Thursday, October 1, 2026
Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently celebrated Freeport resident Mia Lomangino, who was one of 67 young women from across the county that earned the Girl Scout Gold Award this year.
The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, and recognizes young women who identify a real problem in their community, build a team and create a sustainable solution. Lomangino and her fellow award recipients were honored at the 2026 Gold Award Ceremony at The Inn at New Hyde Park.
“The 2026 Gold Award Girl Scouts are an extraordinary group of young women, and what they have accomplished goes far beyond the projects they completed,” Rande Bynum, CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, said. “Through this experience, every one of them built real, transferable skills in leadership, problem-solving, public speaking and project management that will give them an edge in college, in their careers, and in every community they are part of for the rest of their lives. We are so proud of each of them, and of the lasting impact they have already made right here in Nassau County.”
Girls in grades 9 through 12 begin their Gold Award projects by identifying a civic or social issue that is meaningful to them. They then assemble a team, develop a plan and lead the implementation of a sustainable solution that continues to make an impact long after the project is completed.
Whether through school-based programs, library book donations, community installations or online resources, Gold Award projects are designed to create lasting change. Throughout the process, participants strengthen their leadership, communication, project management and problem-solving skills while gaining confidence, resilience and the ability to turn ideas into action.
For her Gold Award project, Understanding ADHD in Girls, Lomangino focused on raising awareness about the underdiagnosis of ADHD among girls and women, a problem often linked to limited understanding among parents and educators. She created educational presentations, launched a website and distributed informational brochures explaining how ADHD symptoms can present differently in girls.
According to Girls Scouts of Nassau County, research shows that Girl Scouts who earn the Gold Award are more likely to take on leadership roles in their careers and communities and are more civically engaged than non-Girl Scouts.
According to the organization, 87 percent of Gold Award recipients said the experience helped them develop skills that have contributed to their professional success, while 72 percent said it helped them earn scholarships.
The impact often extends well beyond high school, with 99 percent of Gold Award recipients reporting that they have gone on to serve in leadership roles throughout their lives.
