Courtney was honored with the Girl Scout of the Year award at the 2016 Gold Award Ceremony on April 9 at the Fox Theater in Redlands, Ca.

Courtney Gaba

In the thirteen years that Courtney has been a Girl Scout, she has excelled academically, give back to her community in countless ways and has exemplified sisterhood to everyone she meets. Her eagerness to help her troop, other girls in and outside of her region, conduct service projects and run programs has demonstrated the leadership abilities that evolved and took shape while a Girl Scout.

Courtney adores working with the younger girls in her troop, often helping them assume leadership roles, supporting them and leading by example. She has been involved in the girl-led program for Fall Product and Cookie Mega Drop the past two years, and is considered a pioneer in the program’s development. Courtney’s Cookie Mega Drops moved over 134,000 cases of cookies for each event.

Courtney is unique in that she is one of only four girls to attend all required classroom trainings since Fall 2014 and who has worked in a lead position for all four Mega Drops since that time. Most recently, Courtney was supervisor of the 2016 Cookie Mega Drop, overseeing both distribution sides of Thin Mints by managing the delivery lines and breaking down pallets efficiently for better access to product.

Many of her service projects were not one-time commitments. She has coached a middle school dance team, been an annual volunteer at a local horse camp and created a “Pay It Forward” program at school that is on-going and sustainable – in addition to her Gold Award project. Her dedication to making her community a better place is evident by the time and care she puts into all aspects of service, conduct and leadership.

Courtney is a shining example of Girl Scouting and a wonderful role model for younger girls, as well as her community. Her leadership as a girl member has been astonishing and wonderful to witness. All those who know her can only image what she will accomplish in the next stage of her life.

Girl Scout of the Year

The Girl Scout of the Year award is the highest Council award presented to a girl in grades 9-12 who exemplifies through her words, actions and involvement the highest ideas of character, conduct, patriotism and service. Nominations for this award can come from anyone affiliated with the nominee and is familiar with her commitment to the above criteria. The Girl Scout of the Year recipient is selected by the Council Recognitions Committee.