Girl Scout honored for Syrian refugee aid

In her quest to aid Syrian refugees, Girl Scout Anna Maria Marino of Boston’s South End has earned the Gold Award (the highest honor in Girl Scouting). A recent graduate of Boston Latin Academy and now a freshman at American University (studying Arabic), Anna was honored by Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts in June with a ceremony at the MA State House.

The prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award requires high school girls to address a problem in their community with a project that makes significant and lasting change. www.gsema.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-program/highest-awards/gold-award.html

Project: “Hearts for Syria”

Anna Maria wanted to do her part to support Syrian refugees living in Greece and Syria. She facilitated a drive at Boston Latin Academy to collect cell phones, clothes, shoes, blankets, toys, and hygiene products. She worked with NuDay Syria, an organization that delivers aid to Syrian refugees. Anna Maria also gave informational talks at school events and hosted a booth at the local World Thinking Day event to raise awareness about the Syrian refugee crisis and why we need to keep supporting refugees. The Arabic Club at the school will continue this support.

“I chose this project because of my love of Arabic and my concern for the crisis. I knew I had to do my part to help, and I wanted to be able to use my skills for good,” said Ana.

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