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Alaina Smith from Ruma Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Alaina Smith from Ruma, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by building buddy benches and educating others on how such benches can help increase friendship and belonging.
As a child, Alaina often felt lonely and longed for ways to make friends more easily. She learned about schools installing buddy benches and hoped for one to be added at her school. Reflecting on that experience, she wanted her Gold Award project to give others the opportunity to utilize the benches – something she wished had been available to her as a child.
Alaina created two F.U.R. (Forever Uniting Relationships) benches for local elementary schools in her area to address loneliness and bullying. Along with the benches, she created an animated short and books to complement the project, as well. Through these creative resources, Alaina told a story of how the benches should be used to spread friendship and let children know they are not alone.
Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs.
“So much of what I’ve learned involving this project derives from the effort and time that is needed for a big project like this,” said Alaina, reflecting on the dedication involved in completing a Gold Award project.
Alaina is the daughter of Sarah Smith. She is currently attending Southwestern Illinois College. Alaina is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
December 08, 2025
