Special to the Herald

Aubree Worley and Olivia O'Bryan noticed that many trees were disappearing as more and more were cut down in Effingham County. This observation was the beginning of their journey to earn their Bronze Award, the third-highest award in Girl Scouts and the highest award a Junior Girl Scout may earn. The girls were passionate about providing trees for local schools as their sustainable project to make their community better as they are both saddened to see so many trees going down in our area and know the value trees provide us.

Worley attends Blandford Elementary and O’Bryan attends South Effingham Middle School.

After contacting the schools to see if they would like to have a shade tree planted, the girls set out to acquire trees for Sand Hill Elementary School, Ebenezer Middle School, and Effingham County Middle School. The girls greatly appreciated the support of each of the school’s principals Michelle Corless, Brett Griffin, and Travis Dickey.

"Sand Hill Elementary is honored to be chosen as the recipient of the project for these two young ladies. We have added two new wings to our school and this project has helped enhance the area and provide an extra tree back to the area of the school,” said Corless. “We are always honored to have the Girl Scouts involved in community projects here at Sand Hill.”

 "ECMS really appreciates the tree donation. It's a terrific gesture, which speaks to the character of these girls. We hope the tree grows tall and proud as a symbol of the sustainability they are promoting." added Dickey.

Griffin said, "I appreciate Aubrey and Olivia’s commitment to our schools. They have made an impact on the appearance of our school that will last a lifetime. We are so excited to be a part of this project." 

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia held its annual Savannah High Awards Ceremony on May 7, where Worley and O'Bryan were officially recognized and received their Bronze Awards pins. Their eyes are now set on the Silver Award, the second-highest award in Girl Scouts.

Worley and O’Bryan are members of Girl Scout Troop 30197 in Guyton.

Families with daughters who are age 5-17 who want to join an Effingham County troop may email effinghamgagirlscouts@gmail.com for more information.

Adrian Herrero earns Eagle Scout award

Adrian Herrero is an exchange student from Spain and completed his sophomore year at South Effingham High School. Based upon his experience with his home troop, he was granted an equivalency review which awarded him the Life rank (directly below Eagle) and 11 merit badges. Herrero is the first international Scout to earn the Eagle Scout award for the Coastal Georgia Council.

For his Eagle Scout project, Adrian built a produce pantry as part of the St. John's Lutheran Church food pantry. Church and community members now have a safe place to bring fresh produce to be shared with those in need. 

Adrian played on the SEHS JV basketball team and was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). His host family was the Scarbrough family of Guyton.