Four extraordinary young women from Parkland and Coral Springs have achieved the pinnacle of Girl Scouting—the Gold Award. This prestigious honor, the highest recognition available to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors in grades 9–12, celebrates scouts who demonstrate vision, leadership, and a commitment to lasting change.
This year’s recipients include Parkland residents Eliani Carr-Betts, Maha Siddiqui, and Emma Solsona, along with Coral Springs resident Ava Palazzolo. Each tackled pressing community issues with creativity and determination, leaving behind projects that will benefit others for years to come.
At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Emma Solsona launched Minds Matter, a club dedicated to mindfulness and stress management. Monthly meetings gave students a safe space for peer discussions and interactive exercises, while “Brain Bins” stocked with fidget toys provided tools to ease classroom anxiety. To ensure the program’s future, she trained younger students to lead and even built a website to help other schools replicate the model.
Inspired by the mental health crisis facing Florida teens, Maha Siddiqui created Rediscover Your Mind: Anxiety and Depression in Teenagers. Her website, developed with input from a licensed psychiatrist, featured resources, blog posts, and educational videos. Within two weeks of launch, more than 140 visitors had explored the site—most reporting they gained valuable new understanding of mental health.
Ava Palazzolo took on gender barriers in technical fields with A Girl’s Guide to Power Tools. Her project combined hands-on training with an instructional video series, empowering young women to operate tools like hammer drills, sawzalls, and impact drivers. She showcased her program at events such as General Contractors Career Day and STEM labs, inspiring girls to consider careers in construction and engineering.
Meanwhile, Eliani Carr-Betts addressed one of Broward County’s most urgent issues—human trafficking. Her project raised awareness through social media, educational presentations, and leadership in the 2023 and 2024 A21 Walks for Freedom. Partnering with Polaris, A21, and the Nancy J. Cotterman Center, she also supported RISE Court, providing self-esteem-building resources for at-risk girls.
“We are so proud of all of our Gold Award Girl Scouts whose projects are insightful, impactful and relevant,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “They are change agents making a true impact in their communities and beyond.”
The four local honorees were among 27 young women recognized at the 2025 Annual Gold Award Ceremony.
