Reading Rocks For Gold Award

I have been a Girl Scout in Manhasset for as long as I can remember. I started as a Daisy in kindergarten, and I am now in 11th grade and have recently completed my Girl Scout Gold Award. When it was time to decide on my project, it was an easy choice. I enjoy working with young children and was aware that many can be reluctant readers. Therefore, I created the Reading Rocks project. This program makes reading fun by not only reading books enthusiastically, but also adding a fun book-related activity. I ran this program for Adventures in Learning, which is a 47-year-old program that resides at the EOC.
As a result of this project, I learned many valuable life lessons, such as leadership skills, educating and inspiring others, connecting to the community and promoting cooperation and team building. It was a very rewarding experience, and I had just as much fun, if not more, than the kids. One of the books I read was Horrible Harry and The Green Slime—the kids were thrilled to touch the green slime we made.
Some comments I have received include:
Mr. Andrew Clark, my project advisor, said, “Emily’s involvement in her community and the Reading Rocks project truly exemplifies the spirit of Girl Scouts and all young women who are looking to make a positive change in their community. Emily’s teachings took a group of reluctant young students and transformed them into lifelong learners. She is truly a positive role model!”
Ms. Holden, the executive director of Adventures in Learning, stated, “We are so very grateful to Emily for her Reading Rocks project. Her enthusiasm was truly mirrored on the faces of our first- and second-grade students each time she arrived. It was a great experience for all.”
Even though my project is officially completed, I am planning to lead sessions of Reading Rocks again. I have requested that Manhasset Special Education Parent Teacher Association sponsor Reading Rocks for the 2016-17 school year. They have agreed and I will run the program through them in the spring, with the plans of passing it on to another teen volunteer next spring. If anyone is interested in helping out, contact me at etreacygoldaward@gmail.com.
I would like to thank my entire team: Andrew Clark, project advisor; Diana Holden, executive director of Adventures in Learning; and Mrs. Franciotti and Mrs. Doulton, Manhasset English teachers. Their support and enthusiasm enabled my project to be a great success. In addition, I would like to thank my peer volunteers, Jessica Siconolfi and Samantha Wong, for their assistance in the classroom to help the activities run smoothly. I would also like to thank my Troop Leaders Ann Marie Moschitta, Joanne Thalheimer and Karen Vigliotti for their endless support and encouragement.
I will cherish the memories of this project. As I begin college in 2017 and have been contemplating various majors, childhood education has now moved to the top of my list.
Emily Treacy