Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Lillian Seresbeno from Marion, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by creating a sensory wall for neurodivergent children.
Lillian was inspired by her mother, Joanna Beno, who has worked for years in higher needs classrooms. Lillian realized that there weren’t always enough resources to help neurodivergent students play and express themselves – so she took action to create an interactive mural at Jefferson Elementary School in Marion.
Lillian workshopped the design for months before deciding to do a soft, aquatic themed mural wall with interactive sensory activities for children. After this meticulous planning, she painted wooden boards with the theme, then facilitated getting the boards installed on a wall at the school. Next, she added fun interactive toys to the mural that were designed to stimulate students’ sensory skills. She was careful to use long-lasting and sustainable materials, so that generations of children can engage their fine motor skills, social skills, and sensory expression. Last, she created an informational video that she posted online to help educate area teachers about the new resource, as well as to help inspire others to start similar projects.
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. “When I was first going about this project I was very intimidated. I didn't really know where to start with it, but with the support of others and my troop leader, I found I could accomplish a lot more than I thought I could,” said Lillian.
Lillian is the daughter of Joanna Beno and Michael Beno. She is a freshman at Southern Illinois University, where she majors in Digital Media. Lillian is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.