Submitted by Lisa Sizer
(June 5, 2023) — Three Girl Scouts from the Haddam-Killingworth service unit were honored on Sunday, June 4, 2023, in recognition of their earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. This esteemed award is earned by girls who are ready to take on the challenge of changing the world as they complete an eighty plus-hour sustainable project that addresses an issue they see in their community.
Alyssa Bredefeld (above photo, center) focused her project, titled “Student Promises,” on the need for activities that promote inclusivity and diversity in the schools. She purchased the book I Promise by LeBron James for each grade at her elementary school and developed lesson plans and videos for the students and teachers. Alyssa even painted a mural with the words “We are Family,” which now hangs in Burr Elementary School. The mural features 281 student handprints, along with their promises to be kind and work hard. Burr Elementary School will continue to add to this mural for years to come.
Ava Tassmer’s (above photo, right) project, titled “HK High School Trail Revamp,” improved safety on the HK High School’s trail system. She created a team to fix holes and ensure proper water flow to avoid damage in the future. Ava also added trail and mile markers that correspond with a trail map that can be found on the Haddam-Killingworth High School website.
Kristen Thebeau (above photo, left) worked with the HK Recreation Department to create a program titled “Aqua Patrol.” This resource allows residents of Haddam and Killingworth to hire a lifeguard for backyard pool parties. It also includes an educational video on water safety. As an additional part of her project, Kristen worked with the HK High School Health Department to create a water safety lesson for the curriculum to teach high school students water safety skills and techniques that they can take with them into the future.
In addition to earning the Gold Award, Alyssa Bredefeld and Kristen Thebeau also were each awarded the Girl Scouts of Connecticut Gold Award Scholarship for their achievements in their projects. Congratulations to Alyssa, Ava and Kristen!
Photo by Robin Thebeau
