WILLIAMSBURG— Sara Miller, a 2025 graduate of Jamestown High School in Williamsburg, Virginia, and a member of Girl Scout Troop 1004, has earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for her project.
The project, “Dragonflies for Schools,” which focused on spreading appreciation and belonging among teachers and students through creativity and connection. After surveying her school, Miller found that 71% of respondents felt people were underappreciated.
Recognizing that “not enough teachers and students get appreciated for their hard work,” Miller launched a crochet club and led the creation of more than 1,400 crocheted dragonflies, each attached to a note expressing gratitude.
“With the overwhelming nature of work and school, there seems to be no room for appreciation,” she said. “Participating in the club can give members a sense of belonging.”
Miller distributed the handmade tokens during lunch and to staff throughout the school year, ensuring every student and staff member received one. She built sustainability into her project by establishing the crochet club to continue her mission beyond her graduation from Jamestown High School.
