News at St. Catherine's
The Gazette-Virginian: Teen paves way for Girl Scout Gold Award
Madison Gardner recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award. She wrote a How to Navigate Today's Technology tutorial, and presented a technology class to senior citizens in Halifax, Va. over the weekend.
Ashley Hodge
The Gazette-Virginian
Feb. 8, 2019
The Gazette-Virginian
Feb. 8, 2019
A 17-year-old Richmond teen with local ties is paving her way to the Girl Scout Gold Award by helping senior citizens become more comfortable with technology through a class at the South Boston Public Library.
Madison Gardner, the granddaughter of Frances and Clifton Daniel of Halifax, has often found herself in the predicament that most youth have today — helping their grandparents with computers or cell phones.
“When I come to Halifax County, I often find myself helping my grandma with her phone whether it’s helping her turn it on and off, and she isn’t familiar with texting,” said Gardner.
Technology has presented “such a barrier” when it comes to senior citizens, and Gardner said many simply choose to just walk away from it and won’t even attempt to use it.
“I want them to be able to take full advantage,” said Gardner.
So now she’s hosting an interactive computer class at South Boston Public Library from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday in which she will introduce participants to the basics of operating Smartphones, tablets and laptop computers.
“I’m excited to help. I hope I help make using technology easier and exciting,” said Gardner.
In addition to the class, she is creating a user guide that will give quick tips on how to use technology, and she’s hoping that guide will positively impact the community for years to come.
One of the requirements for a Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement of a Girl Scout, is that the Scout must have a “measurable and sustainable impact.”
After her class on Saturday, she will have to report to the Girl Scout Council in Richmond for approval to receive her award.
Receiving this award is exciting for Gardner who has been a part of Troop 773 of Girl Scouts since she was in kindergarten.
But for her, it’s not about the accolades, but the ways she has been able to give back through service projects.
“I want them to be able to take full advantage,” said Gardner.
So now she’s hosting an interactive computer class at South Boston Public Library from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday in which she will introduce participants to the basics of operating Smartphones, tablets and laptop computers.
“I’m excited to help. I hope I help make using technology easier and exciting,” said Gardner.
In addition to the class, she is creating a user guide that will give quick tips on how to use technology, and she’s hoping that guide will positively impact the community for years to come.
One of the requirements for a Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement of a Girl Scout, is that the Scout must have a “measurable and sustainable impact.”
After her class on Saturday, she will have to report to the Girl Scout Council in Richmond for approval to receive her award.
Receiving this award is exciting for Gardner who has been a part of Troop 773 of Girl Scouts since she was in kindergarten.
But for her, it’s not about the accolades, but the ways she has been able to give back through service projects.
While in Girl Scouts, she has taken part in food drives, book drives, tutoring middle school students in Chinese and math and, of course, selling Girl Scout cookies.
“Being in Girl Scouts instills a since of responsibility in yourself to give back and shows the importance of serving your community. There’s also a sense of community amongst the troops and provides leadership opportunities,” said Gardner.
When she’s not participating with Girl Scouts, Gardner serves on her student governing body, participates in SPARC, The School of Performing Arts in the Richmond Community, and has been a peer advisor.
She also has participated in Girls State, a summer leadership and citizenship program, and she has been a page with the Virginia General Assembly.
Being able to give back has positively affected her life, and she’s hoping she will have a good turnout Saturday to give back to Halifax County residents.
As long as one senior leaves her class feeling more confident with technology, she feels her work will have paid off.
Gardner is the daughter of James and Movita Gardner.
“Being in Girl Scouts instills a since of responsibility in yourself to give back and shows the importance of serving your community. There’s also a sense of community amongst the troops and provides leadership opportunities,” said Gardner.
When she’s not participating with Girl Scouts, Gardner serves on her student governing body, participates in SPARC, The School of Performing Arts in the Richmond Community, and has been a peer advisor.
She also has participated in Girls State, a summer leadership and citizenship program, and she has been a page with the Virginia General Assembly.
Being able to give back has positively affected her life, and she’s hoping she will have a good turnout Saturday to give back to Halifax County residents.
As long as one senior leaves her class feeling more confident with technology, she feels her work will have paid off.
Gardner is the daughter of James and Movita Gardner.
Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, St. Catherine’s School is a private, all-girls pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. We provide a well-rounded educational experience for girls from communities across Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and all of central Virginia. St.Catherine’s all-girls educational experience is rooted in more than a century of history and tradition. From our revolutionary past to our dynamic present, St. Catherine’s has always focused on preparing students for a boundless future.
