Jennifer McDermott from Marion Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Jennifer McDermott from Marion, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by creating a sensory room for children in her community.
Jennifer recognized the need for a safe space for children and their parents to retreat to when in an overstimulated environment. She understood that children with autism have varying needs and wanted to create a space in which they could explore a variety of self-soothing options. Jennifer worked with the pastor of Zion United Church of Christ, her fellow Girl Scouts and Girl Scout leaders, her parents, and her community to bring her vision to reality.
Zion United Church of Christ provided the space for Jennifer to create her sensory room. She then worked to outfit it with soft foam tiles, lava tiles, a canopy swing, soundproof headphones, and array of sensory toys. Jennifer’s hard work paid off, and the sensory room has received rave reviews.
“I have learned how to communicate with people in the community. The people I’ve come into contact with have all been very kind,” said Jennifer when reflecting on her Girl Scout Gold Award project.
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.
Jennifer is the daughter of Bianca and Thomas McDermott. She is currently attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
October 09, 2023
