Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently recognized Melanie Sheehan, a senior at Massapequa High School, for earning the Gold Award, the highest and most prestigious award within the Girl Scouts Organization. In order to be eligible for a Gold Award, a Girl Scout must have completed two Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador Journeys or have already received the Silver Award and completed one additional Journey. The Gold Award also requires the completion of 80-hours or more of an individual leadership Take Action project that makes a sustainable and measurable impact on an important issue, or need in the community, and that serves to educate and inspire others in the community.
“We are so proud of all the Gold Award recipients. Earning the Gold Award is a huge accomplishment and takes a great amount of dedication,” said Donna Ceravolo Executive Director and CEO of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Fewer than 5 percent of all Girl Scouts throughout the nation obtain this award.”
This award recognizes the Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts for their leadership skills and excellence. It must be completed before or during the Scout’s senior year in high school. To the majority of the girls winning the Gold Award, it is the peak of recognition and achievement.
Sheehan’s Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action Project, “Ocean Safety Awareness Campaign,” was established to address the large amount of deaths due to drowning and the increasing number of skin cancer diagnoses across Long Island. Sheehan created a video that was shown at workshops throughout her community, as well as making it viral to spread awareness even further. Those who viewed Sheehan’s video gained a better understanding of the dangers of the ocean and the skills needed to avoid these dangerous situations. From her project, Sheehan learned to think outside the box as well as how to be an effective leader in her community.
