Abby McDaniel from O'Fallon Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Abby McDaniel from O’Fallon, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by revitalizing the youth room at her church.
Abby has been an active member of the youth group at Zion Lutheran Church since she was in fifth grade, even serving in a leadership capacity while in high school. She noticed attendance declining as the room became outdated, so she wanted to create a more welcoming and exciting environment for her fellow youth group members. At that point, Abby took action.
Abby completely transformed the youth room at the church. She used fresh paint and a mural to make the space more inviting. Abby also changed out the seating, enhanced the lighting, and even added a prayer board. As a result of her efforts, attendance at youth events has greatly increased. The space is now one where the youth of Zion Lutheran Church are excited to build relationships and grow in their faith.
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 how I am capable of leading a big project from start to finish, and I also learned the importance of relying on a team throughout,” said Abby when reflecting on her Gold Award project. “Most of all, I realized how important to me it is to create spaces where youth can feel welcomed and supported so that they can create stronger connections.”
Abby is the daughter of Marianne and Raymond McDaniel. She is currently a freshman at Maryville University where she is majoring in data science.
March 04, 2026
