The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA) presented its Gold Awards, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, during a recent event. The Girl Scout Gold Award recognizes girls who identify a community need, develop a sustainable solution, and demonstrate exceptional leadership through a significant service project. This year, Evelyn Gayhart of Everett earned this prestigious award through a project that is set to create a lasting impact on the local community.
Evelyn Gayhart did a project on Buddy Benches and Inclusion Curriculum for K-8 Schools.
Evelyn was upset to learn of the problems caused by bullying and social isolation in schools.
She felt the best way to address this issue was to create Buddy Benches: welcoming spaces where students can build friendships and learn about inclusion. She collaborated with community members, businesses, and school leaders to fundraise, build, and install Buddy Benches at local schools. To accompany the benches, Evelyn also developed a curriculum to teach students and staff about kindness, mindfulness, and bullying prevention. Her work inspired students, families, and educators to foster a culture of empathy and connection within their communities. Evelyn’s efforts will be sustained through annual staff-led education using her curriculum, and with continued enjoyment of the Buddy Benches at each school.
“By having benches and conversations about how people feel, we can, in turn, be inclusive, inviting, and supportive, and give students confidence and connection.”