Girl Scouts from Wellington, Greenacres, Loxahatchee and Lake Worth among Gold Award winners

2026 Girl Scout Gold Award recipients, recognized by Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida for earning the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. [Photos by Littles Photography]

Several local Girl Scouts were among 22 young women recognized by Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida with the prestigious 2026 Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. The annual Gold Award Ceremony was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Deerfield Beach, honoring recipients from Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties.

Awarded to only about 5% of eligible Girl Scouts, the Gold Award recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to creating meaningful change in their communities.

This year's recipients contributed more than 2,500 community service hours and impacted thousands of lives locally and abroad.

Among the honorees were four young women with ties to the western Palm Beach County communities.

Taylor Browning of Wellington

Taylor Browning, a Wellington resident and junior at Wellington Community High School, earned the Gold Award for her project, "Pediatric Medical Daycare – More Than Just Physical Therapies." Partnering with Parents Choice Medical Daycare in Boynton Beach, Browning developed a four-month series of weekly recreational and educational activities for children with complex medical conditions attending a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care facility. The program included interactive games, music activities and reading sessions designed to provide mental, emotional and developmental stimulation.

Addison White of Greenacres

Addison White, a Greenacres resident and recent graduate of Wellington Community High School, focused her project on breast health awareness through an initiative called "taBOOB." Recognizing the importance of early detection and education, White developed a public awareness campaign designed to encourage dialogue about breast health among young women. Through interviews, educational resources and social media outreach, the campaign reached thousands online and helped raise awareness about women's health issues.

During the Gold Award ceremony, White was surprised with the $1,500 Barbara Ann Turner "Service from the Heart" Scholarship as well as a $500 honorable mention scholarship from MotivEight. She plans to attend the University of South Florida and pursue a nursing career.

Isabella Lombardo of Loxahatchee

Loxahatchee resident Isabella Lombardo, a senior at Park Vista Community High School, addressed the issue of endometriosis through her project, "Endometriosis Awareness." Working with Jupiter Medical Center and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, Lombardo created educational materials and hosted online information sessions to teach young women about the symptoms and long-term effects of the disease. Her outreach extended internationally through a partnership that shared information with girls in Tanzania while also organizing a collection of reusable menstrual products. Lombardo will attend Florida Gulf Coast University this fall to study marine biology.

Mia Lesko of Lake Worth

Mia Lesko, a Lake Worth resident and senior at Seminole Ridge Community High School in Loxahatchee, tackled declining literacy rates among high school students through her project, "Between the Lines." Lesko recruited student volunteers from her school's English and Journalism Honor Societies and created a website offering literacy resources, educational information and support opportunities for students struggling with reading and writing skills. Survey results showed improved attitudes toward literacy and increased awareness of the importance of reading comprehension and writing proficiency. Lesko plans to attend the University of South Florida.

During the ceremony, each Girl Scout received a Gold Award pin presented by a mentor. The recipients, in turn, presented their supporters with Companion Gold Award pins.

"I am impressed by the determination and creativity the Gold Award Class of 2026 demonstrated through their projects," says Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. "Their community collaborations are remarkable, showing everyone the power of partnerships. Earning a Gold Award marks an important milestone in a Girl Scout's career."

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida said the Gold Award experience is designed to inspire a lifetime of civic engagement, leadership and community service.