Alicia Thurston and Caitlyn V. of Wichita were honored with the Girl Scouts’ Gold Award for creating sustainable projects in their community. The equivalent to the Boy Scouts Eagle Scout honor, the Gold Award allows recipients who join the armed forces to enter one rank higher, and also qualify for exclusive scholarships. Thurston received the award for creating sustainable mural projects at several schools. The murals are made from up-cycled plastic lids and there are remaining supplies for future classes to swap out the old mural for a new one. A sophomore in high school, Caitlyn addressed bullying by building, waterproofing, and installing two buddy benches for local elementary schools. “Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award is a truly remarkable achievement,” said Liz Workman, chief executive officer of the Girls Scouts of Kansas. “They saw a need in their communities and around the world, and took action. Their extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and leadership is helping make the world a better place.”