Hanna Walker of North Chili has been named as a 2019 Gold Award Girl Scout through Girl Scouts of Western New York. Walker’s project was titled “Gardens for Owen.”
Walker explained, “My project was located in North Chili at St. Christopher’s Church. I cleaned and re-did four gardens at my church that have always looked like a disaster. My team and I cleaned, raked, took out, cut down, planted new plants and flowers, added lights and chains, added landscaping fabric and lining, and decorated. I chose this project because a year ago I lost a classmate and friend. Owen rode on my bus, sat in my classes, and went to my church. Seeing him always struggle with disabilities and still persevere through was truly astonishing to me. From him, I was motivated to do this project in his honor to make sure he is always remembered. I had a memorial stone made for Owen that I placed in a garden I called the children’s garden, where I also added a bird bath, birdhouses, and small gnomes to make it more kid-friendly. My hope of this project is to create a beautiful place for my church community where nobody feels alone or forgotten. My goal was to make a difference in the community, and never forget my friend.”
Walker added, “Girl Scouts has opened my heart to everyone and everything. I have done things that I will be proud of for the rest of my life, and will forever choose others over myself.”
Walker received her Gold Award at the Gold Award Ceremony on June 1. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in the world for girls.
To learn more, visit gswny.org.
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