Lucy Wight has been a proud Girl Scout in Mill Creek for thirteen years—yes, thirteen! Since kindergarten, she’s been with the same troop led by none other than her mom. Over the years, Lucy has earned badges, made lifelong friendships, and even traveled the world with her fellow scouts. Her favorite memory? Exploring London and Paris with her troop after years of fundraising. “It was an unforgettable journey that made every effort worthwhile,” she says.

As a longtime scout, the idea of earning her Gold Award—the highest honor in Girl Scouts—was always on her radar. While college applications initially sparked her motivation, her passion took over once her project got rolling. The hardest part? Coming up with the idea. But once Lucy decided to focus on something she cared deeply about—helping animals—everything clicked. She partnered with PAWS, an animal shelter, and worked closely with their education team. Wanting to add a creative touch, Lucy illustrated a children’s book about the importance of keeping cats indoors, combining advocacy with artistry.

The experience taught her powerful lessons in leadership, communication, and time management. Her project advisor let her take the reins, and Lucy stepped up—owning the process from start to finish. “I hope my project inspires others to take action on issues they’re passionate about,” she shares. “Even small steps can lead to big changes.”

Most importantly, Lucy wants everyone to know—Girl Scouts isn’t just about cookies. “We travel, volunteer, and grow as individuals,” she says. Her story is proof that Girl Scouts offers girls of all ages the opportunity to make a real difference—and have a ton of fun along the way.