Elizabeth Back from Anna Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Elizabeth Back from Anna, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by enhancing her community’s art center.
Elizabeth has a passion for the performing arts, and she wanted her community’s production casts to have a more pleasant experience when performing at the Anna Arts Center. As years had gone by, Elizabeth noticed props and costumes were not stored or organized properly, making the space cluttered and unusable. Not only that, but the current storage condition often resulted in duplicated items being purchased because something couldn’t be found. For a center that relies on donations for a portion of their funding, Elizabeth knew those funds could be put to better use if the space became more functional. With some extensive cleaning and organization, Elizabeth has given the Anna Arts Center a proper space for their performers to enjoy.
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 it is better to ask for help when you realize you need it instead of trying to get everything done by yourself,” said Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is the daughter of Betsy Back. She is a freshman at Southern Illinois University. Elizabeth is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
April 10, 2025
