Rehkop's community project encourages positive behavior at youth sporting events and creates a lasting impact for young athletes.
Hillsboro High School junior Ava Rehkop is proving that one person can make a lasting difference in their community.
Rehkop has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, for a community service project designed to promote positive sportsmanship and create a more encouraging environment for young athletes.
Her inspiration came from something she witnessed at local Little League games: adults yelling from the sidelines, arguing over officials' calls and sometimes taking the fun out of the game for young players.
Rather than simply recognizing the problem, Rehkop decided to do something about it.
"What we need is more encouraging and respectful attitudes towards the younger kids," Rehkop said. "Sometimes you don't realize how disruptive your behavior can be and a gentle reminder is good for everyone."
Working with Little League committee members and coaches, Rehkop developed a plan to install signs reminding spectators to encourage young athletes, respect officials and help make games enjoyable for everyone.
She gathered community input through a survey that received 66 responses and worked with donors and Farmington Signs to bring her idea to life.
Her original goal was to provide one sign for each of eight Little League fields. Instead, she exceeded expectations.
Rehkop provided 16 permanent field signs, two for each field, along with two movable signs for concession areas and other locations. The weather-resistant aluminum signs are designed to remain in place for years to come.
But her project didn't stop there.
When the Hillsboro Youth Football Club learned about her efforts, its leaders requested signs of their own. Rehkop used remaining project funds to purchase three additional signs, expanding her message of positive sportsmanship to another group of young athletes and their families.
In total, her project provided 21 signs to local youth sports organizations.
Rehkop also used social media to raise awareness and gathered feedback from spectators and league representatives. Parents and committee members expressed appreciation for the reminders and the positive message they promote.
To ensure the project continues making a difference, she worked with Little League leadership to establish plans for maintaining and replacing signs when needed.
"I strongly feel that I have exceeded my goals and I am happy that I was able to provide this for my community," Rehkop said.
The Girl Scout Gold Award recognizes young women who identify a community issue, develop a solution and lead a project that creates sustainable change.
For Rehkop, the recognition represents more than completing a project. Her efforts will continue reminding spectators that youth sports should be about learning, teamwork, encouragement and having fun.
The Hillsboro R-3 School District congratulates Rehkop on this outstanding achievement and celebrates her leadership, initiative and commitment to making the Hillsboro community a better place.