Mercer Island Girl Scouts celebrated the achievements of several members on Feb. 28 at the annual Gold and Silver Banquet held at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church.

Over 150 people attended the banquet, including former Girl Scouts from Aljoya, current Girl Scouts and their families. Rep. Tana Senn, of the 41st Legislative District, was the featured guest and spoke about supporting equal opportunities for all while embracing differences and uniqueness.

Seven girls earned their Silver Award, the second-highest award given in the Girl Scout organization. The prestigious Silver Award is earned by planning and executing a project that addresses a community need. At least 50 hours of work is required to complete the project.

The seven high school students who earned their Silver Award are Sarah Gest, Stella Goffman, Emily Kovarik, Kayla Mitchell, Mallory Nichol, Lexi Shurygailo and Anna Zurawski. Nichol developed and made packages of snacks and essential toiletries for homeless teens through work with the YouthCare organization.

Goffman, Kovarik and Shurygailo worked with seniors at Aljoya, teaching them to use current computer technology. Gest worked with Mary’s Place and Seattle Union Gospel Mission, providing ready-made craft kits for homeless children.

An exercise and fitness guide for the new equipment at Mercerdale Park was developed by Mitchell and Zurawski.

Twenty-five girls from two troops earned their Bronze Award. The Bronze award is the highest award that can be earned by a junior Girl Scout and is typically earned during their fifth grade year. This award centers around helping the Girl Scout community and involves at least 20 hours of work.

Members of troop 41486 who earned their Bronze Award are Megan Andress, Ava Campbell, Ally Eng-Mullen, Erin Eng-Mullen, Abbey Ham, Grace Han, Jaya Krauser, Audrey Kris, Ally Merritt, Elaine Mohr, Lara Nagy, Almira Pavlyuk, Rian Sherper, Collette Smutny, Zoe Sowers and Madison Wilson.

Troop 41540, who presented the banquet and thereby earned their Bronze Award, includes Priya Bhananker, Katherine Evans, Margaret Gallagher, Julia Haper, Nadia Marcou, Sammy Moeller, Lila Saloranta, Elena Skirgaudas and Lindsey Whelan.