Nine Lower Makefield teens were awarded Gold and Silver Awards from the Girl Scouts of America, reports Bucks Local News. 

The effort took a combination of nearly 400 hours of research and work. Both distinctions are exercises in vision, leadership, community involvement, execution and assessment of results. Gold Awards are open to high-schoolers and is the most prestigious (and difficult to earn) honor the organization offers. 

The Gold Award winners, all Pennsbury High School graduates, were: 

• Grace Burke: Burke filmed, edited and published four educational videos on service dogs. 
• Jessica McNeely: McNeely’s work was done as an independent Girl Scout. She also received a Bronze and Silver award, earning the trifecta of Scouting distinctions. 
• Josie Stephens: Stephens’ efforts were to increase awareness about Tourette Syndrome, for which she wrote a children’s book and ran virtual info sessions for elementary schools. 

Silver Award winners embarked on projects such as making COVID-19 masks, building an inspiring rock garden and making blankets for a local homeless shelter.