who will continue her program, including
recurring announcements in the church newsletter, weekly bulletins for
people to learn about the project and its needs, and this project has now
become one of the church’s giving projects. Verena learned how to effectively
reach out and establish relationships with others and gained confidence in
communicating with adults.
For the Love of Horses - Sarah and Megan worked with the City to Saddle program, working with
children weekly to help them learn about life on a farm, as well as caring for
City to Saddle Program and riding horses. The girls created a vaulting moves banner that is displayed
Troop #30862: Hubbardston, and used in training, as well as brush buckets, and infographics to teach
Paxton how to properly use the equipment to care for the horses. Sarah and Megan
Sarah Bunton, Megan Martin learned that patience is a virtue that helps you in all areas of life.
Game Night Larissa and Keira recognized a need at their local library to have games in
circulation for families to check them out. The girls held a public game drive,
Troop #75302: Hudson assembled and prepared the games for circulation, and held a family game
Larissa Granger, Keira Madden night to promote the library’s new program. Larissa and Keira learned that
even COVID couldn’t stop families from enjoying a good time and that they
could think of creative ideas to still meet their goals.
Girls Bathroom Avery and Addison transformed the bathrooms and locker room at Central
Tree Middle School to create a more inviting and inspirational space for
Inspirational Makeover girls, and to help boost their self-confidence as they navigate the challenges
Troop #30299: Rutland of middle school. The girls used inspirational quotes and messages to help
Avery Heppenstall, Addison Witkes girls feel more empowered and to have a lasting impact. Avery and Addison
learned that in order to get things done efficiently, you need to be in constant
communication, and that making someone smile is in itself empowering.
Helping Hearts* Working with the Springfield Rescue Mission, Hope and Marguerite
researched the needs of their local homeless population and created
Troop #12635: Agawam, flyers and newsletters to educate the public. They held presentations for
Springfield their school, community, and Girl Scout troops to further educate about
Hope Clark, homelessness, culminating in a community-wide meal making event
Marguerite Kocsmiersky yielding more than 400 sandwich meals for the Rescue Mission. Hope and
Marguerite learned that with the help of others, they can make an impact on
their community.
Introduction to GMS Transitioning to middle school can be an uncertain for students, so Uma and
Arabella created a website for 6th grade students going into Gibbons Middle
(Gibbons Middle School) School. The website was designed to help alleviate nerves, get students
Troop #41061: Westborough excited about 7th grade, and going to a new school. Their website lives on the
Uma Gopinath, Arabella Perry Gibbons Middle School webpage and consists of all the information students
will need, including an FAQ page and a form where incoming students can
ask questions. Uma and Arabella learned that part of being kind is helping
others.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 16Level the Playing Field Lillian set out to raise awareness of adaptive sports by hosting sitting
volleyball clinics with her peers to show that adaptive sports can be just
Troop #11634: Holden as fun and competitive as non-adaptive sports. She then advocated for
Lillian Michalowski increased inclusion of adaptive sports and activities in physical education
classes by participating in a newspaper interview, two television interviews,
and attending a Wachusett School committee meeting requesting that they
consider adapting their PE curriculum district-wide. Lillian’s project taught
her how to be a better advocate for herself and people with disabilities.
Loving the Library The Berlin Public Library teen section was very outdated and Gabrielle,
Hailey, and Kate re-imagined the space to make it more comfortable and
Troop #75302: Hudson inviting for teenagers to visit, sit down, and enjoy a book. The girls purchased
Gabrielle Bourassa, bean bags, new chairs, a space-saving table, new curtains, decorated the
Hailey Pearlstein, Kate Snow walls, and created an Instagram account to make programs more accessible
to teens. Gabrielle, Hailey, and Kate learned how to be flexible as the project
evolved to adapt to the challenges they encountered.
Lunch Outdoors The girls of Troop #30518 created an outdoor space for the Chocksett Middle
School students to eat lunch and relax during recess by building picnic tables
Troop #30518: Sterling and donating them. They created a video for the middle school students that
Laela Boardman, Aaliyah Cooper, could be shared during their COVID shut down so they had something to
Grace Lannon look forward to when they returned to school. Laela, Aaliyah, and Grace have
a new appreciation for working with the community and have realized how
far the commitment to hard work can take you.
Monarch Butterfly Working with the Open Space Committee and the Monarch Watch
Project, the girls of Troop #11809 worked to develop a butterfly garden
Waystation and waystation on Malone Road in Hubbardston, creating a sanctuary for
Troop #11809: Hubbardston Monarch butterflies to help bring back the declining population. Isabel,
Isabel Coviello, Madisyn Kaijala, Madisyn, Destiny, Jasmine, and Summer worked together to inform the
Destiny Young, Jasmine Young, Hubbardston community of the importance of these pollinators and to
Summer Young inspire them to help their cause. The girls learned that you can plant a flower
and it may grow, but if you nurture a flower it will grow.
Over The Rainbow Olivia repaired and remodeled the church nursery at the First United
Methodist Church in Hudson and brought it up to COVID guidelines to make
Church Nursery it a fun and safe environment for children. She repaired holes in the walls
Remodel and Repair and chipped paint, removed all broken toys, organized and redesigned the
Troop #75302: Athol room to make it more child friendly by adding bright area rugs, curtains, and
twinkle lights around the room, redecorated, and created different learning
Olivia Noelle-Madison Mason and playing stations. This project taught Olivia how to plan and oversee an
entire project while making a difference in the lives of children.
Planting for Pollinators McKenzie and Elizabeth raised awareness of Colony Collapse Disorder (the
absence of bees) by creating brochures and newsletters that were distributed
Troop #11639: Springfield to the Springfield community. The girls planted pollinator-friendly plants
McKenzie Deperry, at multiple locations and shared information about why bees are important
Elizabeth Moccia to us and why pesticides are so dangerous to bees’ survival. McKenzie and
Elizabeth learned that even at a young age and with obstacles in the way,
they can help their community.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 17Project W.I.L.D. There were three parts to Noelle’s project: replacement and restocking of a
community Little Free Library at Wild Oats Market with books on diversity
(Williamstown Inclusivity, and inclusion, development of a Story Walk on Spring Street in downtown
Literacy and Diversity) Williamstown, and reading books on inclusion and diversity on WilliNet,
Troop #12940: Williamstown Williamstown’s community television station. She promoted literacy among
local families as well as diversity and inclusion in ways that are safe in these
Noelle Dravis pandemic days. Noelle discovered that she is very comfortable in front of a
camera and reading books out loud.
Read With Furry Katelyn, Joshika, and Meredith arranged volunteers with certified therapy
dogs to go to Fales Elementary, the Westborough Public Library, and the
Friends* Southborough Public Library where emerging readers from grades K-3 could
Troop #41061: read to the dogs. The program will continue to benefit the children at two
Southborough, Westborough of the locations by Tufts Paws for People and Tails of Joy, and donation bins
Katelyn McCarthy, for dog rescue organizations have been arranged. The girls learned about
Joshika Prabhugee, leadership and taking control of things.
Meredith Swanson
Respect Your Referee Through signs she created and posted at the soccer fields throughout her
town, Alyssa’s project addressed the need for players and parents to pay
and Coaches attention to how they treat coaches and referees during games, and treating
Troop #30255: Fitchburg all players with respect. She also created parent, coach, and player contracts
Alyssa Medley that everyone will sign at the start of every soccer season. Alyssa learned
that although things can be tough to figure out, time and dedication are
worth it in the end.
Restoring Berlin Public The Berlin Public Library needed better seating for their outdoor activities
so that more children and teens would feel welcome to participate. Sadie
Library Picnic Tables used materials that will help prevent the tables from rotting again to repair
Troop #75302: Berlin the two picnic tables that were falling apart and finish them to match the
Sadie Michelson other existing tables. She also instructed the library on how to care for the
tables and gave them extra materials for maintenance. Sadie learned that in
order to be successful, you need to set deadlines to get things done and have
discipline in your work.
School Bathroom Ava, Allyson, and Jenelle stripped down the lobby bathrooms at Chocksett
Middle School and painted them with a fresh, bright color so that visitors
Painting* would have a better image of their school when using them. The girls held
Troop #30520: Sterling a grand opening of the freshly painted facilities for the students and faculty.
Ava Bouley, Allyson Fisher, This project taught the girls that even just a small change, such as a fresh
Jenelle Remy coat of paint, can make a difference and brighten the lives of others.
Supplies for Skilz Kate and Danika know that students and teachers both need school supplies
in order to have a successful learning environment. The girls arranged a
Troop #11594: Northborough school supply drive for the schools in Worcester, created a badge for other
Kate DiTullio, Danika McLaughlin Girl Scouts to earn while learning about the need for school supplies, and
enlisted the help of another troop to carry on with the donation boxes. Kate
and Danika learned that keeping the main goal in mind and working hard
will help you work through any challenges that come up.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 18The 3R’s: Reduce, Reuse Charlotte taught the students at her school how to reduce, reuse, and
recycle, and gave them information about helping the environment and
and Recycle with Charlie earth. When COVID caused the school to shut down, she turned her efforts
Troop #12635: Springfield to educating the public through YouTube videos on helping the environment
Charlotte Kocsmiersky and DIY craft videos she created. Charlotte learned that not everyone will
always want to help you, which is why you have to be the one to inspire them
and be the first to make a change.
TBI/Suicide Awareness By designing t-shirts in memory of Sensei Jack with suicide hotline
numbers on them, Maeve turned her grief into bringing awareness to others
in Memory of Judo Jack about traumatic brain injury and suicide. Working with several councilors,
Troop #11634: Holden neurologists, and psychologists, she made flyers and pamphlets containing
Maeve Clarke information on what to look for and resources that are available for people
who may need them and for those who are surrounded by others they think
may have suicidal thoughts and some kind of TBI. These were distributed
at gyms and dojos of high contact sports. Maeve learned how to look for
signs, how to be more aware of people around her, and what people are going
through on a day-to-day basis.
*Silver Award Projects were completed in 2020 but due to COVID, recipients opted
to be presented their awards this year.
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 19Dear Bronze Award Girl Scout,
Congratulations Bronze Award Girl Scout,
This award symbolizes your teamwork and dedication to making a difference in your
community. You worked hard and you have made a difference. We are so proud of
you.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Patricia Hallberg Joan Bertrand
Chief Executive Officer President/Chairwoman
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 20Congratulations to our
2021 Bronze Award Girl Scouts
When Girl Scout Juniors team up to make a difference in their community, they learn
important leadership skills, discover new passions, and watch how seemingly small actions
make a big difference. It all adds up to the Girl Scout Bronze Award—the highest honor a
Junior can achieve.
Accessible Swing in Local Park Eliminate Styrofoam in our
Troop #64554, Northampton School District
Victoria Bagley, Tali Cohen-Hamer, Madeline Troop #11395, Harvard
Doby, Sienna Heart, Elizabeth Hoffman, Charlotte Lena Aloise, Grace DesJardins, Ella Green, Victoria
Mackenzie, Caroline Murphy, Eva Ren Mukiibi, Christine Taylor, Jacqueline Wilkins
Bolton Girl Scout Project Girl Scout Cookbook and
(YouTube) Safety Guide
Troop #64567, Bolton Troop #40398, South Hadley
Casey Becker, Melanie Bucher-Mehling, Kelsey Lily Bicket, Maya Bodon, Natalie Bodon, Lily
Dinjian, Kaitlin Dowds, Kate Grutchfield, Madeline Calvanese, Zosha Dimock, Olivia Ferreira,
Larrabee, Chloe Sparks, Violet Thomas Ayvalee Greenia-DesRochers, Ellianne Grennia-
DesRochers, Jordyn Kazeroid, Kassidy Thai, Esme
Cheerfulness Snowflakes Okraska
Troop #30289, Millbury
Valerie Allain, Ava Lucke, Lily Rice, Allison Helping the Animals
Testagrossa, Anna Weeks Troop #64529, Southbridge
Gianna Bedard, Autumn Gatto, Teagan Humphrey,
Clothes for Foster Children Mara Ingalls, Ashley Kennedy, Sydnee Kirouac,
Alissa Lund, Nora Miller, Anastasia Nieuwenhoff
Troop #64534, Whitinsville
Kailyn Darnell, Chloe Koopman, Belle LeClair,
Abigail Leveille, Natalie Malley, Ayla Schotanus, Helping Those in Need
Caroline White Troop #30149, Milford
Elise Cartier, Giana Da Cunha, Maya Deleon, Emily
Craven Field Repairs Hodges, Melanie Jencks, Emily Kee, Jayla Lewis,
Ashley Marcotti, Shaylynne Rappazini, Melani
Troop #64580, Townsend Roxo, Chloe Salus, Sophia Silva, Ellyanna Wallace
Madison Mitchell, Kaely Turgeon
Homeless Bags
Differences Are What We Are Troop #11956, Chicopee
Juliette, East Longmeadow Evelyn Piszcz
Emily Paseos
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 21Kindness Tree Single Use Plastic Awareness
Troop #30634, Westborough Troop #14412, Sturbridge
Shaynan Boardman, Nina Blumberg, Allison Anya Couture, Lila Grant, Emma Haffty, Caleigh
Cerniglia, Ava Hoffman, Iris Last, Elizabeth Litman, Hendrick, Ella Herrick, Madilyn Kerrissey, Stephanie
Laeba Majid, Hannah Newmark, Elizabeth Perry, Krog, Annaleise Olander, Lilliana Perreault, Lily
Charlotte Perryman, Mia Vaillette, Kaitlyn Zogg Recknagel, Kiley Ryan, Sara Savard, Madison
Weetman
Masks for High Risk and
Essential Workers Teacher Thank You Gifts
Troop #62486, Hudson Troop #65009, Westborough
Keelyn Balcher Mila Aldrin, Emma Buckland, Charlotte Dullea,
Elizabeth Gibson, Hadley Hardin, Ruthvi Havaldhar,
Lottie Homer, Divya Mekala, Victoria Murphy,
Meeting Community Needs Geetika Seethammagari, Sri Suktha Thabati, Helen
During the Pandemic Uysal
Troop #62486, Hudson
Peyton Bossart, Rylie Bossart, Maria Carrara, Julia Toiletry Drive for Veteran's Inc.
Klinedinst, Shaelyn Madden, Emilia Murphy
Troop #30050, Shrewsbury
Callie Blessington, Brianna Blum, Rhiannah
New Owner Kits Carvalho, Addison Cutting, Lauren Foley, Rebecca
Troop #11582, Uxbridge Fox, Samantha George, Emma Olson, Addison
Sobiech, Christina Thomas, Camille Teuscher, Amy
Rory Goyette
Wells
North Street School Outdoor 2020 Spread the Happiness
Garden and Classroom
Troop #64524, Westborough
Troop #64822, Grafton
Abigayle Chaber, Norah Coyle, Addison Decoste,
Maeve Brophy, Katiya Cohen, Elise Drake, Isla Anoushka Fernandes, Hannah Garland, Manha
Hall, Ava Hammond, Aneliese Ikels, Sophie Hussain, Andrea Kaluthanthri, Brooke Mathieu,
Mergentheimer, Avery O'Brien, Anabelle Partlow, Angelina Ruberti, Juliana Russo, Zofia Shapiro,
Lauren Piel, Olivia Sullivan, Mackenzie Williams Violet Shimer, Ellie Vaccarino, Arushi Vora
Only One You- Video Wildlife Rescue
Troop #64548, Baldwinville Troop #30016, Milford
Samantha Boumil, Isabella Currie, Ryleigh Kailyn Croeber, Hailey Dodd
Lafrennie, Lillian Morrilly, Kelly Taylor
Pet Enrichment Toys
Troop #30016, Milford
Bryanna Humiston, Victoria Powers, Leah Schepis
Project Hope
Troop #11582, Hopedale
Megan Alley, Madison Buttonow, Mabel Carreiro,
Rose Deering, Sophia De Oliveira, Delaney Dicken,
Kelly Kavanagh, Ella Raiche, Olivia Shepard
School Supplies Donation Bin
Troop #30016, Milford
Katelyn Mackenzie, Tayah Pisani
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 22KELSEY AGGREY CAROLYN STEMPLER
EMCEE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Kelsey Aggrey is a 2019 Gold Carolyn is currently the Interim
Award Girl Scout. This is her President and CEO of the
second year emceeing our Gold Greater Worcester Community
& Silver Award Ceremony. Foundation; taking over that
She currently attends the role after serving as its first
University of Valley Forge, female Black Board Chair. Her
majoring in Music Education career spans 37 years, working
with a minor in Church Music. in technology and her own
In the future, she plans to be businesses as an entrepreneur.
either an elementary or middle Involved with several Central
school music teacher. She is Massachusetts organizations,
looking forward to impacting Carolyn is a purpose-driven leader
the next generation in a working to promote and advance
positive and life-changing way! equality in her community.
Congratulations Erin
on your Gold Award!
Troop #11077, Shannon, Emily,
Kayla, Sadie and Claudia
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 23Congratulations Brielle The Girl Scouts of
on earning your Grafton Lakes are so
Silver Award. proud of our 2021 Gold
Award Girl Scouts!
We are all very
proud of you. Congratulations,
Madison Berardi,
Love, Triniti Petruzzelli,
Mom, Dad and Daniel & Lizie Torteson!
Contratulations to
Emily Synan
for earning your
Gold Award.
The Silver + Gold
Belles Service Unit
is very proud!
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 24Congratulations to Erin Arsenault
on earning the Gold Award.
We applaud your success on
earning the highest award
in Girl Scouts!
The Strawberry Hills
Service Unit Team
Hadley Girl Scouts
Congratulates
Gold Award
Recipient
Amber Tucker!
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 25Little girls with dreams, become
women with a vision.
Emily, we are so very proud of
you! We can’t wait to see your
dreams become reality.
Love, Mom and Dad, Conor and
Fiona, and your extended family
From Daisy to
Ambasador-Bronze,
Silver now Gold-Continue
to reach for the stars!
We are so proud!
Love,
Nanny, Grampy
+ Family
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 26Congratulations to
Olivia Giangrande,
Molly Procopio,
Amanda Seidler
on earning the Silver Award.
We are proud of each of you!
- The Strawberry Hills
Service Unit Team
Congratulations
Addison Witkes!
We are so proud
of you earning
your Silver Award
and of your many
accomplishments
with Girl Scouts!
Love, Mom, Dad
and Coco
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 27Congratulations Erin on your
Gold Award!
Love, Mom, Dad, Haley, Stela,
Astro, Luna, Marvin,
Frogger and Sushi
Catherine:
Your dedication to the
things you love never
ceases to amaze us!
Your book shows your
dedication to animals
and the people who need
them. Congratulations on
your Gold Award! We are
very proud of you!
Love, Mom and Dad
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 28Congratulations
Liz and McKenzie!
We are so proud of you.
- Troop 11639
Anna
Charlotte
Emily
Emma
Gracie
Janitza
Lily
Savannah
Ms.Becky (mom)
Ms.Jill
Ms.Kelly
Mrs. Houldson
Mrs. Moccia (mom)
Mrs. Rosado
Mrs. Sullivan
Ms. Westmoreland
2021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 292021 GOLD SILVER AWARD CEREMONY 30
Gold Award Committees
Our council is fortunate enough to have three regional Gold Award Committees fully
dedicated to working with our Gold Award Candidates.
On behalf of GSCWM and all of the girls, we’d like to thank the Gold Award Committee
Mentors for their significant commitment of time and talent, and their dedication to the
Girl Scout Mission. You are truly making a difference in the lives of girls who, in turn, are
making the world a better place.
Jean Baxter
Paula Brault
Jenn Cherry
Mim Creamer
Glynis DeVerry
Pam Hennessy
Sue Labelle
Stacy OBey
Jane Schroeder
Tawnya Tiskus
Ann Marie Waller
Jane Wilson
Arlene Wolfe
A special thank you to tonight’s Color Guard:
Katarina Fechner and Katherine Noroian, Worcester Troop #30010
Brianna Atchison and Sam Finkle, Worcester Troop #30048
Julianne Becker and Emily Benoit, Rutland Troop #30862
Grace Kelly, Worcester Troop #41032
GSCWM would like to thank our fabulous emcee for the evening, Kelsey Aggrey.
Kelsey became a Gold Award Girl Scout in 2019 and continues to be a shining example for
all of us today!Holyoke Leadership Center Worcester Leadership Center
301 Kelly Way 115 Century Drive
Holyoke, MA 01040 Worcester, MA 01606You can also read
