What makes these Girl Scouts so outstanding? Read to find out.

The Girl Scout Law says to make the world a better place, and that’s exactly what Lorelei Fitzgerald, Sabrina Jones, and Rylin Kenney did earning them Silver Awards — a recognition achieved by only 10 percent of Girl Scouts.

Each girl developed a volunteer project close to their heart to help those in need.

“They really had to figure out an issue that was important to them in their lives,” said Councilwoman and former trustee of Lynbrook Laura Ryder, who honored the three girls at a June 7 Village of Malverne meeting. “And you can see all three of these projects were very, very different, each one affecting each young girl in their lives in a different way.”

Lorelei Fitzgerald was diagnosed with Type I diabetes just before entering fifth grade. She had to adjust to taking insulin shots before every meal, counting carbohydrates, and keeping an eye on her blood sugar. She and her mom, Taryn, say the diagnosis was scary at first, but the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation was there for them.

The JDRF sent Lorelei a bag of items to help, including a teddy bear and a book to help her navigate her nutritional needs. Now finishing 7th grade, Lorelei dedicated her project to fundraising for the organizations cure research.

“I think the JDRF helped us so much when she was diagnosed, that she wants to help the JDRF help people like her,” Taryn Fitzgerald said. 

Lorelei said that though the diagnosis was hard — she had to switch schools for access to medical resources — she’s getting used to the new normal and is now focused on helping others. Her project collected over $1,000 so far.

“It feels good that I know that I helped a lot of people who may be struggling with it,” Lorelei said. “And to support them in a way that I was supported when I was diagnosed.”

Sabrina Jones has always had a pitbull in her life. Chulo, and now Vespa, are important members of the Jones family. Sabrina’s mother, Susan, said both dogs are the most gentle, sweet animals she’s ever known. However, misconceptions about pitbulls still persist. Sabrina is looking to help change that. Her project fundraised for the New York Bully Crew, which cares for pitbulls and helps them find good homes.

“I feel like they’re the most mistreated of all the dog breeds, and I just wanted to raise awareness that they’re not all bad,” Sabrina said. “They can still be just as nice as any other dog.”

Chulo and Vespa were both rescue dogs. Vespa was dumped at a shelter on Christmas Day after just giving birth to a litter of puppies. Today, Vespa is finally gets the love she deserves. Sabrina wanted to create a project that helps other dogs with stories like Vespa.

Sabrina fundraised for the Bully Crew and created an Amazon wish list for supplies the organization needs. Food, beds, blankets, and cleaning supplies were donated to the shelter as part of Sabrina’s project. Between supplies and monetary donations, Sabrina raised nearly $1,000 for the misunderstood pups looking for forever homes.

“I feel proud of how we’ve come this far with spreading awareness,” Sabrina said. “And helping out dogs that are being mistreated.”

Rylin Kenney was born prematurely in Mercy Hospital and was supported in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She received expert care from attentive doctors and nurses, but the hospital’s baby clothes were simply far too big for preemies. Rylin’s project focused on fundraising and donating supplies for Mercy Hospital’s NICU to give premature babies and their mothers the resources and comfort they need.

“I remember what it was like to be that mom,” Rylin’s mother Gemma said. “So if we could give some comfort to some of the moms and the babies — it’s always nice to not be swimming in your clothes.”

Rylin, inspired by her and her mother’s experience, worked with Mercy Hospital to create an Amazon wish list of supplies the NICU needs. Her project gifted onesies, caps, gloves, and more to the mothers and babies that needed them. Rylin raised $1,500 for the Mercy NICU. The best part is that Rylin was able to work with Dr. Neil Bellin, the same OBGYN who delivered her 13 years ago.

“It was very nice to be able to help the hospital that helped us so much,” Susan said. “And we just hope that everybody, the moms that are there, can use it.”

Rylin, Sabrina, and Lorelei, all members of Troop 2015 since they were Daisies in kindergarten, supported each other’s projects. The three of them hosted bake sales together, splitting the profit evenly. Their choice to pursue Silver Awards is not a Girl Scout requirement, but rather a decision that reflects their dedication to helping others.

“We live in a society where, particularly when it comes to our youth, more focus is put on the negative,” Ryder said. “This is a perfect example of acknowledging and commending these young girls for doing something good.”

Each girl’s fundraisers are still open.