JUMPING BRANCH, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Girl Scout from Summers County has earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, for her project “Learning Math for a Better Future.”
Emma Angell, a member of Girl Scout Troop 32080 with the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, created and led a yearlong math club to help elementary school students strengthen foundational skills.
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Her project addressed declining math scores in her community, which were further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning.
Working with Summers County Schools, retired educators, and community volunteers, Angell designed interactive activities teaching students to tell time on both digital and analog clocks, measure with standard tools, make purchases, give change, and write checks.
Parents received resources and access to a lending library of math games and books, extending the project’s impact beyond the classroom.
“I wanted kids to see that math isn’t something to be afraid of,” Angell said. “By making learning fun and practical, students gained confidence and skills they can use in everyday life.”
Results from pre- and post-program surveys showed significant improvement.
Only 10% of students could tell time on an analog clock before the program; afterward, 95% could. No students could write a check before the project, but by its completion, 100% could.
Angell dedicated more than 80 hours to the initiative, collaborating with teachers, retired principal Gail Ronat, and math mentor Pamela Mounts.
The project will be sustained through agreements with Summers County educators and a lending library available to the wider community.
The Girl Scout Gold Award recognizes high school Girl Scouts who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and address root causes of community issues with lasting solutions. Fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts achieve this national distinction.
“Emma’s project exemplifies the courage, character and leadership the Gold Award represents,” said Beth Casey, Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council.
“Her work not only improves math skills for local students but also creates a sustainable resource for the community.”
