Goodyear Girl Scouts earn top honors for community impact projects

Two Goodyear students are among 27 teens central and northern Arizona to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor, for leading sustainable community projects.

The Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council recently recognized the recipients for initiatives that required up to two years of research, planning, and collaboration. The award recognizes girls who create lasting solutions to real-world challenges.

“The Gold Award challenges Girl Scouts to think big about how they can improve the world around them and bring their vision to life,” said Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC.

The Goodyear recipients and their projects are:

• Natalia Franco: A graduate of BASIS Goodyear, Franco established the "Eagle’s Nest Library" to provide K-12 students with consistent access to books. She created a permanent library space and a checkout system, including QR codes for high schoolers, that manages dozens of rentals per week. Franco, a Girl Scout for 12 years, plans to study nuclear engineering in college.
• Sophia Tew: A student at Millennium High School, Tew developed "Confidence, Strength, and Empowerment through Taekwondo" to address the lack of female role models in martial arts. She hosted workshops for nearly 30 girls, teaching beginner techniques and board breaking to build self-esteem. Tew plans to study nursing at Northern Arizona University.

The projects represent a significant commitment to leadership and community service. “The Gold Award is often the beginning of a lifetime commitment to service and leadership,” said Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC. “These Girl Scouts showcase diverse passions and perspectives, devoting their time and energy to making a noticeable difference.”

According to the council, earning a Gold Award prepares girls for future success, opening doors to scholarships, academic opportunities, and specialized career pathways.

For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org.