Gold Award Girl Scout - Hazel Hammerstein

Missoula, MT— July 1, 2026— After moving from Montana to Bloomington, Indiana, Hazel Hammerstein continued participating virtually with her Girl Scout troop in Missoula through Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming. Drawing inspiration from an anti-drug mural project she experienced with her troop, Hazel transformed that idea into a community-wide initiative that earned her the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting.  

In addition to earning the Gold Award, Hazel was recently awarded the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship. She was awarded a $5,000 national scholarship to support her post-secondary education. "Gold Award Girl Scouts are visionary leaders," said Brittany Dimitryev, COO of Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming. "Hazel exhibited exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and created measurable, sustainable change. She is not only transforming her community but she’s stepping into the leadership role our world needs.” 

The Girl Scout Gold Award recognizes extraordinary leadership, dedication, and lasting community impact. To earn the award, Girl Scouts identify a significant issue, develop a sustainable solution, and lead a project that creates meaningful change. Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate the vision and determination to make a lasting difference in their communities. 

Hazel's troop participated in Montana's "Paint the State" mural competition, an initiative that educates youth about the dangers of first-time drug use through public art. Inspired by its success, Hazel launched the Indiana Prevention Project, adapting the concept to serve Monroe and Greene counties in Indiana. 

Through the Indiana Prevention Project, Hazel challenged local youth to create public artwork promoting substance abuse prevention. She developed a website and social media campaign to educate young people and encourage participation, while networking with local organizations, schools, and city officials to build community support. To ensure the project's success, Hazel established a nonprofit organization to secure funding for project expenses and provide an award for the winning mural design. 

Recognizing the importance of long-term impact, Hazel made sustainability a central focus of her Gold Award project. She founded a school-based Mural Action Club to engage students in future community art projects and partnered with a local business to begin planning a second mural contest featuring a professional graffiti artist. Her educational website also remains available as an ongoing resource for substance abuse prevention. 

"Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and make mistakes," Hazel advises younger Girl Scouts considering the Gold Award. "I did a radio interview even though public speaking was one of my biggest fears. I'm proud that I pushed myself to grow. Take the first step, see where it leads, and don't let doubt stop you." 

Hazel will attend Indiana State University as a Rural Health Scholar, majoring in pre-medicine. The highly selective program prepares future physicians committed to serving rural and underserved communities through primary care. As an undergraduate, Hazel plans to continue expanding the Indiana Prevention Project and hopes to bring additional "Paint the State"-inspired mural initiatives to communities throughout western Indiana. 

Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming congratulates Hazel on earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award and the $5,000 Gold Award Scholarship. Her commitment to empowering young people, fostering community partnerships, and using art to inspire healthy choices exemplifies the leadership and lasting impact the Gold Award celebrates. 

About the Girl Scout Gold Award 
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, recognizing extraordinary leadership, dedication, and lasting impact. To achieve the award, Girl Scouts identify a meaningful issue in their community, develop a sustainable solution, and lead a project that creates positive change. The Gold Award challenges girls to think critically, collaborate with others, and make a difference that extends beyond their project. Earning the Gold Award demonstrates a commitment to service and leadership that prepares Girl Scouts to be changemakers throughout their lives. 

About Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming 
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming serve 7,000 girls across two states, providing girls with opportunities to discover their strengths, connect with their communities, and take action to make the world a better place. To learn more, visit www.gsmw.org.