Annual Girls Empowered Award nominations were received, reviewed, and award winners have been selected! A special thank you to all that sent in nominations as well as to our judges!
Nora Shapiro
Elementary School Winner
Nora was nominated by a parent, because of her willingness to go above and beyond. In school, Nora is a Reading Olympics captain, a member of the 24 Math Team, a flutist, and a member of the choir. Outside of school, Nora is also quite busy! In addition to being an active member of her synagogue, she is also a cheerleader, Girl Scout, and an actress too! As a part of her cheer team, Nora received the Heartbeat Award, which is team-voted and given to the young person recognized as “the heart of the team.” Additionally, she is one of her cheer team’s main flyers, and takes gymnastics lessons outside of her cheer team to hone these skills. In Girl Scouts, Nora created multiple viral videos that earned national response and led to cookie sales (2000 boxes altogether!) in all 50 states. As an actress, Nora has held several lead roles in shows with Lights, Camera, Acting, as well as the Montgomery Theater, adding yet another facet to her strength as a leader! Nora’s parent shared, “She has made choices, repeatedly, to go in deeper pursuit of her passions rather than just show up, showing she understands that her future is something she actively builds.” That is pretty EMPOWERED if you ask us! Congratulations, Nora!
Amber Thompson
Middle School Winner
Amber was nominated by a parent and Girl Scout leader, for her incredible work creating a literacy campaign as a part of her Girl Scout Silver Award Project. Through this project, Amber built and donated a Little Free Library in her community, started a book club at her middle school, and also started a library card drive to promote reading over the summer months. Not only was Amber recognized by her Girl Scout troop for these efforts, but she was also recognized with an award from her school district as well. Additionally, Amber is a part of her middle school’s choir, stage crew, and ethics team. Way to go and congrats, Amber!
Nikki Gao
High School Winner
Nikki is a high school senior that was nominated by a teacher. In school, Nikki balances a number of leadership roles including Founder and President of Tennis Club, President of the Pearl S. Buck Club, Treasurer in Key Club and Mini Thon, and holds 2nd chair flute in symphonic band as well as the jazz ensemble. She is also a member of her high school’s Link Crew, Executive Council, NHS, and World Language Honor Society. Outside of school, Nikki is an aerialist with the Aerial Performance Team at Acrodynamics Inc. Through this role, she has had the opportunity to perform at local festivals and also won 1st place in duo division at the Aerial Arts Society New England Regionals. Nikki is also a Girl Scout and recently received her Gold Award through organizing a cross-cultural event at Pearl S. Buck House, which fundraised for orphans in Vietnam. Additionally, Nikki helps work at her family’s restaurant, saving for college. Her teacher shared, “She leads by example in both academics and behavior, showing dedication to her studies, while maintaining honesty and integrity.” We think Nikki is an incredibly versatile, empowered young lady. Congratulations on this hard-earned recognition!
Lilly Ibbotson
Elementary School Runner Up
Lilly is a 5th grader, who was nominated by her mom. She is a three time cancer survivor, who has not only beat cancer repeatedly, but also helps others affected by cancer too. She has hand-made bracelets to help raise funds, as well as organized fundraising events such as Bingo, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a special night out for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and toy drives too. Not only has Lilly recruited support with these efforts from those that she knows, she has also spoken in front of companies such as Rita’s, Applebee’s, and Michael’s Arts & Crafts to gain larger community support too. “Lilly is the perfect example of girl power and strength.” We couldn’t have said it better! Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Lilly!
Finley Harris
Middle School Runner Up
Finley is an 8th grader that was nominated by her gymnastics coach. Her coach has seen such hard-work, positivity, and resilience in Finley both on the mat and off the mat too! As a competitive gymnast, Finley not only works hard on building her own skills, but is also frequently seen offering hugs and words of encouragement to teammates as well. In school, Finley is a National Honor Society officer, helping to plan many school events, such as spirit weeks and assemblies. She also recently designed a school t-shirt to promote Autism awareness. In addition, she started a school club helping teach other students how to make jewelry that is sold for charity. Remarkably, Finley is also already a small business owner selling jewelry outside of school under the business name of “Under the Sun.” Congratulations on these wonderful accomplishments and enjoy this special recognition, Finley!
Gianna Forrest
High School Runner Up
Gianna was selected as our high school level runner up, nominated by her parent. As a 10th grader, Gianna maintains a 4.0 GPA while also being super engaged in extracurricular passions too. Gianna is a member of many clubs including Operation Eternal Gratitude, giving back to service-people stationed overseas, and Titans Connect, which helps pair students with special needs peers. There’s more! She is also involved in Think Pink Club, a Mini Thon captain, Mini Thon color wars committee member, Send A Smile Committee, Unicef, DECA, FBLA, STEM Club, Key Club, and No Place for Hate Club. Additionally, Gianna is a crew member, assisting with her high school’s musical performances, a flag football member, and an intramural basketball participant. Outside of school, Gianna holds a part-time job as a server in a local resident home. She is also a young adult advisory member for A Woman’s Place, helping to raise awareness among peers on dating violence. Through her role at A Woman’s Place, Giana also helps spend time with the children at A Woman’s Place, as well as helps restock the agency’s shelves with food and clothing. “Gianna is an incredibly impressive young woman. She dedicates her time to helping others…and helping raise up the voices of women in the community.” Well done, and congratulations to Gianna!
Ella Bahnk
Elementary School Honorable Mention
Ella is a 5th grader who was nominated by her guidance counselor. In school, Ella’s guidance counselor noted that Ella is a positive role model for peers, as well as inclusive, and a healthy problem solver too! Outside of school, Ella participates in 4H, traveling around the state and showing family cows, sharing this knowledge in school as well. “She is a bright light making sure she is helpful to all peers and staff every day. She brings a positive outlook to all situations.” Way to be EMPOWERED, Ella!
Jordyn Brutus
Middle School Honorable Mention
Jordyn is an 8th grader, who was nominated by one of her middle school teachers. Jordyn is a member of her school’s basketball team, school’s soccer team (as well as a soccer league outside of school too!), and a member of Student Council. In addition to Jordyn’s strengths as a member of these teams, her teacher also recognized Jordyn’s positivity, strong academic skills, and work ethic. Way to go, and congratulations, Jordyn!
Cais Yeung
High School Honorable Mention
Cais is a senior who was nominated by a teacher. In school, Cais keeps quite busy with many leadership roles, including President of the Educators Rising Club, Vice President of the Mental Health Awareness Club, co-founder of the Town-Hall Club, and leader in the Asian Student Association. Through this last role, Cais was involved in meeting with the school board to advocate for Lunar New Year being recognized as a school holiday. Cais is also an intern for two math teachers, helping to tutor other students, and assisting the teachers with grading and other tasks. Additionally, she participates in National Honor Society, water polo, swimming and diving, and track and field. Outside of school, Cais is a volunteer at a center for immigration justice, and is also a certified life guard. Cais created her own social media platform to help guide other students through the college process, offering her advice and support. In the words of Cais’ teacher, “She shows dedication, resilience, positivity, and commitment to helping others.” Cais, we can’t wait to hear what is next for you! Congratulations, Cais!
