Catharine Kelly Meade Earns Girl Scout Gold Award

On Sunday, May 21st, Catharine Kelly Meade of Clark received her Girl Scout Gold Award which is the highest and most prestigious achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA. To attain this recognition, a Girl Scout must identify an issue, take action to achieve the goal, as well as educate and inspire. This endeavor requires at least 100 hours of commitment.
Kelly learned that Union County was in need of a 5K route located within the Watchung Reservation. She anticipated a route that the public could enjoy and possibly utilize for approved fundraisers. For several months, Kelly explored various trails using a measuring wheel to calculate the exact distance covered in addition to securing a route that would be both pleasurable and be composed of terrain that would be appropriate for all users. Once the route was determined and approved by the Union County Superintendent, Kelly developed and incorporated the 5K route into a map of the reservation that is available to the public.
Because Kelly wished to share her passion for riding horses, Rachael Bechtold, Stable Manager, approved a visit to Watchung Stable for Saint John the Apostle Girl Scout Junior Troop 40979. Kelly welcomed the troop pointing out the basics of horseback riding, safety, and horse anatomy. The girls satisfied all the requirements and earned their Horseback Riding badge.
Kelly was the first to organize a 5K benefit using the trail she had established. On Saturday, June 17, 2016 almost 50 walkers completed the 5K and enjoyed refreshments that were provided. All donations were used to purchase blankets and saddles for the school horses of Watchung.
Kelly is a student at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung and the daughter of Tom and Pam Meade.