Aurora Girl Scout, troop leader win awards

Alaina Nelson-Carrillo of Aurora has won the Girl Scouts of America’s top award, the Gold Award.

She was honored at Aurora’s Wesley United Methodist Church where she is a member of the Creators League, Circle of Friends Service Unit, GSA Troop 4785, based at the church.

Nelson-Carrillo’s project addressed the increase of mental health concerns in teens and tween girls by providing safe and creative spaces for expression through art.

Through research viewing the social and mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and seeing a decrease in opportunities and communities promoting healthy coping mechanisms for young women, and taking inspiration from her own interest in art, Nelson-Carrillo created mental health-based workshops utilizing art lessons and techniques. Artists displayed their works in a community art show.

She is among over 3,000 Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award this year by tackling a challenge in their world with lasting solutions.

Scott McCleary, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois treasurer and past president, presented Nelson-Carrillo’s award.

Additionally, Kelly McCleary, Troop 4785 troop leader, received the Hall of Fame Award from Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.

The award recognizes a lifetime commitment to the Girl Scout movement. In 55 years of Scouting, McCleary has supported Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois by advocating for Girl Scouts in the community, volunteering in various roles and with financial support.