A Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy senior has received the Girl Scouts’ highest honor, awarded for making a sustainable change in her community.
Sarah Watkins, a 17-year-old from State College, received the Girl Scout Gold Award, according to the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, which serves a 30-county area in the central and northeastern parts of the state
For her Gold Award project, Watkins preserved a historical cabin near Little Flat Fire Tower on Greenlee Mountain near Boalsburg . Little Flat is in the center of a series of hiking and biking trails in Rothrock State Forest used by locals, students, and tourists. The cabin was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps work relief program that gave millions of young men employment during the Great Depression.
Watkins recruited volunteers to help restore the cabin over the course of several work days – by cleaning, repainting, and fixing the damaged parts of the cabin. Watkins’ project paid tribute to the contributions of the CCC, especially to local state parks. Because of her efforts, the cabin is restored and will serve as a historic landmark for the community.
“Girl Scouts has taught me the value of hard work and project management skills,” says Watkins. “Through Girl Scouts I have had the chance to meet many amazing and talented women that I would have not met otherwise. These project management skills and incredible women have helped my reach my goals and gain a better understanding of how to serve my community effectively.”
