Whether inside the classroom or participating in campus-wide community engagement activities, Fountain Valley School (FVS) students strive to become change-seekers dedicated to making a lasting difference in their local communities and around the globe. A rising junior at FVS – home to approximately 240 boarding, day, and international students – Sofía D.D. '26 of Colorado Springs embodies these very qualities of service to others, and was recognized this spring with the coveted Silver Award by the Girl Scouts of Colorado. Only approximately 10 percent of Girl Scouts nationwide will receive such a distinction.

The Silver Award – the second-highest honor one can earn through the well-known national youth organization – is awarded to that Cadette who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and service to their community. To earn the Silver Award, a Cadette must “research an issue [they] care about, make a plan to address it, and then take action to improve [their] community.”

In May, Girl Scouts of Colorado CEO Leanna Clark (pictured here) honored Sofía at the organization’s Highest Awards ceremony in recognition of her "remarkable leadership, dedication to community service, and civic engagement." 

Now on course to earning the Gold Award, Sofía’s Silver Award project was rooted in a desire to create a meaningful and lasting impact in a rural – predominantly Spanish-speaking – neighborhood in New Mexico, where access to high-quality instructional materials is limited. By fostering community partnerships and developing plans for long-term sustainability, she successfully implemented a neighborhood bookshelf designed to serve as a small library, including content-rich educational materials for children and teenagers in the community. 

“This area, lacking a public library and public transportation to the nearest town, now has a valuable resource for continued education and literacy, [both] essential for addressing systemic inequality,” Sofía noted in her presentation on the initiative. 

In all, Sofía’s project not only provided immediate benefits but also laid the groundwork for ongoing needs within the rural community. As she continues her journey toward achieving elite Gold Award status, Sofía will soon partner with local and state officials to develop a sustainable solution to a significant issue. The Fountain Valley School community celebrated her hard work and success during a weekly all-school assembly before the conclusion of the academic year in May. “Sofía is a prime example of the spirit of leadership and civic engagement embraced by FVS students and faculty,” said Head of School Megan Harlan. “We look forward to witnessing her continued impact as she pursues the Gold Award.” 

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August 2024 - "Broadmoor Friends & Neighbors" - Colorado Springs High Schooler Earns Prestigious Silver Award from the Girls Scouts of the USA