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Gabriella Wang of Wilton has received the Girl Scouts' highest honor for community service projects at Woodcock Nature Center and Cherry Lane Park. Gabriella, 18, rebuilt walking trails at each site and marked the path with maps. She also made informational signs for trees native to the Northeast.
"I thought it would be cool to make a nature walk where you are educating the public and keeping them safe," said Gabriella. She added that the paths are intended to provide a safe alternative to walking along town roads.
The Girl Scouts honored Gabriella's efforts with their Gold Award, which recognizes achievements, commitment, creativity, leadership, and personal contributions to a Scout's community.
Gold Award candidates must get the approval of local politicians to ensure their project will serve a community need. Wang said State Rep. Peggy Reeves, First Selectman Bill Brennan and other town officials agreed that upgrading the walking trails would be a worthwhile project.
Gabriella, who became a Girl Scout when she was in the second grade, was one of 50 young Connecticut women to receive Gold Awards. The winners were honored at a ceremony on June 6 at St. Joseph's College.
Gabriella just started her first year at Connecticut College, where she is majoring in Slavic studies. In addition to her activities with the Girl Scouts, she is an avid horseback rider. She hopes to work as a translator for the FBI or CIA.
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