Shelby O’Neil of our very own Girl Scouts of California’s Central
Coast has been named a 2018 National Gold Award Girl Scout, the highest award a
Girl Scout can earn. Approximately 5 percent of Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award
each year, and GSUSA selects just ten of these incredible candidates to receive
such a distinction.
Shelby
founded the nonprofit Jr Ocean Guardians to combat waste and defend the
environment. Initiating a movement called No Straw November, she encouraged
people who don’t medically need a straw to reject unnecessary plastic straws
during November, because they’re a main source of ocean pollution. As a result
of her advocacy, Shelby’s resolution proclaiming November to be No Straw November
in California was approved by the state legislature. She also
conducted a letter-writing campaign to executives at prominent corporations,
convincing a leading airline to formally discontinue its use of non-recyclable
plastic straws and working with other companies to improve their sustainability
practices. Shelby’s organization, with support from Girl Scout troops and
notable environmental activists, has eliminated the use of millions of plastic
straws and promoted reusable alternatives.
“Earning my Girl
Scouts Gold Award has given me the opportunity to use my voice to help inspire
others throughout the world, bringing awareness to the health of our ocean and
planet. I have dreamt of earning the Gold Award since the first grade and
it has been an experience of a lifetime. I encourage every Girl Scout to use
the Power of G.I.R.L. to achieve their dreams,” says Shelby.
Gold Award Girl
Scouts are shown to be more optimistic about their futures, report greater
success in reaching their goals, and typically see themselves as leaders. By
tackling an issue that they are passionate about, the girls are able to
establish lifelong networks and leave a lasting impact on their communities. In
addition to achieving their own goals, Gold Award Girl Scouts act as a positive
role model for girls everywhere.
Girl Scouts will honor all of the National Gold Award Girl
Scouts on Thursday, October 11, at a celebratory event in New York City made
possible through generous support by the premier event sponsor, Toyota Financial
Services. Through a multi-year partnership, Toyota Financial Services and GSUSA
are helping girls become financially savvy leaders; obtain real-life,
age-appropriate financial skills; and gain the tools necessary to make a
positive influence in their communities.
The National Gold Award Girl Scouts will be receiving
college scholarships from the Susan Bulkeley Butler Institute for the
Development of Women Leaders, the Kappa Delta Foundation, and the Arconic
Foundation for their incredible commitments to create true change in the world.
Join a century of women who have done big things and learn
more about the Girl Scout Gold Award!
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