Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Sheryl Robinson.
Whitewater Student Teen Lacey Skime, Awarded $10,000 Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship for Pioneering Mental Wellness Initiative
Lacey Skime, an enterprising and compassionate resident of Prairie Du Chien, has been honored with a $10,000 Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship for her innovative project, the “Mental Wellness Fair and Kits.” This remarkable achievement showcases Lacey’s dedication to fostering mental wellness and building a more supportive community.
Nationally, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) recognized nearly 3,200 members of the 2023 Gold Award Girl Scout class who identified issues in their communities, took action, and found or created solutions to earn their Gold Awards. This year’s world-changer class raised $2.5 million in funding and invested over 300,000 hours to address real-life problems such as environmental sustainability, racial justice, mental and physical wellness, and gender inequality in STEM.
This year GSUSA awarded 110 Gold Award Girl Scouts from across our Movement, one from each council, a scholarship, made possible in part by the Kappa Delta Foundation, in addition to funds from GSUSA and its National Board.
In line with this mission, Lacey Skime’s “Mental Wellness Fair and Kits” project epitomizes the values of the Gold Award. The project began with a mental wellness fair encouraging open conversations and learning. Thought-provoking posters were displayed throughout her school, sustaining the conversation. Lacey’s commitment extended to radio interviews and strategic social media posts, ensuring a broad reach.
Collaborating with her friends and fellow troop members, Lacey developed mental health bags that found their way to various community agencies, creating a supportive network for young individuals facing challenges. These carefully crafted bags contained resources, encouragement, and practical coping skills to navigate difficult times. Agencies such as Crossing Rivers Hospital Behavioral Health Department, local schools, behavioral health clinicians, police departments and more readily embraced these emergency kits.
Reflecting on her impactful project, Lacey shared, “You don’t know exactly what’s going on with your gold award project to start one. A big part of this is learning about your issue while you go through this. You are not expected to be an expert on the issue. It’s building your understanding, reaching others, being willing to learn more, grow personally, and teach others with the help of your community. It’s bringing it all together in the end from a curious start.”
Lacey’s leadership shone through as she coordinated every aspect of the fair, demonstrating exceptional organizational and collaboration skills. Collaborating with many agencies, she successfully united different resources, facilitating a comprehensive approach to mental wellness.
Lacey’s enthusiasm was infectious, inspiring her peers and the community to rally behind her cause. She realized that the resources are available through surveys and conversations, and the need for these conversations is apparent. Lacey’s dedication also attracted the attention of the Crawford County Mental Health Coalition, further extending her network and impact.
“Lacey Skime exemplifies the spirit of the Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship through her unwavering commitment to mental wellness and community collaboration,” said Sheryl Robinson, Badgerland Council Gold Award Mentor. “Her project showcases her leadership, resourcefulness, and compassion, making her deserving of this scholarship.”
Lacey’s initiative addresses mental health concerns and empowers others to join the conversation. Her journey proves that one determined individual can create a lasting impact, leaving behind a more supportive and connected community.
Lacey is attending UW Whitewater this fall. She’s interested in elementary education or early childhood suction. However, she’s also open to learning more about herself and her interests during these years. She plans to work on campus and spend time with her nephews, build friendships and experiences.
