The Gold Award is the highest honor given by the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Scouts must perform service projects, among other requirements, to earn the award. The following youths have earned the Gold Award:

Shannon, 18, led volunteers in sewing more than 40 blankets for needy pregnant mothers and gathered donations of diapers, baby food and hygiene products for Metrocrest Social Services in Carrollton. She is a member of Troop 2366, an upcoming freshman at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and the daughter of Beth and Paul Michael of Coppell.

Jenifer, 18, solicited donations from area stores to host a gathering for senior adults at the Mayberry Gardens Assisted Living Homes. She is a member of Troop 2400, an upcoming freshman at Texas Woman's University and the daughter of Jacquelyn and Francisco Otal of Richardson.

Kathleen, 18, enlisted the help of more than 30 volunteers to educate others of adolescent cancers at the Relay for Life, an all-night fundraiser for cancer treatment. She also organized a memorial celebration that included music and refreshments. She is a member of Troop 1628, an upcoming freshman at the University of Oklahoma and the daughter of Mary Ann and Carey Paquin of Red Oak.

Amy, 18, organized the redesign of the outdoor sport court at Yale Elementary School. She hand-painted a U.S. map and worked with a local power- washing company to re-stripe the outdoor play area. She is a member of Troop 705, an upcoming freshman at Texas A&M University and the daughter of Ellen and Tom Parsoneault of Richardson.