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Gold Award Spotlight: Zaina A
Age 17 | Ambassador Girl Scout | Miami, FL
Bronze Award Girl Scout
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Reading, running, playing soccer, and baking.
In a word, what does it mean to say, "I am a Girl Scout"?
Leader.
As a senior, what are some of your future plans?
I plan to attend the University of Florida and major in Political Science.
What is the title of your project?
Dangers of Synthetic Fertilizers
Tell us more about your project and how you completed it.
My Gold Award project raises awareness about the environmental dangers of synthetic fertilizers and promotes more sustainable alternatives. I developed and delivered an educational presentation to my high school's environmental club, explaining the harmful effects synthetic fertilizers can have on local ecosystems and waterways, and worked with the club's leadership and faculty moderator to build an environmental awareness initiative that will continue as part of the club's programming going forward.
Beyond school, I met with government representatives to advocate for greater public awareness around fertilizer use and environmental conservation. One of the highlights of my project was collaborating with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to film a public service announcement during Baynanza, Miami-Dade County's annual environmental cleanup event. The PSA is being shared through Miami-Dade environmental outreach platforms to educate a broader audience about the issue.
Throughout the project, I shared educational resources explaining what synthetic fertilizers are, why they can be harmful, what environmentally friendly alternatives exist, and practical steps community members can take to reduce their environmental impact — resources that, along with the PSA and the environmental club's continued programming, will keep the project's impact going.
Why is this project important to you? What gave you the inspiration to approach this topic the way that you did?
This project is especially meaningful to me because of my experience as a Miami Waterkeeper Junior Ambassador alumna. Through that program, I learned about many of the environmental challenges facing South Florida and became passionate about protecting our local ecosystems.
One issue that stood out to me was the widespread use of synthetic fertilizers and the negative effects they can have on water quality and the environment. With the support and guidance of the Miami Waterkeeper team, I was able to access reliable information and resources that helped me educate others and encourage more sustainable practices in my community.
What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges was connecting with government officials and securing opportunities to discuss my concerns about environmental issues. I initially reached out to Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and her team, but it took several months of consistent communication before I was able to meet with them and move my plans forward.
This experience taught me the importance of persistence and follow-through. By continuing to send follow-up emails, propose ideas, and advocate for my project, I eventually secured the opportunity to collaborate with local leaders and expand the reach of my message.
How does this project contribute to your future goals?
This project aligns closely with my long-term commitment to environmental advocacy and community engagement. At the University of Florida, I hope to get involved with environmental organizations like Gators Going Green and continue promoting sustainability initiatives.
Completing this project gave me valuable experience in advocacy, public outreach, and environmental education. It's given me the confidence and skills to keep creating positive change in the communities I'm part of, throughout college and beyond.
What did you learn about yourself in the process of completing your project?
Through completing my Gold Award project, I discovered a deeper passion for environmental advocacy than I initially realized. While I knew this was a topic I cared about when I chose it, I was surprised by how rewarding the work felt throughout the process.
Rather than feeling like an obligation, every step of the project felt meaningful because I was working toward a cause I genuinely care about. This experience helped me recognize how important it is to pursue work that aligns with my values and interests.
What did you learn about your community in the process of completing your project?
I learned that many members of my community are willing to make environmentally conscious choices once they understand the impact of their actions. Before starting this project, I assumed resistance to change might be a major obstacle.
Instead, I found that awareness was often the biggest barrier. Once people learned about the environmental effects of synthetic fertilizers and were introduced to alternative options, many were eager to make more sustainable choices. This showed me the power of education and outreach in creating meaningful community change.
Has your project received any previous awards or accolades?
My project received recognition from Riviera Preparatory School for its impact and environmental advocacy efforts.
