Adison Smith, a member within the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, has recently been honored with the prestigious Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship. This scholarship, valued at $10,000, stands as recognition for Smith's exceptional project titled, "Cyber Guide: Helping Foster Kids into Adulthood."

Smith completed her studies at St. Agnes Academy in 2023 and is poised to embark on her journey at Emory University this autumn, pursuing a degree in pre-med biology.

The Gold Award Ceremony, an annual event held by the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council in Houston earlier this year, served as a platform to acknowledge Smith's achievements, alongside 109 other remarkable Gold Award recipients. Every year, one individual from each council across the nation is chosen for the prestigious Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship. This year, a total of 112 scholarships are being granted. With the help of generous benefactors, the scholarship amount for each recipient was elevated from the previous $2,500 per council to $10,000 this year. Recipients are required to have successfully completed a Gold Award project demonstrating exceptional leadership, a tangible and sustainable impact, and an engagement with an issue of national and/or global significance.

"We are especially proud of Adison for her outstanding achievement and dedication to creating a positive impact on the lives of foster kids through her project. All Gold Award recipients are exceptional young women, and Adison's project rose to the top nationally because of her unwavering commitment, innovative approach, and genuine desire to make a difference. We congratulate her and are excited to see the influence her project will continue to have on the lives of foster children everywhere,” commented Mary Vitek, CEO, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council.

Adison Smith's Gold Award initiative, titled "Cyber Guide: Helping Foster Kids into Adulthood," offers invaluable resources and assistance for young individuals transitioning out of foster care. The crux of her endeavor is a comprehensive website, accessible at https://myvoiceincourt.com/, consolidating vital information about contacts, legal terminology, post-care support, educational opportunities, employment prospects, and healthcare, all within a user-friendly platform. This resourceful website aims to tackle the issues of disorganization and limited accessibility that often hinder foster children from fully exploring their potential and pursuing their aspirations.