LI Girl Scout Completes Project Even After Devastating House Fire

SAYVILLE, NY — A dedicated Girl Scout is unveiling her Gold Project at a Long Island assisted living community this week.

The Bristal at Sayville is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday at 2 p.m. to debut benches created by Girl Scout and high school senior, Lauren Smalley. According to the Girl Scouts, Gold Projects are the highest achievement in scouting and aim to "make the world a better place."

A Bristal representative told Patch that Lauren has already delivered the benches and the Bristal community is "thrilled."

"The seniors at our community are very excited to use these benches as they often walk around the building as their daily exercise and now they have more places to sit and enjoy the outdoors," the rep said.

While a project outside of the classroom is a lot for any high school senior to take on, Lauren managed to complete her Gold Project while her family rebuilt their lives after losing their West Sayville home in a devastating fire last December.

"Lauren still completed her promise and finished the benches for the community," the rep said. "We are honored by her strength, commitment and her love for our community."