Wheeling-area Girl Scout earns national scholarship for ADHD awareness project

BETHLEHEM, W.Va. — Girl Scout Bridget Zoeckler of Bethlehem has earned a $5,000 Gold Award Scholarship from Girl Scouts of the USA in recognition of her Gold Award project, ADHD Awareness Website.

For her project, Zoeckler created a website dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The site provides clear, accessible information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, management strategies, common misconceptions and available resources for individuals, families and educators.

Inspired by a desire to help others better understand ADHD and access reliable information, Zoeckler spent nearly two years researching the topic, consulting with professionals and developing a user-friendly online resource designed to support anyone seeking information about the condition.

“My goal was to create a resource that helps people better understand ADHD and provides accurate information,” said Zoeckler. “Whether someone has ADHD, knows someone who does or simply wants to learn more, I wanted this [website] to be a place where they could find information and support.”

The project has already demonstrated measurable impact. Within its first month, the website received more than 100 visits. Promotional materials distributed throughout local schools helped connect students and community members to the resource.

The website was also added to Wheeling Park High School’s counseling resources, helping ensure its long-term sustainability.

“Bridget’s project exemplifies the purpose and power of the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Beth Casey, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. “She identified a need, developed a solution and created a resource that will continue serving others for years to come. Her leadership and commitment to helping others make her incredibly deserving of this national recognition.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting and recognizes girls who identify issues in their communities, take action and create sustainable solutions that drive meaningful change.

Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers and focused project managers. Through the Gold Award, girls address issues ranging from environmental sustainability and educational equity to physical and mental well-being.

According to Girl Scouts of the USA, 87% of Gold Award Girl Scouts say earning the award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally, while 72% report that earning the Gold Award helped them obtain scholarships. Additionally, 99% of Gold Award Girl Scout alums take on leadership roles in their everyday lives.

This year, Girl Scouts of the USA awarded a scholarship to one Gold Award Girl Scout from each council across the Girl Scout Movement. Scholarship recipients receive a $5,000 scholarship for post-secondary education and national recognition as members of the Gold Award Class of 2026.