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Hannah Klaas from Batchtown Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Hannah Klaas from Batchtown, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by honoring the hundreds of veterans from her hometown district of Richwood in Calhoun County
In June 2024, Hannah was approached by a veteran in her community, Dr. Lieutenant Colonel Kermit Bell. Bell had a dream to build a Richwood Veterans Wall of Honor to replace the one that used to reside in their community. Hannah listened to Bell’s life stories and ideas for the Wall of Honor, and she then knew this needed to be the focus of her Gold Award project.
The Richwood Veterans Wall of Honor is a three-paneled aluminum wall that celebrates the district’s 443 veterans. The concrete pad that supports the wall features brass embeds of the US military branches, two concrete benches, a statue of a soldier kneeling at a cross, two American flags, and lights to illuminate the feature at night. Hannah held a dedication ceremony for the project, complete with a 21-gun salute. To add a special touch to the ceremony, Hannah and her fellow Girl Scouts, read the names of each of the 443 veterans honored on the wall.
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.
“This project has been immense and through it all I have grown to appreciate the sacrifices that all veterans have made for us,” said Hannah when reflecting on her Gold Award project. “It has become a chance for me to shine a light on all those who have put our freedom at the forefront of their lives.”
Hannah recognizes the support that is needed to complete such a project. Her family and friends were instrumental as well as her community who rallied around her to bring this project to life. Hannah adds, “Without the veterans of my community this project would not be a reality. Their service gave me a reason, and their dedication gave me the drive to complete the project.”
Hannah is the daughter of Eric and LeaAnn Klass. She is currently a freshman at Western Illinois University where she is studying zoology. Hannah is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
October 20, 2026
