Port Charlotte Girl Scout's Gold Award Project Tackles Bullying with Kindness

Hannah Dickinson, a Port Charlotte resident, has been awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor for Girl Scout seniors and ambassadors, for her project 'Kindness Counts.' This initiative aimed to combat the issue of bullying and negativity in school bathrooms, areas often plagued by harmful graffiti that contributes to student anxiety and low self-esteem. Dickinson's project involved replacing derogatory messages with vibrant murals that promote kindness and self-worth, alongside the introduction of a 'positivity wall' for students to share supportive messages.

The significance of Dickinson's work is underscored by alarming statistics from the State of the Florida Girl report, which reveals that 52% of Florida high school girls experience prolonged sadness or hopelessness, with a 60% increase in girls considering suicide over the past decade. Additionally, one in eight girls misses school due to feeling unsafe, a rate significantly higher than that of boys. Dickinson's collaboration with school administrators and her role as a peer mentor have been pivotal in fostering a culture of compassion and empathy among students.

Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, praised Dickinson and other Gold Award recipients for their innovative and impactful projects. 'These young ladies tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges with compassion, innovation, and leadership,' Johnson stated. Dickinson's project not only transformed her school's environment but also extended its influence to other schools through her partnership with the district’s strategic planning committee.

The 2025 Annual Gold Award Ceremony recognized 27 young female leaders, including Dickinson, with support from sponsors such as Amazon, Fiserv, and Florida Power & Light. These awards highlight the critical role of youth leadership in addressing community challenges and fostering positive change.