Gold Award Girl Scout chosen for $5,000 scholarship

Gold Award Girl Scout Kaelyn Gagnon has been chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship from Girl Scouts of the USA – an award given to only one Girl Scout in each of the 110 councils in the U.S.

Gagnon, 18, of Manchester, NH, earned the Girl Scout Gold Award last year for creating a Young Athletes Program through Special Olympics in Goffstown.

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"I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been chosen to receive the Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship," she said. "Receiving this scholarship means so much to me, not only because it will help me continue my education but also because it is a reminder of the time, dedication, and passion I put into my Gold Award project, which has truly made a difference in both my life and those in my community."

The Special Olympics Young Athletes Program in Goffstown is still running strong today. Gagnon continued volunteering with the program after earning the Gold Award because it is close to her heart.

"Knowing that these athletes have a place to develop sports and play skills together is one of my biggest takeaways."

Gagnon is a dedicated athlete at Trinity High School. Sharing her love of sports, her program was designed for children age 2-7 with disabilities, giving them opportunities to learn foundational sports skills while having fun. It was a huge success at the Goffstown Parks and Recreation Center.

"As I prepare to leave for college this fall," she said, "I wanted to make sure the program would continue. I have been able to pass the program on to another organization that has committed to carrying it forward, ensuring that future families will continue to benefit from it long after I am gone."

Gagnon is set to attend Merrimack College, where she will major in exercise science. She will be in their direct entry Bachelor's to Master's program to get her master's degree in athletic training. She will also be part of their Austin Scholars Program.

Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is proud to see Kaelyn Gagnon chosen for this incredible honor.

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We are Girl Scouts of the USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character.

Girl Scouts discover who they are, tap into the power inside them, and build the confidence to let it shine. Through programs from coast to coast and overseas, girls of all backgrounds and abilities come as they are to explore their passions, meet new challenges, and develop hands-on skills. They find their strengths in science labs and on hiking trails, at cookie booths and in front of city councils. Backed by millions of alums and a network of dedicated adult volunteers and mentors, Girl Scouts drive change to make the world a better place. Along the way, they uncover the tools they need to lead with joy, on their own terms. Join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate.

Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serves girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont through volunteer-run troops, events, and virtual programs. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org to learn more.