Local Student to Debut StoryWalk with Grand Opening

Pinecrest Academy sophomore, Shannon Kress, is completing her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award one can achieve in Girl Scouts.

The Gold Award requires the scout to create and lead a sustainable “take action” project that helps solve a community issue. The project requires over 80 hours of work and includes identifying a community issue, researching the issue, creating a plan, and putting that plan into action. It also requires partnering with community organizations.

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In partnership with the City of Suwanee and Gwinnett Public Libraries, Shannon will be installing the first permanent StoryWalk in Gwinnett County. A StoryWalk is an interactive activity in which pages of a children's book are displayed along an outdoor trail. Shannon’s StoryWalk will be installed at the PlayTowne Suwanee Park. The paved trail behind the park connects to the local fire station and neighboring library.

Shannon’s project aims to raise awareness about free community resources that enhance literacy and address the growing issue of excessive screen time and declining physical activity among children.

The StoryWalk movement is part of a global initiative started by Anne Ferguson. Shannon’s project will be the first permanent display in Gwinnett County.

Shannon will host the Grand Opening of the StoryWalk on April 26 at 1:00pm. The mayor will be on hand to co-host this event with Shannon. There will be a ribbon cutting and refreshments, and all are invited to attend.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the grand finale to Shannon’s 11 years being a Girl Scout. She has already obtained the Bronze and Silver High Awards.