Local girls awarded Girl Scouts highest honor

Four local Girl Scouts were among 10 in Northern Nevada who completed more than 200 hours of community service, earning them the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve.

Each girl had to complete three interest project awards, log 30 hours in a leadership role and 40 hours related to career exploration before they even started their main service project.

These girls received their awards at a ceremony May 1:

Erica Knutson, Dayton, and Caroline Montiel, Carson City:

Montiel and Knutson implemented a project that would help others in Carson City appreciate their environment. Working with Carson City administrative and parks department officials and elementary school teachers, the two developed an interpretive trail and signage program for the Moffat Open Space Property. The "Moffat Open Space Interpretive Trail," located on the small promontory hill overlooking the Carson River, was an education project that consisted of signage and the development of narratives that describe the views from this open space. Pamphlets were developed noting points of interest as well as information to educate the public about distinctive geographical points.

Natasha Brown, Gardnerville:

Natasha implemented a project that would serve Austin's House, a Gardnerville shelter. Although Austin's House receives many blankets for younger children, older children are not as fortunate. To address this need, Natasha implemented "Quilts for Austin's House" as her project. Natasha worked with younger Girl Scouts in the Gardnerville area and taught them quilting. The colorful, creative quilts that the girls made were then given to the older children to keep as their very own.

Paige Talbott, Smith:

Paige had a friend with a sight disorder that made her realize there was a need in the community for education about sight disorders and visual impairment. Paige developed a one-day "I See You!" sight impairment symposium in Wellington and included many guest speakers and presenters. Topics included the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common visual impairments, technology available to help those with visual impairments, how to live with blindness and guide dog ownership.