Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania would like to congratulate Jillian Fishell, a 2023 graduate of Upper Saint Clair High School and the winner of the $10,000 Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) Gold Award Scholarship for our council.
The GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship program recognizes the outstanding achievement of and provides financial support to one Gold Award Girl Scout per council and is earned by a Girl Scout who completed a Gold Award project that demonstrated extraordinary leadership, measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed an issue of national and/or global significance.
Fishell’s project, My Turn to Tri Training Program, centered around creating a training program for the athletes of her local YMCA’s annual special needs triathlon, My Turn to Tri.
“I have been able to see firsthand my brother Christian’s desire to participate in the more ‘typical’ activities at school and in athletics. Although he has exceptional abilities for a person with Down Syndrome, I have seen limits on Christian’s ability to excel because of his intellectual disability label. Growing up, my sisters and I would compete in different races and our number one fan in the cheering section was our brother. He always said ‘I can’t wait to do a race one day!’ Christian was delighted to now be able to participate in the My Turn to Tri triathlon at our YMCA. However, I noticed inadequate preparation and the need for a training program for the participants. People with special needs are lacking physical fitness opportunities and specialized programs. The goal of the program was to address the inclusivity issue of those with special needs participating in sports, as well as to create equality in athletics training.”
Fishell partnered with her local YMCA, Pittsburgh Autism Society, Miracle League of Pittsburgh, The Special Olympics, and her school districts to instruct classes and create workout plans to teach proper stretching and exercise techniques.
“My goal for the athletes in my program was to increase their confidence on race day, improve their physical endurance, and build meaningful relationships with the other athletes.”
Fishell assembled a team of expert volunteers and led a four-week program for the athletes leading up to the race, improving their strength and confidence. The workout plans she created include the stretches, exercises, and warmups she used for each class. Her program has now been converted into a monthly class at the YMCA for the athletes and others with special needs and she hopes her plans will be shared with workout facilities nationwide.
“I have learned that one small idea can make a large impact on the lives of others if I take action.”
Fishell plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh this fall for nursing.
GSWPA 