Girl Scouts Receive Gold, Silver, Bronze Awards

Families, friends, and dignitaries recently gathered at the La Cañada Girl Scout Association community-wide Gold, Silver, Bronze Ceremony at Lanterman Auditorium. The annual event opened with a flag ceremony by Troop 576, a traditional scout song led by Troops 592 and 989, and a nondenominational invocation by Father Matt Elshoff. La Cañada Service Unit Manager Christie Frandsen was the Master of Ceremonies over the two-hour presentation.

The Bronze Award for Junior Girl Scouts was the first honor to be presented to 79 fifth and sixth graders for their work on a troop project. The sixth -grade scouts also bridged to the next level of scouting, Cadettes.

Eighty-one seventh- and eighth-grade Cadette Girl Scouts were awarded the Silver Award for their group service projects. Awards for leadership and bridging (promotion) also were presented.

The prestigious Gold Award, which is the highest award available in Girl Scouts, was presented to a record 36 Senior Girl Scouts. Each Gold Award recipient gave a brief description of her project. They included fundraising, planning, and implementing community service, which can “make the world a better place”.

Ann Nielson gave a special presentation to the graduating seniors, highlighting their academic and philanthropic achievements. The ceremony concluded with the retirement of the colors and “Taps,” played by Eagle Scout Philip Paulson. A reception and project display in the foyer and patio immediately followed the event.

Dignitaries attending the ceremony included Girl Scout-Mount Wilson Vista Council Chief Executive Officer Brenda Berg; GSMWVC Membership Level Manager Susie Caroll; La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Gregory Brown; Ann Nielson, representating La Cañada High School; Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy Assistant Principal Katy Sadler; St. Francis High School President Father Matt Elshoff; Hillside School & Learning Center Executive Director Robert Frank; Renaissance Academy Executive Director Ann Hazen and San Marino Service Unit Manager Robyn Manzini.