Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Elise Passalacqua from Teutopolis, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by educating young girls about an organization near and dear to her, Girl Scouts.
Elise appreciates that, as Girl Scouts, girls can discover their natural talents, improve communication skills, and share mutual goals and growth with other girls. To share her passion with future generations, Elise had the idea for her Girl Scout Gold Award project – Operation Super Daisies.
Elise wrote and illustrated a children’s book to share Girl Scouts' core values as they are presented in the Girl Scout Law. Once Elise completed her book, she hosted a series of readings at local grade schools, kindergartens, and preschools to discuss how girls can apply these character traits to their daily lives. Elise’s hope is that her project inspires future generations to participate in Girl Scouting and reap the benefits it has provided to her life.
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.
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. “After completing this project, I learned the true importance of perseverance and resilience,” said Elise, reflecting on her Gold Award project.
Elise is the daughter of Leah and Matt Passalacqua. She is currently a freshman at Saint Louis University where she is majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Elise is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award, Girl Scout Silver Award, and Girl Scout Gold Award.