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Gold Award Spotlight: Syvie K
Age 17 | Ambassador Girl Scout | Palmetto Bay, FL
Previously earned: Bronze Award
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Playing lacrosse, shopping, watching TV shows, and spending time with friends.
In a word, what does it mean to say, "I am a Girl Scout"?
Leadership.
As a senior, what are some of your future plans?
I'm currently exploring my college and career options and looking forward to continuing my education after high school.
What is the title of your project?
Glitter for Good
Tell us more about your project and how you completed it.
My Gold Award project, Glitter for Good, was inspired by a desire to bring healing, connection, and education to the Jewish community following the events of October 7, 2023. It began as an effort to restore a sense of joy and community through activities like tinsel, gem, and temporary tattoo stations that reflected the spirit of celebration and togetherness many people associated with the Nova Festival.
To support this initiative, I used local Purim carnivals at area synagogues as opportunities to engage community members and raise funds. These events helped support the development of educational resources that ultimately became the centerpiece of the project.
As Glitter for Good evolved, its focus shifted toward educating and empowering Jewish teens. Recognizing the challenges many Jewish students face, particularly as they prepare for high school and college, I partnered with experienced educators to develop a curriculum addressing Jewish identity, antisemitism, cultural awareness, and community resilience. I trained a board of student leaders and worked with seventh- and eighth-grade students at my temple through monthly educational sessions, with each module focused on a different topic relevant to Jewish history, culture, holidays, and contemporary issues, helping students build confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills.
The project's sustainability comes from the curriculum itself and the student leadership model I created. By training younger student leaders and establishing ongoing educational programming at the temple, Glitter for Good will continue serving future generations of students long after my direct involvement has ended.
Why is this project important to you? What gave you the inspiration to approach this topic the way that you did?
This project is deeply personal because of my connection to my Jewish heritage and my desire to support and strengthen my community during a difficult time. Visiting the traveling Nova exhibition and hearing directly from a survivor had a profound impact on me. Listening to her story, I saw similarities between her experiences and the lives of young people today who simply seek joy, friendship, and connection.
As I prepare for college and adulthood, I've become increasingly aware of the importance of understanding my identity and being prepared to navigate environments where I may encounter challenges or misunderstandings. I wanted to help younger students develop the confidence, knowledge, and support systems necessary to advocate for themselves and their community.
What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
One of the greatest challenges I faced was adapting the project to fit the realities of my audience. My original plan focused on ninth-grade students, but inconsistent attendance made it difficult to implement the curriculum effectively.
Rather than letting this obstacle derail the project, I stayed flexible and adjusted my approach, shifting my focus to seventh- and eighth-grade students, who proved highly engaged and enthusiastic about the material. Their participation reaffirmed the importance of meeting students where they are and adapting plans to maximize impact, and taught me valuable lessons about persistence, flexibility, and problem-solving.
How does this project contribute to your future goals?
Glitter for Good gave me meaningful experience in leadership, community organizing, education, and advocacy. Through developing curriculum, training student leaders, and coordinating community programs, I learned how to turn an idea into a sustainable initiative that can continue serving others.
This experience strengthened my interest in education and community service, while teaching me that effective leadership means helping others become leaders themselves. I look forward to applying these lessons throughout college and beyond as I continue working to strengthen and support the communities around me.
What did you learn about yourself in the process of completing your project?
Through this experience, I discovered the depth of my commitment to supporting the Jewish community. I learned that I'm resilient, determined, and willing to overcome obstacles when working toward a cause that matters to me.
The project also showed me how much I value creating opportunities for younger generations to learn, grow, and feel connected to their community. Most importantly, I learned that leadership is one of my greatest strengths and that I'm capable of making a meaningful impact when I commit myself to a purpose-driven goal.
What did you learn about your community in the process of completing your project?
This project taught me that my community is remarkably resilient, compassionate, and supportive. Even during difficult times, I saw people come together to support one another, share resources, and create opportunities for healing and growth.
I was especially inspired by the enthusiasm of younger students, who eagerly embraced leadership opportunities and meaningful discussions about their experiences and identities. Their willingness to engage showed me that when people are given the right tools and a supportive environment, they're capable of turning challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
Has your project received any previous awards or accolades?
While Glitter for Good hasn't received formal awards, it was featured in the Pinecrest newspaper after I was recognized as a Positive Person in Pinecrest, highlighting the project's impact on the local community.
