Bob Jones senior receives Girl Scout’s Gold Award

Sarah Paulett, a Bob Jones senior, received the Girl Scout’s highest honor.

Sarah Paulett was awarded the Gold Award.

Paulett was awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award.

“Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours,” said Hilary Perry, director of communications and advocacy for the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

When Paulett began working on her Gold Award project she said she consulted the fire department to find out what the needs of her community were.

“I like helping people,” Paulett said.

She said she was told by the fire department that one area lacking in Madison was emergency preparedness.

Paulett then constructed “Go Kits,” small kits containing supplies that might be needed in an emergency such as: water, medications and first aid kits.

She passed these kits out to families at the Madison County Buddy walk, and to clients of the Center for the Developmentally Disabled.

Paulett said she also benefited from the award by gaining confidence, and improving her organization and focus.

“I had to be organized or I wouldn’t have gotten it done,” Paulett said.

Paulett is the first member of her troop to complete this award.

During her 12 years of involvement with the Girl Scouts Paulett has also earned her Bronze Award and Silver Award.

She has also led two encampments, which is a weekend of camping and group activities for that unites all age troops from a region.

Paulett has also helped with younger Girl Scout troops, and said that is her favorite thing she’s done through the Girl Scouts.

“I really like leading the little girls,” Paulett said.

She has recently completed the emergency medical technician dual-enrollment program through Bob Jones High School and Calhoun Community College.

“Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, the American Legion and colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities,” Perry said.

Paulett has applied to Mississippi State, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University and the University of Alabama.