February’s featured Girl Scout, Addison Ingwersen, is already making a meaningful impact as a ninth grader at Kings Park High School. A Silver Award recipient, dedicated volunteer supporting veterans, Media Girl, and competitive multi-team soccer player, she balances leadership, service, and athletics with impressive energy and heart.
Congratulations on earning your Girl Scout Silver Award. Can you tell us about your project and what inspired your focus?
My Girl Scout Silver Award project was building a permanent bridging bridge for my Girl Scout service unit to be used for future bridging ceremonies. My troop also planned and ran a service unit bridging ceremony for current troops. We had over 200 people participate, including the CEO and President of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County.
What has been the most meaningful moment you’ve experienced while volunteering?
Since I am a senior in a multi-level troop, we help run many of the service unit events for younger girls, including Derby Dash, Encampment, SWAPS, and International Friendship Day. My favorite event is Derby Dash, where the girls build cars and race them. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also the most fun because the girls are so excited and proud of what they create.
As a Media Girl, how do you use communication and storytelling to make a positive impact in your community?
I enjoy helping promote events and sharing photos and stories from programs like Cookie Palooza, Fall Into Girl Scouts, Happenin’ Halloween, The Light Show, Empower Her, and the Annual Meeting. By sharing what goes on behind the scenes and the purpose of these events, I hope it shows how much work and heart goes into Girl Scouts.
You balance school at Kings Park High School with playing soccer on several teams across Long Island. How has being an athlete shaped your leadership skills and work ethic?
I have to be very disciplined with my time management. Being an athlete has helped me become a stronger leader by learning how to work with others, stay commit-ted and push through challenges. I am a team captain which I love so I can show my leadership also on the field. I also referee younger soccer players when time permits.
Looking ahead, what goals do you hope to achieve in Girl Scouts, academics, athletics, or future community service projects?
I am currently starting my Gold Project (The Gold Award if the highest-level award a Girl Scout can earn.) My goal is to play high-level collegiate soccer and eventually become a teacher. I want to help students love learning and grow into confident, kind people. I want to stay involved in community service, in Girl Scouts and my church and help the community.
LongIslandPress.com, February 2026 Issue. Read it online here (page 56)