Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons proudly recognizes local Girl Scouts who are part of the 2026 Girl Scout Gold Award class, who earned the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts make positive impacts on our local communities by addressing some of the most pressing issues. We congratulate Aaliyah Vega of Aberdeen, SD, for earning her Gold Award.
Aaliyah earned her Girl Scout Gold Award by leading her Educational Backpack Project. In partnership with Head Start, she created 16 backpacks filled with educational games to support families continuing learning at home and help prepare younger children for kindergarten. Over five months and 146 hours, Aaliyah addressed the need for accessible learning materials for families in the Aberdeen area. Thanks to her partnership with Head Start, her project will continue to support children and families for years to come.
Her accomplishments reflect leadership, citizenship, and foundational skills built through Girl Scouts. “Girl Scouts has been meaningful to me because I have learned leadership skills, teamwork, made friendships, and entrepreneurial skills while selling fall projects,” Aaliyah said.
Aaliyah is a junior in high school and plans to attend cosmetology school after graduating. She will receive her award at the council’s Honoring Excellence recognition event to be held on June 14, 2026.
