Neighbor News
Girl Scout Earns Silver Award for “Braille Matching Matching Game"
Caitlyn Michiels Works in Partnership with the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library
Pictured with Caitlyn (center) are, from left: Joseph Furnari, Clerk, library board of trustees; Chris Ricciardi, member, library board of trustees; Wendy Gross, Vice President, library board of trustees; Sylvia Maurer, Department Head, Children’s and Parents’ Services; Joseph Maiorana, President, library board of trustees; James Mazzarella, Suffolk County Legislator; Joseph DeStefano, New York State Assemblyman; Laura Sorgie, Coordinator, Girl Scout Service Unit 48; and, Sharon Smith, Senior Troop Leader, Girl Scout Troop 2118.
Mastic, NY – Caitlyn Michiels, a dedicated 9th grader from Girl Scout Troop 2118, has earned the prestigious Girl Scout Silver Award for her innovative project, the “Braille Matching Game.” Her project is designed to help children and teens learn the basics of Braille in a fun and engaging way. The game is now a permanent fixture in the children's department at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, with plans for it to travel between library branches.
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The Silver Award is one of the highest honors a Girl Scout Cadette can achieve, requiring significant leadership, problem-solving, and community impact. Caitlyn’s “Braille Matching Game” reflects her passion for helping others, particularly people who are blind and visually impaired, by creating accessible learning tools for all ages.
“I have a passion for helping others,” said Caitlyn Michiels. “I want to make sure that the people who are blind and visually impaired are given the tools they need to be successful. This project allowed me to advocate for a group that often doesn’t have enough resources, and I hope it encourages others to learn Braille before they may need it.”
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The project not only includes the Braille Matching Game but also educational pamphlets featuring facts and myths about Braille, aimed at raising awareness and promoting early learning. Caitlyn’s work was guided by extensive research, and she collaborated closely with the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library to bring her vision to life.
Joe Maiorana, President of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library Board of Trustees, expressed his admiration for Caitlyn's dedication and leadership. “Caitlyn’s project is an inspiring example of how young leaders can impact their community. By making Braille education accessible and fun for children, she has left a lasting legacy that will benefit many people for years to come.”
The Braille Matching Game, stationed on a mobile board, allows easy transportation between library branches, ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to learn and engage with Braille. Caitlyn's project aligns with her personal experiences, as she herself is learning Braille after being diagnosed with a rare eye disease.
About the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library
The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library was established by the voters of the William Floyd School District in the summer of 1974. It opened to the public in June 1975, when it was located in two small, portable classrooms on the William Floyd School District property. Since 1982, it has been one of Suffolk County’s most utilized libraries, occupying what is now a renovated, state-of-the-art 45,000 square foot building on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley. Since its inception, the library has been a leader in providing innovative services that include automation; children’s and family programming; services for teens and seniors; cultural activities; literacy services; community outreach initiatives; digital services and technology support; career and college readiness assistance; lifelong learning opportunities; and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. The recipient of numerous grants in support of its unique programs and services, the library has been recognized in such major media as Newsday, the New York Times, NBC’s Channel 4, and News 12. For more information, visit www.communitylibrary.org.
