Lydia Smargiasso, daughter of Leo and Trudy Smargiasso, Greenville, received the Girl Scout Gold Award on April 27 at a ceremony in St. Mark's United Church of Christ, New Hamburg. This is Girl Scouting's highest award.

The Reynolds High School senior is a member of Cadette/Senior Troop 53.

For her Gold Award project, Lydia produced a documentary video featuring the Caldwell One Room School Museum of Mercer County. Her video helps preserve history and gives a look into the past when education was conducted in one-room schools.

Mackenzie Sherbondy and Rachel McDonald provided music before the ceremony. The troop presented a flag ceremony and a flower ceremony representing the 10 laws of Girl Scouting.

Lydia and her parents were escorted to the front by her sister, Nichole Smargiasso, a previous Girl Scout Silver Award recipient. Nancy Senger of Penn Lakes Girl Scout Council presented the Gold Award. The ceremony concluded with the benediction by the Rev. Douglas W. Garland, pastor of the host church; and Taps played by Nick Samson.

Mercer County Commissioner Olivia Lazor presented Lydia a citation from the county. She also received citations from the State House of Representatives and Senate.

Lydia has been a Girl Scout for 11 years. She joined Brownie Troop 36 in September 1992, and earned 15 Try-Its as a Brownie.

She earned her Brownie Wings in May 1994 and went on to Junior Troop 31. As a Junior Scout, she earned 28 badges, all four Signs, Leadership Pin and Junior Patch.

Lydia earned her Bridge to Cadettes in May 1997 and joined Cadette Troop 53. As a Cadette, she earned four Interest Project patches, Cadette Girl Scout Challenge and Leadership pins and From Dreams to Reality.

She earned a Silver Award in April 1999, the highest award in Cadette Girl Scouting.

In October 1999, Lydia was awarded her Bridge to Senior Girl Scouts. As a Senior Scout in Troop 53, she has earned 19 Interest Project patches; Career Exploration, Senior Leadership, Senior Girl Scout Challenge and 10 Year Award pins.

As a Girl Scout for 11 years, she has participated in service projects including Halloween parties at St. Paul Homes, West Salem Township; PennDOT Clean-Up Day; made totes and pillows for American Cancer Society; and planted trees in Riverside Park, Greenville. Lydia also has camped at three of the five Penn Lakes Girl Scout Council camps.

She was inducted in May 2002 into National Honor Society, for which she serves as secretary. She has been a member of Reynolds High School marching and concert bands for five years.

Lydia has performed at two Pittsburgh Pirates' pre-games; Apple Blossom Festival competition parade in Winchester, Va.; and Festival of Music in Williamsburg, Va., with the marching band.

She is a member of the German Club and received the 2002 German III Award. Lydia is a tutor for underclassmen in the "Study Trends" program. She also is active in St. Mark's youth group.