Emma Tolppanen from Charleston Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Emma Tolppanen from Charleston, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by leading a volunteer team to make enhancements at a place that is dear to her, Douglas-Hart Nature Center.
Emma was a frequent visitor of Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon during her youth, attending many programs throughout the years. When she began working on her Girl Scout Gold Award, she knew right away that she wanted her project to benefit the nature center as a way to give back to a place that had given so much to her. Emma engaged in conversations with staff at Douglas-Hart to determine a course of action, and she learned of the need for an improved nesting box system – and so began her project.
Emma got to work. She removed and repaired damaged nesting boxes at the site. She also built new boxes, being sure to plan out the proper spacing across the property. Emma led a work day for the installation of the boxes and also created educational materials for future visitors to learn about the importance of nesting boxes.
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.
“I can lead groups, and the people in them will listen to me,” said Emma, reflecting on her Gold Award project. “I am capable of a lot of things I didn’t realize.”
Emma is the daughter of Lori and Bradley Tolppanen. She is currently attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
December 05, 2023
