To the Editor:

On behalf of the Girl Scouts of Newtown, I want to thank the community for celebrating our Gold Award Girl Scouts on Saturday, July 16th. Six young people were honored for their work, earning the Gold Award between 2020 and 2022. The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, earned by 5.4% annually.

Congratulations to Emma Bogursky, Audrey Christensen, Rebecca Filiato, Kimmie Johnson, Taegan Smith and Mj Taylor. The Award requires Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 to spend at least 80 hours researching issues, assessing community needs and resources, building a team, and making a sustainable impact. A Gold Award Girl Scout’s accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set them apart as a community leader.

Thank you to local, state, and national leaders for honoring each recipient with proclamations, notes, and citations. We are grateful to First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, Senator Tony Hwang, and Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Raghib Allie-Brennan for taking part in the ceremony.

Thank you to Trinity Episcopal Church and the Reverend Andrea Castner Wyatt for providing a beautiful setting and convocation. Thank you to Shannon Hicks from The Newtown Bee for covering the event.

The awardees are grateful to Co-Service Unit Manager Maria Konitshek for expert baking/design skills and help in planning the event. Much gratitude to family, friends, Troop members, and project advisors for support and presence.

Finally, thank you to the Girl Scout community: Co-Service Unit Manager Monika Wieleba-Andersen, Girl Scouts of CT CEO Diana Mahoney and COO Kari Kaplan, and the Girl Scouts who took part in the presentation of colors: Fiona Shaw of Troop 50764, Ava Cash of Troop 50512, June Cash of Troop 50764, Karoline Cash of Troop 50838, Barbara Anderson of Troop 50113, Josephine DeLaurentis of Troop 50440, Blake Cash of Troop 50239, and Adeline DeLaurentis of Troop 51160.

Sincerely,

Heather Smith

Gold Award Committee, Girl Scouts of Connecticut