(above) Julia de Montagnac wanted to improve opportunities and erase stigma for young students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia. She created an in-person and online enrichment program called “Coloring Confidence,” which integrates art projects to help 3rd and 4th grade students understand Language Arts and Social Studies lessons. She worked directly with students in three different New Jersey school districts, and she created a website, coloringconfidence.com, which contains resources for parents and educators. The website includes scientific information about art integration and language-based learning differences, as well as visual and written directions for completing the art-integrated projects she designed. In recognition of her efforts, Julia received the prestigious GSUSA National Gold Award Scholarship. She graduated from WHRHS in 2023, and now attends Princeton University.
Warren Girl Scouts earn Gold Awards
Submitted by Jane Maloney
Warren Girl Scouts is proud to announce three more young women have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement within the Girl Scout movement. To earn this award, individual Senior or Ambassador Girl Scouts must develop and implement “take-action” projects that create sustainable solutions to issues in their local community and beyond. In doing so, they demonstrate extraordinary leadership and a remarkable ability to advocate for lasting change. Only about 5% of Girl Scouts nationally earn this prestigious award.
(above) Gabriella Pento chose to address the skyrocketing increase in food insecurity in New Jersey, a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. She spearheaded a new food ministry at Our Lady of The Mount church in Warren, building a team of volunteers from the entire community. Through their efforts, over 4,000 lbs of food were donated to three local food banks, along with a large supply of toiletries. To ensure the program will continue, she created a, “how-to” guide for the Director of Faith Formation, who will work with teens to carry the ministry forward. Gabriella graduated from WHRHS in 2023 and now attends Boston College.
Warren Girl Scouts is part of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Council, which, with the support of nearly 8,000 adult volunteers, serves over 12,000 girls aged 5-17 throughout Essex, Hunterdon, Somerset, southern Warren and parts of Middlesex counties. Currently, in Warren, nearly 200 girls participate in troops of all age levels, supported by about 135 adult volunteers. We welcome new members – both girls and adults! For more information, please visit gshnj.org, or email warrengirlscouts@gmail.com.
(above) Gabrielle Minieri marshalled her interest in gardening, nature and the importance of access to fresh, healthy produce, by working with Wagner Farm Arboretum in Warren, to expand their ability to reach and teach families with young children – about gardening, and in particular, the WFA Community Garden. With her team, she designed and built a new outdoor classroom that includes a paved patio, two potting benches (one sized for younger children and one for older children or adults) and a kiosk with blackboard on one side and covered bulletin board on the other. Additionally, she provided the Head of Educational Programs at WFA with a curriculum she created, based on two related Girl Scout badges, which can easily be adapted for non-Scouting groups. This past spring, she held an open house to share her work with the community and to raise awareness about volunteer and educational opportunities at the Arboretum. Gabi’s track record of Girl Scout leadership and service includes having earned both the Bronze and Silver Awards, the highest awards available to Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts. To recognize achievement of all three awards, she was also awarded the Girl Scout “Changemaker” Award. Gabi graduated from WHRHS in 2023, and now attends Gettysburg College.
