Eleanor Schmitz from Belleville Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Eleanor Schmitz from Belleville, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by providing opportunities which promoted childhood literacy.
Through some research, Eleanor discovered that literacy has the power to make a huge impact in someone’s life. After learning that reading is one of the most critical components of an individual’s success, Eleanor knew she wanted this to be the focus of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, “Read On!”
First, Eleanor started a reading and art enrichment program during the summer of 2023 for the students of Signal Hill School. After the new school year started that August, she then facilitated a monthly book club for the junior high students. This book club served as an outlet for students to share their love of reading and encouraged leisure reading outside of the classroom. Finally, Eleanor wrote and received a grant from the Signal Hill Education Foundation to procure a book vending machine. Students who demonstrated exceptional character or behavior were rewarded by getting to select a book of their choice.
Not only do Gold Award Girl Scouts better their communities through their projects, they often grow themselves through the process and learn skills they can take with them throughout their lives. Seeing the joy her programs brought to the students was a huge reward for Eleanor. Speaking of her summer reading program, Eleanor states, “(The students) were excited to simply be in the library, experiencing the joys a library can bring! I harnessed this library happiness in hopes that it would encourage a lifelong love of reading.” Eleanor also recognized the connections that were made by students who attended her monthly book club. She adds, “This was a new experience, and our book discussions would open the door for topics related, and unrelated, to the books they had selected to read. They were making connections with each other that perhaps would not have been possible without the book club, while sharing their mutual love of reading.”
As they take action to transform their world, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they are the leaders our community and world need. The Gold Award is earned by girls in grades 9–12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in developing sustainable solutions to local, national and global challenges. 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.
Eleanor is the daughter of Mark and Kit Schmitz. She is a senior at Belleville West Township High School. Eleanor is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
August 28, 2024
