Emily Dunn from Belleville Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Emily Dunn from Belleville, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by creating sleeping mats that provide better sleeping surfaces for homeless people in her community.
Emily recognized that many homeless individuals lacked comfortable and dry sleeping surfaces. She wanted to assist with the physical need for better sleeping conditions, as well as help impact the individuals’ dignity and well-being. Emily got to work by recruiting a group of volunteers to help her craft sleeping mats. Not only were individuals in her community provided with a dry and comfortable sleeping surface, they also received words of support. Emily attached a letter to every mat made during her project, letting the individuals who received them know that they are valued.
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.
Not only do Gold Award Girl Scouts better their communities through their projects, they often grow themselves through the process and learn skills they can take with them throughout their lives. “I learned how to work harder and to not procrastinate,” said Emily, reflecting on her Gold Award project.
Emily is the daughter of Vicky and Stephen Dunn. She is currently attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Emily is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award, Girl Scout Silver Award, and Girl Scout Gold Award.
February 27, 2024
