The
National Young Women of Distinction honor is given by Girl Scouts of the USA to
the top ten Girl Scout Gold Award recipients whose Take Action projects
demonstrated outstanding leadership, had a measureable and sustainable impact,
and addressed a local challenge related to a national and/or global issue. The
girls and their projects will be showcased on the Girl Scout Blog in advance of
being honored at the 2014 national convention in Salt Lake City this October.
Julia Bache: Lessons From Rosenwald Schools:
Preservation of Historic National Treasures
Age: 16
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Years of Girl Scouting: 11
Inspiration:
Julia moved forward with her Gold Award
project only after first looking backwards!
As a history lover, she knew she wanted her project to touch on a historical
theme. After some digging, Julia discovered the Rosenwald Schools and their
critical status on the National Trust for Historical Preservation’s Endangered
Sites list.
The schools were built in 15 southern states
by Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, beginning in 1910, to improve
African American education. Unfortunately, after integration in 1954, the
schools were somewhat forgotten. Julia stepped up to be the one to remind
people of their history and importance.
How Julia is Changing the World:
Julia began by nominating the Buck Creek
Rosenwald School to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She
was the youngest person in Kentucky to ever nominate a site! In 2013, it was
successfully listed, a recognition that deemed the school historically significant.
Julia also collected alumni stories through oral interviews that she went on to
include in a traveling museum exhibition. Her museum continues to tour
throughout Kentucky through different curators.
Julia continues to show people why historical
preservation is important and that anyone can be a part of it. Audiences all
over Kentucky have witnessed her amazing commitment and ability to lead others.
These qualities were particularly evident during a speech she gave at the
National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference.
Next Steps:
Julia is still working through the
challenges, big and small, of displaying her exhibitions. Luckily, she has the
support and interest of so many others. She hopes to study history in college
and continue preserving the past! Girl Scouts will honor Julia and her fellow
National Young Women of Distinction on Sunday, October 19 at our 2014 Girl
Scout Convention.