Evie Ballard from Effingham Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Evie Ballard from Effingham, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by breathing new life into the youth program at her church.
Like many other group activities, the Centenary United Methodist Church youth program had difficulty rebuilding after the COVID-19 pandemic. Evie had been very involved in the program that was flourishing just a few years ago. It was her goal to help rebuild this program before she went off to college.
Evie got to work first by refreshing the youth spaces at her church. She then hosted two events at her church – a game night for the junior high and high school youth and a movie and craft night for the elementary aged youth. Next, Evie coordinated two community service projects. The younger youth group made Valentine’s Day cards for area nursing home residents and the older youth group held a trivia event to support a local nonprofit organization. Evie’s efforts have gained the support of adults in her church, who have committed to plan more events for the youth program in the future.
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. “I learned that I enjoy planning and making a positive impact,” said Evie, reflecting on her Gold Award project.
Evie is the daughter of Deena and Ken Ballard. She graduated from Effingham High School and is currently attending Illinois State University where she is majoring in Theatre Education. Evie is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award, Girl Scout Silver Award, and Girl Scout Gold Award.
July 11, 2024
