Scotia Girl Scout Troop #2244 has been recognized by the district for their incredible service to the school community. Twelve students banded together and contributed money for materials to assemble a Gaga pit on school grounds, which earned them the Girl Scout Bronze Award. It was no easy feat, but the young students worked hard to complete the project and we are all very proud of their accomplishment.

The girls have worked together since kindergarten and are now at the Junior Scout level. “The Bronze Award is our first big award and it took a long time and was hard work, so I’m proud of us,” said fifth grader, Anna Warnock. “I was really excited that we could give this to the kids at the school and I also feel lucky that we finished it so now we get to use it this year too,” she said.

Superintendent Susan Swartz and Principal Tonya Federico were on hand to celebrate and present certificates to the fifth-grade troop who made a plan to improve their school and worked hard to see the whole project to completion. “The Bronze Award is the highest honor that a Junior Girl Scout can achieve, and it is especially meaningful that they could give back to their school community in such a tangible way,” said Superintendent Swartz.

“I think it was very cool and extraordinary that the superintendent helped give us the award for supporting our school. I am proud of the commitment we made to getting up early to build it. It’s been fun to play at recess and on the weekend.” said Isabella Caruso. 

“At recess the playground is pretty much empty because everyone is at the Gaga pit. It’s very cool that something I helped build will be something my little sisters will be able to use when they go to my school someday,” Kaylie Bekkering said.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is a massive accomplishment, and it requires over 20 service hours and approval by council. The Bronze award requires the troop to work together as a team to make a difference in their community. “I was happy we were able to achieve something together,” said Maya Bell. “I’m good at the game because I know the rules, and have played for a while. I like at recess when it’s packed, and everyone rushes to play, it makes me feel so proud and sometimes kids say ‘thank you Girl Scouts!,’ and it makes me proud. Waking up early was the worst, but the best was working as a team!” Peyton Gatta said that she was proud to show her parents the hard work and troubleshooting it took to create the octagon shaped pit. She said, “Challenges we came across when building it were having a problem with the door so they had to slide the walls over a little more so the door could fit into the space.”

The Girl Scout Bronze Award involves exploring the needs of the community, choosing the project, planning it, putting the plan in motion, and spreading the word. The Bronze Award demonstrates achievement in courage, confidence, and character and accomplishes the mission to make a difference in the world.  Great work Troop #2244!

Troop Members Recognized:
Amanda Hodder (Leader)
Dyana Warnock (Leader)
Gretchen Zebrowski (Leader)
Peyton Gatta
Marybeth Hodder
Sarah Taylor
Anna Warnock
Maya Bell
Elyssa Ciarmiello
Olivia Lippiello
Zoe Oakes
Audra Zebrowski
Alessandra Benedetto
Kaylie Bekkering
Isabella Caruso

photos by: Morgan Chimento