Explorers who graduated from middle school to college were celebrated for their 2021 accomplishments! The Explorers, in partnership with Girls Scouts Heart of Michigan, also recognized three Explorers who earned Silver and Gold Awards. The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. Maya Daniels, Syann Hollins, and Sierra Ward earned a Silver Award for blankets created for the homeless. Hollins earned her Gold Award for her work to help the Kalamazoo Valley Museum archive the cowboy archives of local historian, Murphy Darden. Ward earned her Gold Award for the creation of inspirational bookmarks for high school seniors and senior citizens in local nursing homes.

Graduates who were recognized included:
Kimyah Babineaux – 8th grade, Hillside Middle School
Zaria Barrow – 8th grade, Linden Grove Middle School
Kalea Barnes – Kalamazoo Central; headed to Baker College Culinary Institute
Maya Daniels – Portage Northern High School; headed to Spelman College
Syann Hollins – Gull Lake High School; headed to DuPaul University
Shemaiah Lawler – Kalamazoo Central High School; headed to Wayne State University
Sierra Ward – Loy Norrix; headed to Western Michigan University
Claire Khabeiry – Western Michigan University; to pursue a master’s degree in immigration law.

*Please stay tuned for a photo album from our celebration!

Cherise Ward, Girl Scout troop leader, celebrates Gold Award winners (from right) Sierra Ward, Syann Hollins, and Silver Award winner, Maya Daniels.