Elisabeth Preston from Edwardsville Awarded Scholarship from Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois proudly recognizes Elisabeth Preston from Edwardsville, Illinois for receiving a $5,000 Gold Award Scholarship. The Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship is awarded to one remarkable Girl Scout per council who demonstrated extraordinary leadership and sustainable impact while addressing a national or global issue. Elisabeth’s Girl Scout Gold Award project promoted the exploration of STEAM fields for youth.
Elisabeth has a strong connection with the STEAM fields, particularly math, science, and art. Through research, she learned that interest in these fields can decline as youth approach their teenage years. To keep that interest alive, Elisabeth decided to create a STEAM lab at her former school, St. Ambrose Catholic School in Godfrey. Her efforts will benefit youth for years to come!
First, Elisabeth was given access to a spare room at the school that she could transform into a working STEAM lab. So, she assembled a team of volunteers and got to work. After clearing the room, the team applied a fresh coat of paint and added new furniture to refresh the space. Next, Elisabeth collaborated with teachers to ensure their needs were being met. She curated a list of projects that would provide great hands-on learning opportunities for students of all grade levels at the school. Then, she installed a grow station, 3D printers, robotics kits, a LEGO wall, a fully stocked makerspace, and a reading nook featuring a library of STEAM books to bring her vision to life.
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. 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.
Elisabeth is the daughter of Karie and Samuel Preston. She is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
June 29, 2026
