MUSCATINE, IA - A Muscatine-area Girl Scout has earned the highest award in scouting through her dedication to community service.
Katie Dean of Fruitland earned her Gold Award through Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois after writing a children's book to help pediatric patients realize the hospital is not a scary place.
Dean said she was inspired to write the book after she was hospitalized in fifth grade.
"I know how scary it can be," she said.
Dean partnered with a local art teacher who provided illustrations. She donated 45 copies of her children's book, Healing, Hospitals, Happiness, to three hospitals in her community.
"My books will remain in the hospitals, waiting rooms, doctors' offices and hospital libraries for others to use," she said.
The Girl Scout Gold Award recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership by establishing a long-lasting positive impact on their community. Gold Award projects typically take 80 hours to complete.
"The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn," said Korissa Prine, Leadership Experience Manager at Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. "Girls recognized with this award are truly our leaders of tomorrow."
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