2 local students win Gold Awards

VANCOUVER — Two local high school students were among 20 students from Oregon and Southwest Washington recognized by Girl Scouts of the USA. Casey Ellson, 16, a student at Heritage High School, and Gabrielle “Gabby” Karber, 18, a senior at Vancouver iTech Preparatory, each received a Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. Ellson was recognized for a video project geared toward teenagers that addresses suicide. Ellson worked closely with a mental health professional and posted the videos on social media as well as distributed information and links to principals in the school district. Karber and volunteers designed, packed and distributed 100 emergency kits to independently living seniors. Karber also created a video explaining the items in the kits and how to replicate her project for additional distribution. “I’m honored to be celebrating these amazing girls for all the incredible work they have done tackling issues that are important to them and driving meaningful and lasting change in their communities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington and beyond,” Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Sylvia Acevedo said in a news release. Only 6 percent of Girl Scouts win the award each year. The requirement is to complete at least 80 hours of community service. The 20 students were honored at a virtual award ceremony on June 20. Find out more at www.girlscoutsosw.org.