Creighton Endsley from Shiloh Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Creighton Endsley from Shiloh, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by starting a club at her high school for those interested in forensic science.
After taking a forensic science course her junior year in high school, Creighton wanted to continue exploring the topic. Feeling that others in her school likely shared her desire to learn more, she enlisted the help of the course’s teacher and her troop leader to form a Forensic Science & True Crime Club at Belleville East High School. This became the foundation of her Girl Scout Gold Award project.
Once Creighton completed the process to form a new club at the school, she began hosting a series of monthly meetings. The group discussed various forensic topics and evaluated them through hands-on activities. Towards the end of the school year, Creighton’s newly formed club hosted an outreach night for parents and other students to not only see what the club members had been working on, but also to experience it for themselves.
“This project taught me a lot; however, it ultimately showed me the importance of community,” said Creighton, reflecting on her Girl Scout Gold Award project. She would often find herself rushing the night before meetings, trying to ensure everything was perfect for her fellow club members. She quickly realized that what she was bringing to the group was far more important than whether or not it was perfect. “My peers were so invested in the topic, so invested in one another, that they were enjoying the experience despite any imperfections. If anything, they were delighted to not only learn more, but be surrounded by others with the same passions. This connection, rather than perfection, was what truly mattered.”
As they take action to transform their world, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they are the leaders our community and world need. The Gold Award is earned by girls in grades 9–12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in developing sustainable solutions to local, national and global challenges. Since the highest award was established in 1916, Girl Scouts have answered the call to drive lasting, impactful change. The Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable.
Creighton is the daughter of Ryan Endsley and Christine Mitchell-Endsley. She recently graduated from Belleville East High School and plans to attend Murray State University this fall where she’ll study Psychology and Criminal Justice. Creighton is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award, Girl Scout Silver Award, and Girl Scout Gold Award.
July 17, 2023
