Photo: Stern Honors Gold Award Winners

Suffolk County Legis. Steve Stern presented proclamations to Deer Park's Diana Cotrone and Kelsey Heyne, who earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting.

Cotrone’s project “Beauty Within: Mega Makeover,” was inspired by her late grandmother, affectionately known as “GaGa.”  Cotrone visited the East Neck Nursing Home, interviewed residents about their family histories and published a newsletter for residents.  She also hosted a makeover day, did crafts with the residents, made goodie bags and invited a guest speaker to brighten the residents’ day. 

Heyne’s project was to raise awareness of childhood cancer and raise funds for children with cancer. Heyne’s sister Sarah was diagnosed with cancer at age 9, and she was inspired by her sister’s battle to help children with cancer.  She organized an event to raise awareness, brought a Nurse-Practitioner from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to speak, discussed sibling issues and introduced the “Locks-of Love” program.  The troop also made get-well cards and three quilts for children with cancer.

 "I am proud to honor Diana and Kelsey as they receive the Girl Scout Gold Award," Stern said. "Their projects demonstrate their deep commitment to community and I am sure they will continue to make their families, the Girl Scouts and our entire community proud.  I wish them every success in the future."