FAQ: Fort Lauderdale Girl Scout's Gold Award Achievement and Community Impact

What is the Girl Scout Gold Award?

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious recognition attainable by Girl Scout seniors and ambassadors in grades nine through 12, highlighting projects that address real-world challenges in their communities.

Who earned the Gold Award in Fort Lauderdale?

Lilly Gonzalez, a Fort Lauderdale resident, earned the Gold Award for her project ‘Garden of Growth,’ which focused on reducing food waste through composting and education.

What was the ‘Garden of Growth’ project about?

The ‘Garden of Growth’ project addressed food waste by building a self-sustaining compost bin, conducting workshops, and implementing a system for donating excess food to a local soup kitchen.

How did Lilly Gonzalez’s project impact the community?

Her project educated over 90 preschoolers, church members, and event organizers on composting, trained kitchen volunteers in composting practices, and partnered with Feeding South Florida to promote ongoing food redistribution.

When was the Gold Award ceremony held?

The Gold Award ceremony was held during the 2025 Annual Gold Award Ceremony, where Lilly was among 27 young female leaders in the region to earn the award.

Who sponsors the Gold Award ceremony?

The ceremony received sponsorship support from Amazon, Fiserv, Florida Power & Light, Great Charity Challenge, HCA Florida Healthcare, and Publix Super Market Charities.

How can someone get involved with Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida?

To explore opportunities to volunteer, donate, or partner with Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, individuals can call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org.

What makes the Gold Award projects significant?

Gold Award projects are significant because they tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges with compassion, innovation, and leadership, making a true impact in communities and beyond.