West Hartford resident Kelin Morris has earned the highest award in Girl Scouting.

Submitted by Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Girl Scout Kelin Morris has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting.

The Girl Scout Gold Award requires Girl Scouts grades nine through 12 to spend at least 80 hours researching issues, assessing community needs and resources, building a team, and making a sustainable impact in the community. A Gold Award Girl Scout’s accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart as a community leader. Nationally, only 6 percent of older Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award. Girl Scouts of Connecticut recently honored the 70 Gold Award Girl Scouts in Connecticut who have achieved this honor on Sunday, June 3.

For her Gold Award project, Kelin built and installed two “Little Free Toiletry Pantries” to provide goods such as toothpaste, shampoo, razors, deodorant, and more to families in need. Kelin saw food insecurity as an issue in the West Hartford and Hartford communities, and along with food insecurity comes a lack of access to toiletries.

Kelin raised awareness in her community and soon both pantries were being filled to help those in need. Kelin established an Amazon system allowing people from all over to donate to the pantries. Her high school service club continues to oversee her “Little Free Toiletry Pantries.” Kelin currently attends Trinity College and plans to declare a major in public policy and law with a concentration in health. After college, Kelin plans to attend law school and pursue her dream to become a lobbyist.

“I am so proud of all of our Gold Award Girl Scouts for taking the lead and spending over 80-plus hours solving real problems in their communities,” said Mary Barneby, CEO, Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “Nationally, less than 6 percent of girls earn the highest award in Girl Scouting. By earning this award, Girl Scouts set themselves apart as leaders in their community and true examples of go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders.”’

For more information about the Gold Award or how to become a Gold Award volunteer or mentor, visit gsofct.org.

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