June 17, 2026: Bronxville Troop 1506 is celebrating Bronxville High School student Elizabeth Delaney, who earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts, for her project, “Strong Start: Back-to-School Supplies & Fresh Start: Fire Disaster Relief.”

Delaney received the award during a ceremony held June 6 at Saint Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York, where she was recognized by Dr. Kari L. Rockwell, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson. Only about five percent of Girl Scouts nationwide earn the Gold Award.

To earn the Gold Award, a Girl Scout identifies an issue in her community, develops a plan to address a root cause, and leads a team of volunteers to implement it. The goal is to create a sustainable impact that continues beyond the Scout’s own involvement.

Delaney created her project to address gaps in access to basic school supplies for students in Mount Vernon, where economic instability and limited resources can create barriers to opportunity. She organized a back-to-school drive that provided backpacks, notebooks, pens, and pencils so students could begin the school year with confidence. Working with student volunteers and community partners across Bronxville, she established the initiative as a sustainable annual effort.

In November 2025, a five-alarm apartment fire displaced more than 100 families. Building on the same network of student volunteers, school leaders, and community partners, Delaney—working with the support of the Bronxville Police Department—coordinated a rapid response effort to collect and distribute clothing, toiletries, and other essential items for families who had lost nearly everything. Within 72 hours, the initiative delivered seven truckloads of donations.

“I’ve always known Bronxville was a special place, but this project really showed me why,” Delaney said. “The way the community came together—quickly and without question—made a meaningful impact for so many people.”

Delaney began her Girl Scout journey in first grade and has been an active member of Troop 1506 throughout her childhood. In addition to Girl Scouts, she is a member of the Bronxville High School varsity girls soccer team, where she earned All-League Honorable Mention recognition as a goalkeeper and will serve as a team captain this fall. She is also involved in the school’s Autism Awareness Club and Red Cross Club and will serve as president of both organizations during the 2026–27 school year.

Delaney expressed deep gratitude to Troop Leader Patricia Toolan and the members of Troop 1506, as well as Bronxville High School Service Advisor Alyssa Dioguardi, for their guidance and support. She also extended special thanks to Bronxville Police Chief Christopher Satriale and Sergeant Cheryl Jarosz for their partnership in helping mobilize the community’s response.

Throughout the Gold Award process, Delaney said she was continually inspired by the willingness of others to step forward and help. The experience reinforced her belief that meaningful change begins when individuals and communities work together in service to others.