Lynn Shirley from Summerfield Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Lynn Shirley from Summerfield, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by building a pavilion at the Trenton Sportsman’s Club.
For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Lynn knew right away that she wanted to work with the Trenton Sportsman’s Club. Lynn has a special connection with the club; she also built a gaga ball pit there as part of her Silver Award project.
After a chat with her mother, Lynn decided the tent camping area at the club would be a great focal point for her project. This particular section of the club did not have a covered space to protect people from weather. Lynn got to work constructing a pavilion on the grounds. In addition, she added benches and a picnic table so campers and guests can have a relaxing, shaded space 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. “During my project, I learned that having a strict timeline and lots of volunteers make working go by a lot faster,” said Lynn.
Lynn is the daughter of Jason and Marsha Shirley. She is a senior at Mater Dei Catholic High School. After graduation, Lynn plans to attend college and major in agricultural animal science. Lynn is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
April 03, 2025
