2011 Silver Award Honorees

Visit our Facebook page to see photos from the Gold & Silver Ceremony.

Troop 11054, Southwick - Jane Daviau, Shaina Hibert, Taylor Keiderling, Madison Kibbe, Skye Schlosser, Amber St. Denis, Amanda Vredenburg, Victoria Vrendenburg and Aubrey Winiarski

Environmental Education

Wanting to teach others about important environmental issues such as deforestation, global warming and keeping our earth clean, Troop 11054 wrote and produced three separate puppet shows, complete with scripts, puppets, sets and scenery.

“We showed younger girls that they really CAN make a difference.”

Troop 20099, West Springfield – Emily Crowell and Amanda LaDouceur

Recycling for School

When Emily and Amanda continually observed students throwing recyclables into the trash, they knew what they wanted to address with their Silver Award project. The girls educated students on the subject and set up a recycling program at their area middle school.

“It’s worth it to do what we can to help save the environment.”

Troop 20151, Hampden – Holly Ainsworth

Showers of Love: Community Baby Shower

Wanting to help teenage mothers and families, Holly held a community baby shower to collect needed items to support four organizations. To continue to benefit these organizations, she made an informational pamphlet and posters.

“I think the most important thing I learned was how to allow people to have their dignity while giving them the help they need.”

Troop 20151, Wilbraham – Alexandra Manseau and Anna Mascaro

Wrapped in Love: Blankets for Babies

Each girl worked with different senior centers, craft stores, quilting stores and community partners to hand-make 1,440 blankets for the Baystate Medical Center NICU. They also assembled packets with the hospital’s requirements and who to contact to carry on their initiative.

“It may take time, and a lot of hard work and planning, but it would be well worth it in the end.”

Troop 20151, Wilbraham – Kenleigh Manseau

Oral History of Wilbraham

Inspired by her grandma’s stories, Kenleigh wanted to preserve the history of Wilbraham through the eyes and memories of senior citizens in town by recording interviews with town members onto DVDs and a book for the town’s library and Athenaeum Society.

“It really matters because the seniors want to share their history with other people.”

Troop 20502, Ware – Elizabeth Desjardins

Cheer Up The Troops

Elizabeth wanted to brighten up soldiers’ days, help their time go by and let them know we appreciate their sacrifices. She coordinated a letter-writing campaign at school, with other organizations and within the community. She also sent handheld games to our troops overseas.

“Sending over letters made me really proud of not only myself but also of my entire community.”

Troop 20523, West Springfield – Courtney Cloutier

Terrier Times

Wanting to share her joy of writing, Courtney aimed to empower other students to express themselves through written word. She began a school newspaper that is fully run by the student body.

“I wanted a way for kids to meet new friends, practice writing skills, and get their work out into the world.”

Troop 30114, Sterling – Elizabeth Roy

Sterling’s Gazebo

The gazebo in town needed a new set of stairs, floorboards replaced, a good cleaning, the old paint scraped off and a fresh coat put on. Elizabeth met her goal of having the gazebo finished in time for the Memorial Day Parade.

“It is a place where many of my Girl Scout memories were made and I wish the tradition to continue for my sister Girl Scouts.”

Troop 30260, North Grafton – Meghan Harger

Low Cost, Healthy Ways to Cook Delicious Vegetables

Worcester County Food Bank provides food, including fresh vegetables, to over 96 distribution sites. Meghan created recipe books in English and in Spanish using these vegetables to help create low-cost healthy meals to be distributed to families.

“I discovered that if I put my mind to it, I can help enough people to fill about 2 Gillette Stadiums.”

Troop 30290, Mendon – Michaela Sweet

Community Art Show

Sharing her love of art, Michaela organized and ran an art show for children at the Milford Youth Center to show them there is more to art than just painting. Art projects run by local artists and dancing to a live D.J. rounded out the day.

“I learned that doing a charity event for the kids benefitted not only the kids but also the homeless because we collected non-perishable foods for the local food pantry.”

Troop 30441, Charlton – Tessa Johnson-Marchessault and Paige Lamica

Friends on the Hill

Feeling as though some students can be apprehensive in befriending kids with disabilities, and that they are often left out of the “teenage scene”, Paige and Tessa organized a club that introduces these students into high school activities.

“One of the Strives (special education) boys hugged a FOH member for the first time, everyone had tears in their eyes.”

Troop 30478, Northborough – Meghan Clarke, Rachel English, Haley Lyons, Jenna Lyons, Lauren McKenna,
Olivia Mott and Elizabeth Wig

Helping Children in Need

The girls of Troop 30478 hosted birthday parties for homeless children at shelters, prepared dinner and activities for children at Kids Express and led activities for younger Girl Scouts in their effort to assist children in need.

“We learned that if everything doesn’t go exactly as planned, we can still keep going and continue what we want to do in other ways.”

Troop 30481, Northborough – Kaitlin Chute, Rachael Morton, Jacqueline Weiler and Ali Zieminski

Busy Bees’ Bags of Books

The Marlborough Early Childhood Center now has a lending library room, consisting of 100 bags organized with 10 selected books each, thanks to the love of reading of Troop 30481. With over 2,000 books donated to the center, families have a lot to choose from.

“We achieved our ultimate goal, which was to create a literacy program and help young kids learn to read.”

Troop 30482, Northborough – Becky Babcock and Caroline Braverman

Senior Prom

Becky and Caroline were able to bring the senior citizens of their community out to the Northborough Senior Center for an evening of dancing, complete with period music, pictures, food, decorations and even corsages.

“You could tell by their happiness and in the pictures, that they were enjoying their time at the prom.”

Troop 30482, Northborough – Taylor Crandall and Ariel Thompson

It’s Game Time

Taylor and Ariel collected and distributed a variety of sports equipment for youth in their area through recreational sports leagues, sports associations, the local food pantry and Friendly House. They also put together an informational booklet explaining the different sports, equipment needed and registration information as a resource for their community.

 “It’s a nice feeling to know that you’re providing the solution for others’ problems.”

Troop 30482, Northborough – Bridget Owen and Nicole Ransden

Backpacks for School Success

Fresh Air Fund provides vacations in the country to inner city children. Bridget and Nicole provided 110 kids with backpacks of school supplies, books and games upon their return home. They created a scrapbook to help introduce host families to the program and the opportunities they can offer a child.

“I will never forget the girl who skipped away, she was so excited!”

Troop 30482, Northborough – Alyssa Pfannenstiel

Worcester Juvenile Court Book Drive

A visit to court can be a scary experience for a child and often involves a long wait with nothing to do. Alyssa developed a reading program in the Worcester District Court, where she was able to shelve over 1,300 books for readers of all ages to use and take home.

“I have come to learn how little these kids have and that a book of their own could turn their day around!”

Troop 30482, Northborough – Megan Robbins

Puzzles and First Reader Books for Ethiopian Orphans

First educating herself on the needs of Ethiopian orphanages, Megan used her knowledge to educate her community. She then designed and created her own set of first-reader books and sent them, along with puzzles she had collected, to children in Ethiopia.

“Many of the children may have never been to school, and this will help them when they get to the United States.”

Troop 30512, Westborough – Rachel Adduci and Jennifer Whitehall

Smile Packages

Bringing joy to children suffering from illness or domestic abuse was the focus of Jennifer and Rachel’s project. They delivered cheerfully wrapped shoeboxes filled with new toys, books and handmade cards to UMass Memorial Hospital and Abby’s House.

“The Smile Boxes will bring comfort and smiles to the children and will help make their stay a more pleasant one.”

Troop 30512, Westborough – Rachel Bryan

Gifts for Meals on Wheels

Working with younger Girl Scouts, family and friends, Rachel spent her summer making themed and holiday homemade crafts and home baked cookies. She then delivered these gifts to Meals on Wheels recipients throughout the year.

“The people who receive Meals on Wheels are alone and isolated. I wanted to brighten their day and make them feel like someone cared for them.”

Troop 30619, Hubbardston – Rebecca Carmosino and Meghan Erickson

All About Me! A Growing Up Workshop For Girls

Holding a six-week after-school enrichment series, Rebecca and Meghan taught third grade girls to feel their best, look their best and be their best in a fun and interactive way. They also worked with a Girl Scout Brownie troop to teach healthy living.

“We taught younger girls how to be healthier, think healthier, and live healthier lives.”

Troop 30673, Holden – Katharine Cooney and Colleen Sullivan

Patriotism Swells in the Heart of the American Scout

To honor veterans on Memorial Day, Katharine and Colleen taught patriotic songs to Girl Scouts in Holden, which they could sing in the parade. They created song books, recorded CD’s, taught songs at troop meetings and even led them in the parade.

“We donated the books to the town parade committee, ensuring that future Girl Scouts are able to sing loudly and proudly.”

Troop 30673, Holden – Catherine Donsbach

Storytime

Designed to encourage reading and creativity from a young age, Catherine held a summer story time program at her local library. Children were read stories and led in book-themed crafts, inspiring reading and creativity.

“It will help the kids by increasing their literacy, creativity and by improving their visual and fine motor skills.”

Troop 30801, Northborough – Sarah Babcock, Emily Hart and Emily Oakes

Hope for Haiti

Aimed at providing relief for the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and spreading awareness about the disaster, the girls of Troop 30801 created a workshop for elementary school students and provided an opportunity for them to help by holding a clothing drive.

“We learned what it might be like to be a teacher every day and gained skills in organizing an event.”

Troop 30880, Holden – Abbey DeNorscia, Sarah Gardner, Brianna LeBreton, Colleen Lindberg, Kaitlyn McMahon,
Shannon Murphy, Amy Seligman and Emily Wiegand

Special Olympics Winter Games

Members of Troop 30880 wanted to benefit children with special needs with their Silver Award. They contacted the Winter Special Olympics organization and ran activity stations such as making crowns, beaded jewelry and face painting. Each member concluded her project with an individual service piece.

“It is a lifelong memory and a great bonding experience for our troop.”

Troop 40087, Westfield – Alicia Marx

Food Pantry Project

Realizing the needs of her local food pantry extend beyond the holidays, Alicia knew she had to increase awareness throughout the year and set up a continual process for food donations. She also increased volunteerism at the pantry.

“The impact the Silver Award had on me was that I learned that no matter how small your deed, you can always make a difference.”

Troop 40087, Westfield – Samantha Tuttle

CSI: Westfield, MA

Teaching others about respecting authority, the police system and the law was the focus of Samantha’s project. Participants learned about teeth impressions, DNA, fingerprints and careers. She also started neighborhood watch
programs in over eight towns.

“It taught them to be law-abiding citizens because no matter what you have to hide, you will be caught.”

Troop 40144, South Hadley – Alexandra Fusari, Elyssa Katz, Lyndsey Pisano, Anna Robinson, Gabby Schwalm
and Olivia Slysz

Doing Our Part, Warming Hearts

Wanting to help the elderly, the girls made hygiene bags for Meals on Wheels containing items such as shampoo, face soap, hand sanitizer, tooth paste and mouth wash. They then created a pamphlet about the importance of good hygiene and its relationship to good health and delivered one with each bag.

“The memory we will always remember was how happy and grateful the recipients were when we handed them the gift bags.”

Troop 40227, Hadley – Emma Hudgik and Avery Klepacki

Bake for Dakin

Avery and Emma used their passion for animals as inspiration for their Girl Scout Silver Award project. They worked with the local animal shelter to raise awareness and support. They also organized a bake sale to raise funds which they then used to purchase much needed supplies for the shelter.

“My partner and I have a strong passion for animals and we knew that the animal shelter needed help so they could support the large amount of animals living there.”

Troop 40228, Haydenville and Worthington – Emily Allcroft and Liza Powers

Williamsburg and Haydenville Adventure Book

Emily and Liza find local history very interesting and wanted to share their towns’ rich pasts with children in grades K-4. They created a booklet containing facts, puzzles, pictures, recipes and activities about the past, as well as current activities and hikes.

“We did this because our local history is very interesting and not many kids know about it.”

Troop 40266, Hadley – Melanie Acevedo

Dakin Wish List

Creating a wish list for Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society and promoting awareness of their needs, Melanie was able to donate much needed supplies and food to the animal shelter with the help of her community and other Girl Scouts.

“I always had a love for animals and always dreamed of working with them.”

Troop 40266, Hadley – Nora Gallo

Horse Therapy

Nora taught troubled teens to train and work with horses and care for their surroundings. Together, they gave Full of Grace Farm a cleaning face-lift by brightening the facility where the horses are maintained. They left new supplies, brighter walls, and a new spirit.

“Horses mean the world to me and I see how they help people who have disabilities or are going through a rough time in their lives.”

Troop 40266, Hadley – Allyson Huntoon

Family Outreach of Amherst Art Days

Allyson brought her love of art to Eco Village and ran creative art programs, allowing children from economically challenged families an opportunity to express themselves through art. She donated craft baskets so they can continue to be inspired.

“I watched how truly imaginative and self-expressive kids are when they get a chance to let their guard down and
imaginations soar.”

Troop 40266, Hadley – Mae Moskin

Fun With Friends at Whole Children

The teens at Whole Children attended programs and participated in projects organized by Mae. Discussion groups, peer guidance, science experiments and personal journals were all a part of this program for children with different abilities and challenges.

“The teens will benefit from peer guidance, as well as gain confidence dealing with their families and friends.”

Troop 40317, Hadley – Rebecca Freitag and Katelyn Szczepanski

Leave Your Mark at Dakin

To raise the funds needed to make the 60 animal blankets they donated to Dakin Animal Shelter, Rebecca and Katelyn had donors sign a dog tag that was attached to the blankets and gave them a homemade dog biscuit as a thank you. They also donated Greenie Animal Treats.

“We chose this project out of our deep love for animals. They cannot voice their need, so we decided to speak out for them.”

Troop 40317, Hadley – Kayla Jacque and Karoline Moriarty

Girl Scout Adventure Days

Girl Scout Brownies and Juniors learned about the environment, the outdoors and wildlife during this camping adventure overnight. Girls participated in workshops where Kayla and Karoline worked with them on awards, crafts and skits.

“The girls developed new skills and our leadership skills were strengthened.”

Cadette Girl Scout, Wilbraham – Diana Gerberich

Teaching God’s Word Through Arts and Crafts at VBS

Wanting to provide a fun, creative and memorable way for children to relate to and learn about their religion, Diana organized and ran five arts and crafts stations per day for a full week, working with over 80 children a day.

“My project reached out to younger kids and engaged them in their religion by offering activities they could relate to.”

Cadette Girl Scout, Westborough – Riona Reeves

A Circle of Friendship

Using the Girl Scout song Make New Friends as a theme, Riona taught lessons such as phone etiquette, making friends, maintaining friends, friendship etiquette and netiquette at clinics for girls in grades five and up.

“I chose this project because I was really excited about healthy relationships after I completed the aMaze Journey.”