Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is honoring 31 local Girl Scouts with the Gold Award this year, the most prestigious honor in Girl Scouting.

The Gold Award, according to a press release, recognizes Girl Scouts in grades 9 to 12 and their service projects to address important issues in their community and develop sustainable solutions. This year’s recipients include Grazia Caramucci of Fountain Hills for her project, “Step Into the Outdoors.”

“Gold Award Girl Scouts identify everyday issues around them or draw inspiration from personal experiences to create meaningful change as project leaders,” said Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “We are proud to provide a platform for them to launch their own vision of community service.”

The 2025 Gold Award recipients have shown initiative and demonstrated leadership through their projects to tackle mental health stigmas, honor veterans, advocate for the environment, promote animal welfare, advance STEM education and more, according to the release.

“The Gold Award represents are young women who are actively shaping our communities for the better,” Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC, said in the release. “Their world-changing projects reflect the critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, team management, goal setting, budgeting, and other diverse skills they have developed by participating in Girl Scouts.”

Spicer also noted the Gold Award distinction on a high school resume helps young women stand out in college admissions, internships, job interviews, scholarship applications, and more, as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.