Sikeston girls earn highest award in Girl Scouts

SIKESTON — Emma Scudder and Lydia Hodgkiss of Sikeston have each earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the most prestigious award in the organization.

“Emma and Lydia have not only made a difference at Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland but in your community, too,” said Lauren Slamb, public relations specialist for Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland. “It was their courage, confidence and character that allowed them to earn this prestigious award.”

The requirements of the Gold Award begin with completing two Senior or Ambassador Journeys, or having earned the Silver Award and completing one Senior or Ambassador Journey, and then a suggested minimum of 80 hours to identify an issue, investigate it thoroughly, build a Girl Scout Gold Award Team, create a plan and present it, gather feedback, take action, and education and inspire others.

Scudder’s Gold Award project involved updating Felker’s Park in Benton, Missouri, by adding a paver patio and pavilion, signs, seating and safety rails in order to create an attractive, safe place for Scouts to bridge each year.

“The local Girl Scouts do not currently have a nice place to hold their bridging ceremonies,” Scudder said. “By enhancing this bridge and possibly the entire park, that will allow Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of all ages — both boys and girls — a nice, safe place to hold their bridging ceremonies.”

Shudder said she’s already heard younger troops are planning to use the space not only for bridging but for a field day with lots of outdoor activities.

“I can’t wait to visit and see it being used,” Scudder said. “With the city of Benton sustaining it from now on, I know it will be greatly taken care of.”

In addition, Scudder’s achievements include the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver awards, the Silver and Gold Torch awards, and over 100 patches with a wide assortment of other badges and/or skill awards. She is the daughter of Amber and Mark Scudder.

Hodgkiss’ Gold Award project involved collecting and recycling sports equipment, hosting soccer camps and promoting local soccer events while working with families, coaches and players to encourage participation in sports for healthier lifestyles.

“This project addresses many issues such as physical health through exercise, mental health by reducing stress, building friendships, developing leadership skills, raising community awareness and learning to be supportive of each other,” Hodgkiss said. “Many children are unable to participate in a team sport because of lack of equipment. Kids hear or see other kids talking about playing a sport or maybe they see friends playing and they want to give it a try, but because of the expense of registration fees and the equipment needed, they are not able to participate.”

Hodgkiss, who is the daughter of Gabbie and Roy Hodgkiss, said her project provides gently used sports equipment to children in need. Her achievements include earning the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards, the Ten-Year Pin and a wide assortment of patches, badges and/or skill awards. She has also volunteered with the Save Camp Latonka group, helping with fundraising and clean-up projects in and effort to keep Camp Latonka open for future Girl Scouts.

“Congratulations, Emma and Lydia,” Slamb said. “We know you both will continue to make the world a better place.”