Dave Osborn
Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News
A Collier County Girl Scout has earned the Gold Award for her project to create a wheelchair-accessible garden at her high school.
Corrin Zurbrigg, a junior at Barron Collier High School and member of Troop 273, identified a need for hands-on learning opportunities for Exceptional Student Education students. Her project, Garden Beds & Life Skills for ESE Students, aimed to address gaps in education around nutrition, sustainability, and independent living skills.
The garden features 10 raised beds, irrigation supplies, gardening tools, a storage shed, and a 10-week curriculum tailored to ESE learners.
According to a news release, the program had an immediate impact. Surveys showed that student knowledge of gardening, nutrition, and plant science increased from an average of 60% to 84% after completing the course. Students gained experience in growing and harvesting produce, as well as learning skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and basic food preparation.
Fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts win award
The accessible design ensures that students of all physical abilities can participate. Zurbrigg also created reusable lesson plans and resource materials so teachers can continue the program each year.
The Girl Scout Gold Award, presented by Girl Scouts of the USA, is earned by fewer than 6% of eligible Girl Scouts nationwide. It recognizes young women who identify a community issue, develop and lead a sustainable solution, and create measurable impact.
Zurbrigg secured more than $10,000 in in-kind donations from local businesses and community partners. She organized volunteers and worked closely with school staff to ensure the program aligned with educational goals.
Local organizations supported the project, including Matulay’s Contractors Supply, Superior Stone, GoMulch and Barron Collier High School. Additional support came from Tractor Supply and Home Depot locations in Pine Ridge and Bonita. Remodeling Contractors supplied wood and spray paint for the construction of trellises and planter boxes.
This story was created by reporter Dave Osborn, dosborn@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
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