Lily Stein joined Girl Scout Troop 436 as a kindergartener. All these years later the Huntington High School junior has captured the organization’s prized Gold Award. It’s a notable achievement and one she has worked hard to attain over the years.
“The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, recognizing girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through remarkable “take action” projects that have a sustainable impact in their communities-and beyond,” according to the organization.
Huntington High School junior Lily Stein has captured the Girl Scouts' Gold Award.
The Gold Award is presented to fewer than six percent of all Girl Scouts in any given year. A minimum of 80 hours is required to qualify for the Gold Award, which girls must earn as individuals.
“I chose to create a math-themed mural at the Tri-Community and Youth Agency in Huntington Station, collect math supplies to donate to children who use the Tri-CYA, and offer free math tutoring particularly to girls at the Tri-CYA,” Ms. Stein said. “I love math and wanted to help encourage others, especially other girls, to develop an understanding and love for math.”
Ms. Stein is one of the top students in Huntington’s Class of 2020. She is doing very well in her classes and has earned a spot on the high school’s High Honor Roll.
“My Gold Award project addressed the issue of many students, particularly girls, losing interest and confidence in their math abilities as they enter middle school, despite having a love for math when they are younger,” Ms. Stein said. “Math is important in so many ways. By creating a mural to showcase not only other female math role models, but also how math can be fun and interesting, collecting math supplies to help students obtain the tools and equipment needed to succeed in math and by offering tutoring help, my project helped girls and all students in my community who attend the Tri-CYA after-school program.”
Seven of the original 11 members of Ms. Stein’s troop are still participating 12 years after first joining as kindergarteners. The teenager will be attending the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Gold Award ceremony and dinner on Thursday, June 6. Troop 436 leaders Julie and Chuck Nace will be in attendance along with one of Ms. Stein’s fellow troop members who has also earned the Gold Award.
“I learned so much from doing this project,” Ms. Stein said. “First, I learned that I have more artistic and painting ability than I thought. I also learned that tutoring is something I truly enjoy. My leadership skills improved from every aspect of this project; from being in charge of the mural design, working with Tri-CYA Director Debbie Rimler over several months to guide this project through to completion, asking for donations and pitching my project, taking the lead on painting with my assistants, and finally working with the Tri-CYA students on their math skills and always acting as a role model.”
The June 6 awards ceremony and dinner will be held at the Inn and Spa at East Wind in Wading River.