In 2022, Girl Scout Alexandra Jones celebrated many accomplishments—graduating Elizabeth Forward High School with High Honors, earning her Girl Scout Gold Award, and being crowned Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA 2022. Along with these outstanding achievements, she was also the president of both the Student Government Association and Interact Club at her school, a member of the Academic League and National Honor Society, and she played on Elizabeth Forward’s varsity golf and track teams.
A Girl Scout since 2010 and now a lifetime member, Alexandra says Girl Scouts has greatly contributed to the woman she is today. Through Girl Scouts, she says she has learned strength, independence, how to solve problems, and to think outside the box.
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to join a supporting group at such a young age and learn and grow with others just like me,” she said. “Girl Scouts sets the base for girls to gain and expand on so many valuable life skills. As a Girl Scout, you immediately have something in common with millions of girls all across the world!”
Alexandra earned her Girl Scout Gold Award for her project, “Affirmations with Alli,” which aimed to help teenagers build self-esteem and decrease stress. Through her project, she shared mindfulness techniques, meditation and deep breathing exercises, and positive coping mechanisms. She also designed a website and created an Instagram account to reach even more teens who are struggling.
Alexandra was not only named a Gold Award Girl Scout last year—she was also crowned Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA 2022 at the Richland Performing Arts Center in Johnstown. In this role, she is able to use her platform to further promote her Gold Award project and utilize her Girl Scout leadership skills.
“Girl Scouts has also allowed me to find my voice and become a leader and role model,” she said. “As Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA, I am extremely passionate about sharing my Girl Scout Gold Award Project, ‘Affirmations with Alli.’ It’s so amazing to me that I was able to turn an idea into an entire initiative and share positivity across the state!”
Open to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, the Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in Girl Scouts. Through earning this award, Girl Scouts distinguish themselves as community leaders by following their vision and passion to make their corner of the world a better place.
“My greatest piece of advice to Girl Scouts is to stick with it! When I was a Brownie, I heard about the Gold Award project. At the time, I couldn’t even begin to imagine all I would be able to accomplish with my project,” she said.
“It’s a lot of hard work and dedication, but the ending of creating something with a lasting impact is so rewarding!”
For more information about the Girl Scout Gold Award, please visit gswpa.org/goldaward.
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