From helping vulnerable animals and supporting teen mental health to rebuilding therapeutic spaces and protecting local beaches, four members of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGF) are proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.
GSGF, which serves girls throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties, recently recognized four outstanding young women with its Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. Earned by fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts nationwide, the Gold Award honors girls who identify a community need, develop a sustainable solution, and lead a project that creates lasting change.
Although their projects addressed very different challenges, all four Girl Scouts shared a common goal: making life better for others.
Maddie Canty: Giving Kittens a Better Chance
At just 16 years old, Englewood resident Maddie Canty has already made a lifesaving impact on countless animals.
Her Gold Award project, A Hope for Kittens, focused on reducing kitten euthanasia and preventing unwanted litters throughout Sarasota County. Working with Englewood Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS), Maddie became certified in Trap-Neuter-Return, fostered abandoned kittens, coordinated volunteers, delivered educational presentations, and promoted responsible pet ownership.
Her efforts also helped secure a City of Venice proclamation recognizing February 2025 as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, leading to a community partnership that provided free spay and neuter services for local pet owners.
Alice Barr: Creating a Sensory Space for Calm
For 17-year-old Alice Barr, helping others began with her own experiences managing anxiety, especially during tests and other high-pressure situations at school.
After recognizing that many students struggle with stress and anxiety, the Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy student set out to create a dedicated Sensory Room where students could regroup, decompress, and learn healthy coping strategies.
Alice researched mental health best practices, consulted counselors, surveyed students, and raised funds through cookie sales, community donations, and a part-time job. The resulting space includes calming music, comfortable seating, fidget tools, and stress-management resources.
Despite losing key supporters during the planning process and having to present her proposal to a new administration, Alice persevered. Today, the room helps students reset, refocus, and build healthy coping skills.
Reese Gurski: Rebuilding a Trail of Hope
After hurricane damage rendered a sensory obstacle trail unusable at Bradenton's therapeutic riding center, S.M.A.R.T. with Heart, Reese Gurski stepped in to help.
The Braden River High School junior transformed an abandoned paddock into a sensory trail supporting individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Through fundraising and hands-on leadership, she repaired damaged obstacles, added new therapeutic stations, and expanded the trail to 14 sensory experiences that now benefit children and adults facing a variety of challenges.
Zoe Lander: Protecting Beaches and Wildlife
For Manatee County Girl Scout Zoe Lander, a day at the beach inspired a project with lasting environmental benefits.
After noticing how often plastic beach toys were abandoned in the sand, Zoe created a "Beach Toy Borrow Bin" at Holmes Beach's 68th Street Beach Access. Working with the city, she researched locations, selected durable materials, and built the weather-resistant structure herself.
Families can now leave behind gently used toys or borrow them during their visit, reducing waste while helping protect local wildlife and coastal habitats.
Together, these four Gold Award recipients demonstrate the power of leadership, compassion, and determination. Through Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, they have created lasting legacies that will continue benefiting their communities for years to come.
All four Girl Scout Gold Award winners shared a common goal: making life better for others.