The Pinnacle Award, a Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana-specific award, honors Ambassador Girl Scouts who have demonstrated leadership in Girl Scouting and their communities! We were honored to recognize 19 outstanding Girl Scouts and young alums in the Pinnacle Award’s second year.
Read on to meet some of these Girl Scouts.
Girl Scout Grace, earned the Pinnacle Award by attending Camp CEO, earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, providing leadership in a girl-led interest group, and serving in a leadership capacity outside of Girl Scouts.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?
Being in Girl Scouts gives you an instant family; it has pushed me to be a better person, and that is a big part of Girl Scouts. Who doesn’t want to be a better person? Learning so much about all parts of life is another big benefit; there are opportunities, from working on cars to holding a dinner party.
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?
It is not just spa parties. There’s an opportunity to do whatever your heart desires in Girl Scouts. Some people like going outdoors (like me), and others like staying indoors. There is something for everyone within Girl Scouts.
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?
My passion is indescribable. I don’t have a reason for it; I just have it. I see an issue, and I want to fix it, and that’s what I attempt to do every day. Seeing how people live drives me to learn more and help them if necessary. Support from friends and family also really helps me keep pushing.
Grace is now a freshman in college and said, “Here, I am still making a difference, just in a unique way. I have started working on founding a zero-waste store on our school’s campus to help students and the environment all at once!”
Girl Scout Ameenah, earned the Pinnacle Award though serving as a District Delegate and program aide, earning her Bronze and Silver Award, traveling with Girl Scouts and serving in leadership positions within her service unit and community.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?
Girl Scouting taught me leadership skills and responsibilities. Girl Scouts has added a great deal to my life in the form of having the ability and opportunity to give back to a program that brought me out of my shell and made me the confident person I am today.
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?
Girls Scouts goes beyond elementary school. Those older girls at cookie booths are, in fact, Girl Scouts. That there are so many choices. That Girl Scouts is what you make it. You can do as little or as much as you want; your Girl Scout experience is entirely up to you. There are so many opportunities and options within Girl Scouts that there really is something for everyone.
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?
I want to make sure future generations don’t have to go through the same issues I had. Essentially to make the world a better place, better than at least how I found it.
What drove me was a desire to prevent future students from having the same issues I had regarding handwriting and schoolwork in general. As a left-handed student, I was told that I was using the “wrong” hand while writing even in second grade, and there is a noticeable difference in my handwriting on a desk with an arm on the right side, lacking support for people who write with their left hand, and a flat-topped neutral desk. I want to help to ensure that no students’ schoolwork suffers because of what desk they happen to sit in that day. Also, they are taught early on the skills they need to succeed as a left-handed student in this day and age.
Ameenah is planning to go to college and study engineering and continues to volunteer with a Brownie troop.
Girl Scout Erika, earned the Pinnacle Award by traveling with Girl Scouts, earning her Silver and Gold Award, and serving in a leadership position in a girl-led interest group and the community.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?
Girl Scouts creates a supportive community for every girl, allowing her to explore her curiosities and passions. In my life, Girl Scouts has led me to make friends and find a supportive, embracing community where I can explore and grow into myself.
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?
The feeling of satisfaction keeps me going, knowing I did all I could and tried my hardest. This idea is very helpful because it also applies to successes and failures. The idea that I can do anything I set my mind to gives me the drive to do difficult things and keeps me going.
What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?
I think our society needs to change to be more compassionate to other people. I can see Girl Scouts affecting these changes because Girl Scouts is “a sister to every Girl Scout,” meaning Girl Scouts already upholds these values and can influence and progress society to do the same.
Erika is looking forward to what’s next, which includes college!
Girl Scout Olivia, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze Award, serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), District Delegate, traveling with Girl Scouts, and serving in a leadership capacity within her service unit and community.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?
Girl Scouts has given me a lot of opportunities throughout my life that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. From traveling abroad (even though it was canceled due to COVID) to camping outdoors and even connecting with scouts across the country, the experiences I’ve had with Girl Scouts has forever shaped my life to where I am now.
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?
I wish people knew that Girl Scouts is for every age and we’re doing more than just selling cookies. We have been able to provide a welcoming and accepting space for everyone, and I think we should be recognized for that.
What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?
I think communities need to start accepting that the population is very diverse, and we should all be celebrated for it. I think Girl Scouts has done a good job at providing inclusivity and representation for younger girls, especially when they may not be in a diverse area. Additionally, as a suggestion, I would love to see Girl Scouts advocate more for community service outside of earning awards; service shouldn’t be something required, rather it should be something that they learn is important for everyone.
Olivia is currently a freshman majoring in biology and minoring in East Asian language and culture. She keeps in touch with her old troop and enjoys sharing her Girl Scout experiences with her peers!
Girl Scout Shaela, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, serving as a program aide, CIT (counselor-in-training), and serving in a leadership capacity within her service unit and community.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?
Girl Scouting is something that I truly value and treasure close to my heart. It has been such a constant part of my life for the longest time that I honestly couldn’t imagine life without it. It has helped me to communicate effectively, form life-long friendships, network with others, lead when needed, and it has improved my confidence as a person. I have grown so much due to Girl Scouts, and that development is something I will not take for granted. Through all the meetings, camps, projects, trips, journeys, and events I have participated in, I have learned how to be strong, determined, compassionate, courageous, caring, helpful, and so much more. I have learned not only how to “make the world a better place” but how to follow each step of the Girl Scout Law and Promise. The values included in those words are values that I hold true in my personal life, and because of this, Girl Scouts is a program that means the world to me. The lessons and skills I have been taught through the program are priceless, as has my time being a loyal member.
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?
I wish others knew about the incredible experiences Girl Scouts can offer! Girl Scouts gives young women amazing opportunities to explore their communities, the natural world, leadership experiences, service engagements, and so much more! They infuse young women with confidence, kindness, strength, resilience, and charity. It is truly an organization that empowers young women to take on the world and reach their full potential.
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?
As someone who has been active in volunteer service for many years, my drive to continue to make a difference is something that is housed deep inside my empathy and compassion toward others. I have always had a very strong connection with people, and I am often able to tell how others are feeling and place myself in their shoes without any difficulty or hesitation. I can see the stress and painful emotions that can follow others like a dark shadow, and that motivates me to take action. I wish more than anything to provide aide that can assist in making that shadow leave my community and the world, as well as to establish peace and understanding for all. Getting rid of these negative emotions and actions that exist today is how humanity can achieve true unity. That goal of having acceptance, aid, equity, and love in the world is what keeps me going.
Shaela has bridged to adults and is a college student. She shared, “Girl Scouts still remains a part of my life, however, as I continue to engage in service opportunities on my campus that bring people together for a great cause, just like Girl Scouts. I reflect upon the wonderful times I had in my troop at each service event that I attended, and I am always incredibly grateful for the passion and dedication it taught me. Girl Scouts gave me the powerful value set and drive for service that I still hold dear today. I hope to engage in Girl Scouting after my educational career as well.”
Girl Scout Emily, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, attending Camp CEO, and providing leadership within a service unit.
What is the value of Girl Scouts in your life?
Girl Scouting has provided me with countless lifelong friendships and memories that I will cherish forever. Girl Scouts has helped me realize that I can make a difference in the world if I put my mind to it. After I got my Gold Award, I felt like I could now accomplish anything. I now notice so many ideas for community service projects; I just want to help them all.
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?
I think that it is a common idea that Girl Scouts is just an after-school activity for younger girls where they sell cookies. Yeah, that is a part of it, but I wish others would realize that Girl Scouts has so many amazing opportunities for older girls. Whenever I tell someone I’m a Girl Scout, they seem to say, “Let me know when you’re selling cookies.” I always respond by telling them about my Gold Award project.
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?
Anytime I notice something that I know I can change for the better, I try to do it because there might not be someone else after me to make the change. In my experience, people are hesitant to initiate any change but will engage in efforts once someone is there to lead them. I know that I can at least get an effort started and that people will follow.
What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?
I think people need to be more respectful of different opinions. In my community, people seem to get aggressive toward individuals with opinions different than their own. Girl Scouts has a strong emphasis on being respectful of everyone no matter what, and I think society could implement that idea.
Girl Scout Kye, earned the Pinnacle Award through service as a program aide, CIT (Counselor-in-training), earning their Silver Award, and providing leadership in their service unit and community.
What is the value of Girl Scouts in your life?
Girl Scouts means a lot to me. I’ve learned a lot of social, leadership, and outdoor skills from camp and from earning my Gold Award. I use the skills I’ve learned from Girl Scouts every day, and I love teaching those skills to younger Girl Scouts.
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?
I wish that people understood how many positive life skills kids can learn by being a Girl Scout. For example, kids can learn outdoor and leadership skills by going to camp or a range of different skills, from planning, leading, and developing their highest award projects. I also wish that more people knew about the Gold Award because it is an amazing award and deserves more recognition.
What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?
I believe that more needs to be done to help the environment. Girl Scouts can help with these changes in multiple ways. I believe that camp is one of these ways because it connects kids to the environment. This connection can result in positive change since more people will have a personal connection to the earth. Highest award projects are another one of these ways, because many Girl Scouts choose topics that benefit the environment. Lastly, Girl Scouts also teaches leadership skills, which can help create change throughout their lifetime.
Kye is currently studying music education, works at Girl Scout camp, and is a lifetime member.
Girl Scout Sofi, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Silver Award, attending Camp CEO, serving as a National Delegate Alternate, and serving in a leadership capacity within her service unit and community.
What is the value of Girl Scouts in your life?
Girl Scouts has played a big role in my life, and I hold all that I’ve gained and the adventures I’ve had because of it very close to my heart. I’ve learned a lot, like social skills, sales skills, outdoor skills, and even historical information. I use so many things from Girl Scouts in other parts of my life all the time, and it’s given me a leg up in some situations. I’ve made so many friends, met all kinds of different people, and built lasting connections that I’m so grateful for. Girl Scouts has also provided me with so many opportunities to help others, making me very happy.
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?
Not every experience is the same. It varies from troop to troop, service unit to service unit, and girl to girl. It’s significantly what you make of it, but also finding the best fit and focus for you. I know some people think everything is uniform troop to troop and that discourages them from giving Girl Scouts a try when of course, there’s variation, and that’s needed because no two people are the same or have the same interests.
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?
The biggest thing that continually pushes me to make efforts to create change is seeing the impact of those efforts in other people. I love seeing other people happy and getting to know I contributed to it. I also don’t like feeling unable to do anything, it makes seeing or hearing about negative situations even worse, so I really appreciate having channels to take action to try to address issues.
Sofi is currently in college and a lifetime member. “I’m currently serving as a National Delegate Alternate and staying connected with my troop.”
Girl Scout Julia, earned the Pinnacle Award by serving as a girl rep to the Board of Directions, serving as a District Delegate, earning her Bronze and Silver Award, and serving in leadership capacities in her community.
What is the value of Girl Scouts in your life?
Girl Scouting has taught me the values of community and volunteer work. Girl Scouting has empowered me to use my voice for positive change in the world.
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?
I hope to impact the world around me through my voice and leadership to enact positive change. Even if an issue seems small, it can create a ripple effect.
What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?
Girl Scouts positively impacts girls by empowering them to stand up for what they believe is just and fair and gives them the tools to do so, whether environmental issues or social justice. Girl Scouts in my community are willing to put their voices forward to solve a problem.
Julia plans to study music performance and hopes to stay involved in Girl Scouts as a lifetime member.
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We also want to congratulate:
-Girl Scout Magnolia, earned the Pinnacle Award by serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), earning their Bronze and Silver Award, serving in leadership roles within her service unit and community.
-Girl Scout Eva, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), serving in a leadership capacity in her service unit and community.
– Girl Scout Megan, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), and serving in leadership capacities within her service unit and community.
-Girl Scout Nooriyah, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a girl rep to the Board of Directors, District Delegate, traveling with Girl Scouts, and serving in a leadership capacity outside of Girl Scouts.
-Girl Scout Hannah, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Silver and Gold Award, providing leadership to her service unit and community.
-Girl Scout Levi, earned the Pinnacle Award by serving as a program aide, CIT (counselor-in-training), attending Camp CEO, earning their Bronze and Silver Award, traveling with Girl Scouts, and serving in leadership capacities in their community.
-Girl Scout Alyssa, earned the Pinnacle Award by serving as a program aide, earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, and serving in a leadership capacity in their community.
-Girl Scout Katherine, earned the Pinnacle Award by traveling with Girl Scouts, earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, and serving in a leadership capacity in her community.
-Girl Scout Neha, earned the Pinnacle Award by traveling with Girl Scouts, earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a program aide, and serving in a leadership capacity in her service unit and community.
-Girl Scout Elizabeth, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), and providing leadership to her service unit and community.
The application is now open for the 2023 Pinnacle Award class!
Details and application can be found on our website.