Emma Roper of Girl Scout Troop 2023 in Burke County has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for a community leadership and service project that addressed the need for emotional support for residents at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center.
Aiming to address the importance of processing grief, the Girl Scout Ambassador partnered with the center’s therapeutic staff for her project, “Healing Hooves Memorial,” to create a dedicated memorial area for residents to remember and honor passed therapy horses and help them navigate feelings of loss and emotional transition.
“When a beloved horse passed away, there was no dedicated space for residents to process their grief, honor their memories, or find solace in a peaceful environment,” said Roper, a Girl Scout of 13 years. “The absence of such a space made it difficult for residents—many of whom have cognitive or developmental disabilities—to navigate feelings of loss and emotional transition.”
Emma designed and constructed a permanent outdoor memorial garden at the center’s equestrian facility featuring a hand-painted mural, planter boxes and a tranquil seating area. This reflection space was created for residents, staff, and volunteers to honor the therapy horses that have touched their lives. Emma created resources on grief processing and the human-animal bond as well as a care guide and maintenance checklists to ensure that residents and their families will continue to have a sustainable, accessible sanctuary for reflection and healing.
Girls in high school can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award by creating sustainable change on a community or world issue. They address the root cause of a problem, plan and implement innovative solutions to drive change and lead a team of people to success. Each Girl Scout must dedicate a minimum of 80 hours to planning and carrying out their project that benefits the community and has a long-lasting impact.
Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they are the leaders our community and world need, and those from the Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P) council have created community gardens, addressed issues in foster care, combated bullying in schools and so much more.
“I chose this project because of my passion for animals, my commitment to community building, and my empathy for individuals with disabilities,” said the Gold Award Girl Scout. “Horses have always been a significant part of my life, and I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that equine-assisted therapy can have on emotional well-being.”
Thousands of Girl Scouts across the country earn the Girl Scout Gold Award each year, which first began in 1916 as the Golden Eaglet. Earning the Gold Award opens doors to scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college and amazing career opportunities. In 2025, 30 GSCP2P Girl Scouts earned their Gold Award.
To learn more about earning a Girl Scout Gold Award, visit https://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/badges-journeys-awards/highest-awards/gold-award.html.
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