Violet Barnett from Troy Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Violet Barnett from Troy, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by combining two topics she’s very passionate about, bicycling and history.
A historic bike ride sponsored by Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site provided the inspiration for Violet’s Girl Scout Gold Award project. As a fan of both history and bicycling, Violet quickly knew she wanted to do something similar for her community. She started her project by providing lessons in bicycle safety where riders learned about correct hand signals and etiquette of the road. Violet then led bicycle tours during the summer of 2023 that included seven historical stops throughout Troy. At each stop, riders reflected on the time period that was of significance for that stop and were encouraged to visualize the impact that historic events have had on the community today.
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 that I have the ability to become a better public speaker,” said Violet, reflecting on her Gold Award project.
Violet is the daughter of Melissa Barnett. She is currently a junior at Triad High School. Violet 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
