Emma Gasparich from Belleville Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Emma Gasparich from Belleville, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by inspiring young drummers to help enhance her community’s music programs.
During a school event, Emma noticed an old drum set that was no longer functional. As a drummer herself, she knew that many schools lack the funding to fix or replace worn out band equipment. So, she got permission to refurbish the set for middle school band students at Queen of Peace School, while also leading them to adopt the instrument. She taught students the fundamentals of drumming, as well as music education that’s helpful for high school band and beyond. She also wrote beginner and intermediate lesson plans to help students to continue their growth.
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.
“I learned a lot about professionalism and what it’s like to run a band,” said Emma, reflecting on her Gold Award project. “I worked very closely with percussion techs and band directors throughout my project and they gave me a lot of insight.”
Emma is the daughter of Jennifer and Michael Gasparich. She completed her project during her senior year in high school at Belleville West and is currently a freshman at Saint Louis University. Emma is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves over 6,300 girls and engages nearly 3,600 adults in 40 counties in Southern Illinois. Call 800-345-6858 or email customercare@gsofsi.org. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by United Ways, businesses and individual donors throughout the region.
November 18, 2025
