Girl Scouts earn coveted Gold Awards

Two Girl Scouts from Miami Lakes have earned their Gold Awards, the highest accomplishment in the program.
Kaitlyn Ruano’s project addressed the lack of mental heath resources at her school, Barbara Goleman Senior High School, the Girl Scouts said.
She formed a mental health awareness club called Open Minds, Open Arms that welcomed all students.
Club members learned about health issues and how to resolve them while at school. They hosted events, including a week of activities during mental health awareness month, according to the Girl Scouts.
Kaitlyn also hosted a mental health awareness symposium which provided information to students and their parents.
Miami Dade County Public Schools credited the symposium for prompting a stipend for each school in the district to use for mental health resources, the Girl Scouts said.
The Miami Lakes Town Foundation granted the club $500, which will fund future campaigns.
Rebekah Ling played Gaga, a game based on dodgeball, at summer camp and she wanted residents at His House Children’s Home in Miami Gardens to experience the fun.
Using donations and proceeds from cookie sales, Rebekah gathered materials to build a Gaga octagonal pit.
She then organized a team of friends and volunteers from her church to help her build it, as well as a bench for spectators, the Girl Scouts said.
Rebekah painted the new play site in bright colors and created a mural too.
The project allowed
Rebekah to express herself through art, the Girl Scouts said.
--Linda Trischitta