Tatyana Lance, 18, of Effingham, created “A Memory to Live On.” The project focused on helping the elderly address issues of depression. Tatyana saw that seniors became happier when they recounted their fond memories. She met and spoke with residents of Gene’s Rest Home and helped them compile their memories into books that could be shared with family members. She reached out to other elder care facilities and told them about her project and sent them detailed correspondence about how they could also put this project to work at their facilities.

Ashley Prentice, 17, of Isle of Palms, was inspired to work on her “Save My Beach” project after she observed beachgoers picking sea oats on the beaches at Isle of Palms. Realizing that a lack of education was the main issue, Ashley worked with a local hardware store and Boy Scout Troop 40 to install benches near the sand dunes complete with plaques detailing the beneficial nature of sea oats and their key role in dune preservation and erosion prevention. She also created posters and spoke at several locations on Isle of Palms to promote the project. Girl Scout Troop 618 has pledged to maintain the benches after Ashley graduates, so Ashley’s vision will live on.

Taylor Ware, 18, of North Charleston, worked on a Gold Award project “The Experienced Boy Scout Uniform Closet.” The project was inspired by a child in her community that wanted to join the scouting community but couldn’t afford the uniform. Thinking that children outgrow clothing quickly, Taylor worked with Goodwill industries and Boy Scouts to create a uniform closet where new scouts could obtain gently used uniforms at a lower cost. She contacted Boy Scout groups locally, nationally and internationally to promote her project. Each pack, troop or crew will have control of its closet, so Taylor’s project will continue in her absence.