Mackenzie Janski has earned the highest award offered by Girl Scouts USA (GSUSA), the Girl Scout Gold Award. Mackenzie was recognized at her Gold Award Pinning Ceremony on Jan. 12, at Pilgrim Covenant Church. In recognition of her dedication and hard work to benefit all Granby citizens, the Granby Board of Selectmen presented a proclamation to Mackenzie on Jan. 6, and the State Legislature issued its own proclamation during the ceremony.
Mackenzie began her Girl Scout journey at age five as a Daisy in Troop 66023, and continued through all ranks, earning this milestone as a member of Girl Scout Troop 66362, which she joined in 2017.
Mackenzie is one of 5.4 percent of all Girl Scouts who have earned the prestigious Gold Award. To earn this honor, a Girl Scout must be in high school, complete two Journeys or earn the Silver Award and complete one Journey. Once these prerequisites are met, work on the project can begin, including identifying an important issue in the community, researching, creating an action plan with a sustainable impact, and leading a team to implement the project. GSUSA recommends a minimum of 80 hours of work.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Mackenzie noticed an uptick in mental health concerns among her fellow students at GMHS and learned about the dramatic increase in adolescents suffering from anxiety and depression; she chose this as her Gold project issue.
Mackenzie created a website called The Hope Hangout (bit.ly/thehopehangout) designed to provide information about anxiety and depression to middle and high school students—particularly those who may be experiencing mental health struggles. The website includes common signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as coping strategies and, most importantly, access to contact information for both local and national professional resources.
In addition, Mackenzie created Mindfulness Kits containing tools to help manage anxiety and promote emotional well-being. These kits are available at the Youth Services Building, the teen section at the Granby Public Library, and at both Granby middle and high schools.
Mackenzie worked with the Granby Youth Action Council to ensure both the website and Mindfulness Kits remain current—sustaining the project long after her direct involvement.
Mackenzie embodies the Girl Scout Promise, treating everyone with honesty, fairness and friendliness. In tackling such a pervasive and sensitive issue, she has proven to be courageous, strong and determined to make the world a better place.
Mackenzie is a 2024 graduate of Granby Memorial High School and now attends Millersville University where she studies social studies secondary education and history, with plans to become a high school history teacher.
Submitted by Deneika Janski