Next Saturday, Southwest Florida’s brightest young women will take center stage as the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida honors more than 400 trailblazers at the 2025 Young Women of Distinction Ceremony. Set against the scenic backdrop of Punta Gorda, this annual celebration will shine a spotlight on outstanding achievements ranging from community service to entrepreneurship—and the media is invited to join the festivities.
A Celebration of Achievement
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, high-achieving Girl Scouts will be recognized for their dedication and impact. The afternoon kicks off at 2 p.m. with the awards ceremony, where recipients of the prestigious Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards will be lauded for projects that address issues from environmental conservation to social services. Immediately following the ceremony, from 4–6 p.m., press and camera crews will have the opportunity to interview honorees, their families, and key Girl Scout leaders over light refreshments.
Spotlight on Excellence
This year’s honorees represent a diverse spectrum of projects and passions:
- Krysta Fowler (North Port) built 26 bat habitats, now home to more than 2,000 bats, and spearheaded a three‑county educational campaign on bat conservation.
- Olivia Trader (Cape Coral) authored a 5,000‑word campus safety guide, taught self‑defense workshops, and successfully integrated her work into her school’s guidance curriculum.
- Victoria Morton (Port Charlotte) launched a pet food pantry and free grooming clinic, serving over 100 pets and supporting low‑income families.
- Reagan Graham (Sarasota) founded a permanent sock closet, collecting and distributing more than 2,000 pairs to individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Harley Cross installed a 24/7 anonymous food pantry, providing healthy, stigma‑free access to nutritious meals for neighbors facing food insecurity.
Words from Leadership
Key figures will be on hand to contextualize the impact of these young women:
- Laura Robert‑Rivera, global youth advocate and board director of the World Foundation for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, delivers the keynote address. Her work as a Bold Mover with Vital Voices and nonprofit consultant brings a global perspective to local achievements.
- Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, is available to discuss the newly released State of the Florida Girl Report, summer camp initiatives, and evolving needs of Girl Scout properties across the region.
Media Details & Interview Coordination
- When: Sunday, May 18, 2025
- 2:00–4:00 PM: Awards ceremony
- 4:00–6:00 PM: Interviews & refreshments
- Where: Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
- Press Seating: Reserved front‑row space; camera‑crew accommodations available.
- Advance Interviews: To schedule one‑on‑one time with honorees or leadership, please contact the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida communications office prior to the event.
Join us in celebrating the determination, creativity, and leadership of these remarkable young women. Their projects not only earned them Girl Scout’s highest honors but also created lasting benefits for communities throughout Southwest Florida. We look forward to sharing their stories with you.
