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Sandy Journal

Local Girl Scouts earn top awards

Dec 02, 2016 02:51PM ● By Julie Slama

For their Bronze Award, members in troop 2235 worked together on their project, “Making a Change for Utah Refugees,” raising money to buy and deliver clothing to the refugees. (Tammie Ynda/Girl Scout volunteer)

By Julie Slama | [email protected]


Several Sandy Girl Scouts recently earned the top awards at their level and were honored at the Girl Scouts of Utah awards recognition on Nov 5.

Girl Scouting’s highest award is the Gold Award and can be earned by a girl in ninth through 12th grades. Eight girls across the state earned their Gold Awards. The Silver Award is earned by middle school–age girls; 121 Scouts earned that distinction. The Bronze Award is designed for fourth- and fifth-grade students; 212 girls earned that honor. Each award is based on leadership, volunteer hours and a project that is sustainable and that will improve the girls’ community. 

“Girls have hopes, ideas and dreams that when put into action can make an impact on society,” said Girl Scouts of Utah Chief Executive Officer Janet Frasier. “Girl Scouting’s highest awards provide a platform for girls to make a difference.”

Three Sandy Girl Scouts earned their Silver Award. 

Seventh-grader Kayla Siebeneck of troop 2547 fostered homeless dogs, including terrier mixes Gus and Bella. Then she created a video for Hearts 4 Paws about fostering pets.

“When I wondered why so many people weren’t helping with these animals, I learned they don’t know about fostering dogs,” Kayla said. “So I made a video to teach them about it. I learned that by fostering a dog, it actually helps two dogs as it opens up a space for another to be helped.”

While Kayla improved her video editing skills, she also learned the impact pets can make.

“Our community is a better place with dogs. They can cheer people when they’re depressed by improving both their mood and health,” she said.

She also learned it was difficult to say goodbye to the pets she fostered.

“It was really hard to give up Bella. I had grown so attached to her and wanted her to stay, but Sandy limits the number of dogs to two and we already have two. But I know she’ll make someone else happy,” she said.

Other Sandy Girl Scouts who earned the Silver Award include Abigail Slama-Catron, of troop 2547, who learned of the need for bibs at Sandy’s Jordan Valley School, a school that serves students from age five to 22 who have severe disabilities. She wrote to 20 businesses in four communities for donations of towels and ribbons as well as sought donations from more than 120 neighbors and friends. She then asked sewing class students in middle schools and high schools in six communities, as well as Scouts and 4H members, to join her in sewing the 180 bibs she presented to the school along with a manual that can help others sustain the “Sewing for Service” project.

Emily Steffen, of troop 2405, earned the Silver Award for her project, “We Got This!” In local schools, businesses and churches, she set up baskets in restrooms that were stocked with feminine hygiene products in case women were needing one. She also asked women with extra products to replenish the supply in the baskets they encountered. In addition, Emily made feminine hygiene car kits, which she distributed to both men and women. She said she chose the project to help teach girls to help each other.

Scouts in troop 2544 earned their Bronze Award. The girls made 60 activity kits for Primary Children’s Medical Center to ease the anxieties of being in a hospital and having surgery. The Bronze recipients who live in Sandy are Olivia Christensen, Sophia Christensen and Kiersten Luther.

Members in troop 2235 worked together on their project, “Making a Change for Utah Refugees.” This project involved researching the refugees’ needs and raising $1,200 — through two bake sales and a community yard sale — to purchase and deliver needed clothing items.