Pasadena Girl Scout earns Gold Award

Katelyn Vasquez recently earned the Girl Scouts of America's Gold Award for her work in refurbishing three gardens at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, located at 2921 Center St. in Deer Park. The recognition is one that less than 5 percent of Girl Scouts in the nation receive.

"I learned many skills that will help me succeed in life, such as leadership, organization and how to collaborate with a group of people," said Vasquez, a senior at Deer Park High School, in a press release. "I also learned all about landscaping."

To earn the Gold Award, Girl Scouts must demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, career planning, community involvement and personal development. Requirements take more than 100 service hours and two to three years to complete and include planning and completing a community service project.

"I chose this project because I've gone to St. Hyacinth Catholic Church my entire life and wanted to give back to my parish for all it's done for me," she said.

Vasquez led a team of volunteers in pulling out dead plants in each garden, weeding the flower beds and adding mulch. Work was completed over a five-month period.

"Katelyn was very excited about tackling her project and worked very hard to make it happen," said Marissa Vasquez, her mother, in a press release. "She sharpened her leadership skills by organizing three groups of volunteers to work on three different gardens. Katelyn planned for what needed to be done and communicated well with her teams. I've noticed she seemed to handle her school projects with more ease."

Vasquez has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. At Deer Park High School she is a member of the symphonic band and National Honor Society. Outside of school she is a member of the Bay Area Youth Symphony. After graduation Katelyn plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University to study music.

For more information about local Girl Scouts and programs, call 1-800-392-4340 or visit gssjc.org.